| Disclaimer:
Pictures of containerized plant material were taken on-site
at our nursery and should be used as a guide only. Actual
size and quality may vary (up or down) for different reasons.
A.W. Kelley's Gardens Inc. makes no guarantees, expressed
or implied that plant material on the premises will be exactly
like the pictures or descriptions in this website. |
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ABBREVIATION KEY
*
Denotes native
BN:
Botanical name
TH:
Typical height
RG:
Rate of growth
ST:
Salt tolerance
DT:
Drought tolerance
FS:
Flowering season
ZN:
Zone (refer to zone map)
AS:
Available sizes
CH:
Characteristics
Landscape Photos:
Links to pictures in the landscape |
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Agapanthus
BN: Agapanthus africanus TH:
2 1/2 feet RG: slow ST:
low DT: medium FS: spring
and summer ZN: 9 thru 11 AS:
#1 #3 CH: Also called African Lily or Lily
of the Nile, this true lily is native to Africa. Produces
clumps of long, shiny, strap-like leaves with spectacular
flower clusters (6 to 12 in. across) which are white to dark
blue in color. Blooms in late spring into the early fall and
prefers full sun but can handle some afternoon shading. Flowers
are fragrant which attract pollinating insects. Suitable for
growing in the garden or as a potted house plant. Be careful
handling this plant since it can cause irritation to the skin.
Is moderately tolerant to frost. Landscape
Photo Bloom
Photo
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Agave
BN: Agave americana TH:
5 feet RG: slow ST: high
DT: high FS: n/a ZN:
9 thru 11 AS: #3 #7 CH:
Sometimes called the Century plant because of the length of
time it requires to bloom (10 years plus). There are numerous
varieties in the Agave family, some with very unusual leaf
shapes, color variations and a wide array of growth habits
from smaller stature to gigantic sizes. Flowering depends
on the vigor of the individual plant, the richness of the
soil and climate. Individual plants die after blooming but
new plants (pups) which formed earlier will carry on the plant’s
legacy. There are many species, some with vibrant colors,
that will grab your eye in front yards and lawns. They like
full sun but can tolerate some shade. Most varieties have
thorns and some can have a bad bite with sharp barbs on the
sides of the leaf and a wicked needle point an inch or more
long at the tips. Certain varieties can be invasive, grow
very large and live for many years. Many medicinal remedies
are made from the juices of plants in this family as well
as rope and Tequila from certain varieties. All varieties
are highly drought tolerant and very cold hardy to South Florida.
Agave,
Carribean American
Blue, Century Plant Green
Giant Century Plant,Variegated
Landscape Photo Agave,
Blue Landscape Photo
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Allamanda, Bush
BN: Allamanda nerifolia TH:
5 feet RG: medium ST: medium
DT: medium FS: summer thru
fall ZN: 10b-11 AS: #3 CH:
The dark green-glossy leaves of this attractive shrub are
attached to thick greenish stems. Nice-looking flowers about
2½ inches in diameter are positioned near the ends of the
branches and are bright yellow and quite showy. Fruit/seeds
are prickly and measure about 2” across; we call them “Armadillo
eggs”. It can be used as a potted plant in decorative planters
around patios and shopping malls and prefers full sun to bloom
well. This plant needs regular watering especially in getting
established. The whole plant is poisonous but not known to
be fatal. The seed and sap from the foliage may cause mild
to severe stomach upset and vomiting if ingested. We also
stock the popular Dwarf Allamanda which has similar attributes
but grows slower, reaches a mature height of only 30 in. and
requires much less water. Allamanda also comes in a vine form
Allamanda Cathartica or Brown Bud Allamanda which needs support
or can be grown prostrate like a ground cover. All these varieties
need to be planted in a protected area to help buffer from
potential frost. They all freeze at about 30˚F so check your
zones carefully. Allamanda,
Bush Landscape Photo Allamanda,
Dwarf Allamanda,
Dwarf Bloom Alamanda,
Vine |
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Arboricola, Dwarf Schefflera (Green
& Variegated)
BN: Schefflera arboricola TH:
4 to 6 feet RG: fast ST:
medium DT: high FS: n/a
ZN: 10a thru 11 AS: #3
#7 CH: This heavily used shrub comes in
green (Green “Arbicola”) and two fashionable variegated
styles (Gold Finger or Trinette) and Gold Capella. They
all have attractive glossy leaves that fan out to form a
rounded crown and are semi-dwarf unlike their gigantic cousin
the “Umbrella Tree”. Plants are usually grown with multiple
stems to form dense foliage for landscape sceneries. They
can be groomed to showcase a tidy hedge or other interesting
shapes and have few problems with pests and diseases. Also
widely used indoors in planters and as potted plants for
homes and commercial settings. They also display an eye
appealing orange yellow fruit/seed in the winter. Of these
three varieties, the larger leaf Gold Capella is the least
dwarf with faster more open growth requiring more attention
to keep contained. Does well in full sun or partial shade.
Can handle some frost and temperatures in the upper 20’s.
Most times cold damage takes place in only the younger leaves
and plants will grow new leaves quickly. Green
Arboricola Landscape Photo Gold
Finger Gold
Finger Landscape Photo Gold
Capella Gold
Capella Landscape Photo |
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Bamboo, Golden Goddess
BN: Phyllostachys aurea TH:
20 feet-plus RG: fast ST:
medium DT: high FS: N/A
ZN: 6 thru 11 AS: On request
CH: Sometimes called Fishpole Bamboo, it
makes strong “cane poles” for fishing and is used for plant
stakes and trellises. Some types of bamboo can grow as much
as 4 feet in one day making it the fastest growing woody
plant in the world. They are of high cultural significance
in East Asia and South Asia where they are used extensively
in gardens, for building materials and as a food source.
This reed-like plant, in the true grass family, makes excellent
screening or hedges and is great as a potted plant. Canes
are green but will fade to yellow when exposed to sunlight.
These tall growing plants are considered invasive and are
hard to contain due to rapidly spreading underground rhizomes,
so allow plenty of room. They will flourish in a wide range
of soil conditions, are drought tolerant and like full sun
or partial shade. Very cold hardy and can handle temperatures
down to 0˚degree F. We also handle other varieties such
as Buddha Belly and Golden Hawaiian. Landscape
Photo
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*Beauty Berry
BN: Callicarpa americana TH:
6 feet RG: fast ST: low
DT: high FS: summer ZN:
7 thru 11 AS: #3 CH: This
unique, native plant is used in butterfly gardens and other
landscapes, can grow to six feet in height and likes well
drained soil. It is commonly seen growing wild in lightly
wooded areas. They begin blooming in July with dainty light
purple flowers which turn to dark red and lastly alter to
purple berries which are present for a long period into
the fall. The vibrant colors of the berries are more noteworthy
than the flowers and provide months of fantastic color enhancement.
Parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested. Plants attract
bees, butterflies and birds. Mocking birds and squirrels
delight in the partaking of the berries. Very cold hardy
to South Florida since it can handle the much colder temperatures
of North Florida.
Landscape
Photo |
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Bird of Paradise, Orange
BN: Strelitzia reginae TH:
3 feet RG: medium ST: low
DT: high FS: throughout
year ZN: 10a thru 11 AS:
#3 #7 #15 CH: Good-looking plant with thick,
large dark green leaves and striking orange and blue blooms.
It gets its name from the flower which resembles a brilliantly
colored bird in flight. Cut flowers are often used in floral
arrangements and are expensive since there are a limited number
of blooms on each plant. Likes a well drained and sunny area
for blooming purposes and should not be over watered. Flowers
periodically through all the seasons and will bloom more often
and more heavily when the right care and fertilizer are administered.
Parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested. This is a tropical
plant that will show damage to the leaves from frost or be
severely hurt in a hard freeze. Try to cover in temperatures
below 34˚F. Landscape
Photo Bloom
Photo |
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Bird of Paradise, White
BN: Strelitzia nicolai TH:
20 feet RG: slow ST: medium
DT: high FS: summer and
fall ZN: 9b thru 11 AS:
#3 #7 #15 #25 CH: The exotic “White Bird”
is often used to create an island feel in the landscape due
to its banana like appearance. The large white and blue flowers
resemble a bird in flight which forms in clusters on the stems.
This Bird of Paradise is related to the Travelers Palm and
Banana Plant. It has very long and wide leaves with stalks
that can reach high giving this plant an overall height of
20 feet or more. Does well in full sun or shady environments.
Recommended as an outdoor plant due to its size but is also
used in malls and screened courtyards when ample space is
allowed. Also well known as a wonderful indoor potted plant.
Can handle a wide range of soil conditions but does not tolerate
wet feet, poor drainage or over watering. This is a tropical
plant that will show burn on the leaves from frost or be severely
damaged in a hard freeze. Try to cover in temperatures below
34˚F. Landscape
Photo Bloom
Photo
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Bougainvillea
BN: Bougainvillea spectabilis TH:
2 to 20 feet RG: medium ST:
High DT: High FS: year-round
ZN: 10b-11 AS: #3 #7 #15
#25 CH: Bougainvillea are one of our most
popular tropical plants here in South Florida due to their
explosive color variations. Read the “History of Bougainvillea”
in About Us in the main menu for the whole story. They love
the warm and sunny climate and are quite easy to grow. All
varieties are especially drought tolerant, should not be over
watered and actually prefer a well drained, dry situation.
They can grow in almost any soil type and are fast growers.
Use them to decorate fences, trellises, arbors or espalier
on large walls. This versatile plant comes in many eye-popping
colors like; Red, Purple, Orange, Apricot, White, Pink or
Yellow and additionally comes in bicolor. They can also be
used as a ground cover, standard single trunk tree, in hanging
baskets or in ornamental planters for a cascading effect.
Makes an excellent vine for decorating patios and plazas!
However, most varieties have sharp thorns so use due care
when trimming or moving this prolific grower. Every couple
months when plants are through with a blooming cycle they
need to be trimmed back and fertilized to bring on a new robust
set of bracts (blooms). This plant is sensitive to freezing
temperatures. Cold damage from frost or wind-chill can burn
leaves or cause leaves to turn yellow then brown and shed.
So try to protect or cover when needed. Other
Varieties |
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Bromeliads, sun-grown
BN: Aechmea-assorted TH:
24-30 inches RG: slow ST:
high DT: medium FS: one
time a year ZN: 10b-11 AS:
#3 #7 CH: These originate in Brazil and neighboring
countries where they grow wild in trees like an air-plant.
Very colorful, (usually serrated) leaves form a vase area
in the center which stores a large quantity of water to aid
in dry spells. Bromeliads are on the native list for South
Florida and there are almost 200 varieties in this particular
family. They are well known for their gorgeous, unusual bloom
spikes. The mother plant slowly dies in a year or two after
blooming but pups have usually formed previously to carry
on the plant’s legacy. Most Bromeliads are tropical or sub-tropical
and thrive outdoors in Florida’s high summer temperatures.
They can tolerate temperatures slightly below freezing for
short intervals but most species should not be exposed to
temperatures below 40˚F. In general; the softer-leaf species
like higher temperatures while the harder-leaf species are
much more tolerant to the cold. We also handle several varieties
of shade Bromeliads which are listed in our “Shade Plants”
category. Other
Varieties
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Butterfly Bush
BN: Buddleia officinalis TH:
10’ RG: fast ST: medium
DT: medium FS: winter ZN:
8 thru 10b AS: #3 CH: Also
referred to as Buddleia, they get their name from the flowers
which look like little butterflies in different shades of
blue. Blooming goes on mostly in the winter and flowers have
a wonderful honey-scent which attracts every butterfly that
passes by. Buds and flowers are used in a number of medicinal
remedies sold by pharmaceutical companies. This plant needs
plenty of room to grow and likes well drained soil conditions.
This shrub can reach a height or 10 ft. or more and be just
as wide but can easily be pruned to maintain a smaller stature.
It does best in full sun and cannot tolerate heavily shaded
areas. This plant is cold hardy all the way up to North Florida
and therefore has no problems with the milder temperatures
of South Florida. Landscape
Photo |
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*Buttonwood, Green & Silver
BN: Conocarpus erectus TH:
5 to 30 feet RG: medium ST: high
DT: medium FS: n/a ZN:
10b-11 AS: #3 #7 #15 #25 CH:
The desirable native Green Buttonwood has glossy dark green
leaves and is often used as a low branching, multi trunk
shrub. They are in the same family with mangroves. This
versatile plant can also be used in a single trunk, tree
form when a different effect is needed. It is often used
for tall screening or as a thick hedge. Due to high salt
tolerance it makes an attractive addition to the beach landscape.
They can be seen often in parking lots or as a street tree
due to their toughness to South Florida conditions. The
Buttonwood thrives in full sun, sandy soils, salty conditions
and the soils of shaded moist oak hammocks in the wilds.
This large substantial shrub/ornamental tree can handle
wet feet and should be watered regularly, especially during
the establishment period (the first 60 days after planting).
The Silver Buttonwood has similar characteristics as the
Green but is a little slower growing and will not get as
tall (maximum height 25 ft.). The Silver variety has leaves
that portray a nice-looking silvery color with a velvety
texture. Both varieties are tropical, make an excellent
4 to 8 ft. hedge and don’t like frost and temperatures in
the lower 30’s.
Green
Buttonwood Landscape Photo Silver
Buttonwood Silver
Buttonwood Landscape Photo
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Cape Honeysuckle
BN: Tecomaria capensis TH:
6 feet RG: fast ST: medium
DT: medium FS: summer and
fall ZN: 10b-11 AS: #3 CH:
This large sprawling plant can be trained when young as a
vine or a shrub. Its red-orange blossoms are vibrant and resemble
the real honey suckle blossom. However, the Cape Honeysuckle
is more of a hard stemmed, non-twining shrub. Flowers are
stunning and attract different butterflies and are one of
the favorite foods for hummingbirds. This is a great choice
for an exotic garden! The plant blooms early in the fall and
will flower on though into spring and can survive winter temperatures
as low as 28˚F for a short duration, with no freeze. In the
event of an actual freeze, it will die back to the ground
and usually sprout back in warmer spring weather.
Landscape
Photo Bloom
Photo
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Carissa
BN: Carissa macrocarpa TH:
2 to 10 feet RG: medium ST:
high DT: high FS: spring
thru fall ZN: 10b-11 AS:
#3 CH: Also called Natal Plum this out of
the ordinary plant is salt tolerant and drought resistant.
We handle a very popular variety called Atlas which reaches
a mature height of only 3 ½ ft. They produce numerous, fragrant,
white star shaped flowers which smell like orange blossoms.
The edible fruit is a pretty, plum shaped, red berry about
2 inches long that tastes like sweet cranberries. However,
all other parts of the Carissa are poisonous except for the
fruit. The plant produces flowers and fruit off and on throughout
the whole year. It’s a fashionable hedge plant that provides
good screening and a very effective barrier due to needle
sharp, pronounced thorns. Another popular variety is Emerald
Blanket which has similar characteristics but is lower growing
and spreads wide along the ground. Do not over water or plant
in wet areas as leaf and root fungus problems will increase.
Carissa does not handle frost or freezing temperatures. If
the plant freezes to the ground it usually comes back in the
spring.
Atlas
Landscape Photo Emerald
Blanket Emerald
Blanket Landscape Photo Fruit
Photo
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*Cassia, Bahama
BN: Cassia bahamensis TH:
3 to 8 feet RG: medium ST:
high DT: high FS: fall thru
winter ZN: 10b-11 AS: #3
CH: This attractive blooming Cassia is grown
as a large shrub and typically seen in heights from 3 to 9
feet with a spread almost as wide as their height. They can
be used as a lone specimen or as a screen, hedge or border.
In fall and winter they are covered with handsome, little
yellow flowers ½ to 1 in. wide which contrast well with their
dark green foliage. Several kinds of butterflies and bees
are attracted to the flowers. This shrub can be relatively
short-lived and may begin to decline after only four to five
years but young plants are usually present from seeds that
fell off early on and took hold. They do well in full sun
but seldom get over 5 ft. in this setting. In partial shade
they can reach up to 9 ft. in height. Likes an acid, sandy
soil and doesn’t require much water once established. This
is a tropical plant that does not like frost or freezing.
However, it will sprout back quickly in spring just below
the damaged area in the event of injury. Bloom
Photo
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Chenille Plant
BN: Acalypha Hispida TH:
5 feet RG: fast ST: medium
DT: low FS: all year ZN:
10b-11 AS: #3 CH: This curious
plant is stunning when in bloom with its (female) red, velvety,
fluffy flowers that look like a cascading cat’s tail. Also
related to the Copperleaf, it blooms all through the calendar
year when conditions are favorable and grows rapidly. Chenille
stays smaller in pots by restriction of the root system but
can reach 12 ft. in the ground. They can be grown as a hanging
basket, a shrub or trained into a single trunk tree. This
interesting plant is decidious which means that the staminate
(male flowers) and the pistillate (female flowers) are on
separate plants. It likes light shade but blooms best in full
sun. They have limited bug problems and require frequent watering.
Does not tolerate frost so be careful of your zone or plan
to cover with frost cloth in cold winters. Bloom
Photo
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Clerodendrum
BN: Clerodendrum minahassae TH:
10 to 15 feet RG: medium ST:
low DT: low FS: Year-round
ZN: 10b-11 AS: #3 #7 #15
#25 Landscape
Photo
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Clusia
BN: Clusia lancifolia TH:
14 feet RG: slow ST: high
DT: high FS: summer ZN:
10b-11 AS: #3 #7 #15 #25 Landscape
Photo Landscape
Photo 2 Large
Leaf (Signature Tree) Landscape Photo
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*Coco Plum
BN: Chrysobalanus icaco TH:
3 to 10 feet RG: medium ST:
high DT: medium FS: n/a
ZN: 10b-11 AS: #3 #7 CH:
Also called Red Tipped Coco Plum, this bushy shrub is often
seen in tropical coastal landscapes in South Florida and the
Caribbean due to high salt tolerance. It also does well in
inland areas of South Florida and is often seen in its native
habitat in the Everglades and other wooded areas. It makes
an impressive hedge, group planting or single specimen with
lots of reddish color as younger leaves push out. Although
this plant can reach a mature height of 10 ft. it adapts well
to being sheared and maintained as a 3 to 6 foot hedge. The
plant has thick oval shaped leaves and bears an edible fruit
which is the size of a large grape and almost black when ripe.
This plant is drought tolerant once established and will prosper
in full sun or partial shade. They can handle light frost
and will usually re-sprout below the damaged area, later in
spring after a freeze. Landscape
Photo |
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*Coffee, Wild Dwarf & regular
BN: Psychotria nervosa TH:
4 to 10 feet RG: fast ST:
medium DT: medium FS: spring-summer
ZN: 10b-11 AS: #3 CH:
Wild Coffee gets its name from thier seeds since in olden
times they were used as a coffee substitute. Seeds were roasted
and ground for brewed coffee; however they don’t contain any
caffeine. This native plant grows in the wilds of South Florida
and is often seen as a under story beneath larger canopy trees.
The shiny, dark green leaves are different from most plants
with a pronounced, eye catching, and wavy texture. They have
small white clusters of flowers in the late spring until the
early summer which turn to red berries. They are used in full
sun or in filtered light, grow well in a variety of soil conditions
and they handle wet or dry planting areas. Bees, butterflies
and birds feed on this plant and the fruit is a favorite of
Cardinals and Blue Jays. Both varieties are cold sensitive
and don’t handle frost very well and can be severely damaged
in a hard freeze.
Coffee,
Wild (regular) Coffee,
Wild (Regular) Landscape
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Copperleaf
BN: Acalypha wilkesiana TH:
8 feet RG: fast ST: medium
DT: low FS: n/a ZN:
10b-11 AS: #3 CH: This fast growing variegated
shrub has awesome color year round due to brightly highlighted
copper and reddish leaves. Related to the Chenille Plant it
is used as a hedge plant, in group plantings, as a single
accent plant and indoors as a potted plant. There are numerous
varieties, some with leaves larger than your hand, some with
green and cream colored foliage and dwarf ones with narrow
drooping leaves. They like a well drained, rich, moist soil
with regular watering but not constantly saturated. Does good
in partial shade or as an indoor potted plant but colors are
the most vibrant in full sun. This tropical shrub does not
like freezing temperatures and will show leaf burn if subjected
to any frost.
Landscape
Photo Dwarf
Copperleaf Dwarf
Copperleaf Landscape Photo
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Crape Myrtle
BN: Lagerstroemia indica TH:
20 feet RG: medium ST: Low
DT: High FS: Summer ZN:
7-10b AS: #7 #15 #25 CH:
This exciting plant comes in a variety of colors such as;
pink, watermelon, white, lavender and red. They bloom 2 to
3 times a year starting in the late spring and into early
summer with a breathtaking display of gigantic plumes of high
color that demand notice. It’s a fairly fast growing plant
and very drought tolerant after the establishment stage. They
are perfect for adding color to your lawn in areas where space
is available since they get large. We offer these in a multi
stem or single trunk form. Unfortunately they are dormant
for a few of the winter months and look like leafless sticks.
In spring the new foliage emerges and by summer blooms are
all over the plant. I suppose that’s the trade off to have
this unprecedented show of fireworks! Very cold hardy, used
all the way up to North Florida. Landscape
Photo Bloom
Photo
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Crinum Lily
BN: Crinum asiaticum TH:
4 feet RG: medium ST: medium
DT: medium FS: year round
ZN: 8 thru 11 AS: #3 #7
#15 CH: This attractive lily originates in
tropical Asia and has mammoth dark green strap like leaves
which reach over 4 ft. in length. They produce beautiful white,
fragrant blooms all through the year. Also this plant forms
large seeds which germinate easily or clumps can be separated
to start new plants. This tropical looking plant likes well
drained soil, full sun or partial shade and should not be
over watered. All parts of the plant are toxic when ingested.
Frost can burn the leaves so try to cover if mid to lower
30°F temperatures are expected. Another popular variety we
handle is Crinum Augustum or Red Crimum which has the same
growth habits but has reddish-burgundy leaves and the blooms
are a lovely light pink.
White
Crinum Landscape Photo White
Crinum Bloom Red
Crinum Landscape Photo Red
Crinum Bloom
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Croton
BN: Codiaeum variegatum TH:
3 to 8 feet RG: slow to medium ST:
medium DT: high FS: n/a
ZN: 10b-11 AS: #3 #7 CH:
There are literally hundreds of named varieties
in this group which portray unusual leaf shapes and wild
mixtures of vivid colors beyond imagination. They make a
fabulous addition to tropical landscapes and mix great with
ferns, bromeliads, palms and others plants that have similar
water and light requirements. Crotons don’t have a significant
bloom but the eye-popping mixed colors of the leaf are the
real attraction. They are drought tolerant once established,
like a well drained soil and should not be over watered.
While most varieties do great in shade, be sure to plant
them in the right location since some do well in full sun
while others do not like hot, all day sun and will bleach
out. Some varieties are semi-dwarf and others get quite
large so space in the landscape is important. Some of our
inventory includes: (Bravo, Buddy, Mammey, Gold Dust, Stoplight
for full sun or partial shade) (Icetone, Oakleaf, Petra
for partial shade or darker shade). All varieties can receive
significant damage in frost or freezing temperatures.
Other Varieties
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Crown of Thorns
BN: Euphorbia milii TH:
2 feet RG: slow ST: high
DT: high FS: year round
ZN: 10b-11 AS: #1, #3 CH:
Originally from Madagascar this semi-succulent got its name
in biblical times. Supposedly this plant was used to make
the thorny crown for Jesus at the Crucifixion. Red is the
most popular but they come in other dazzling colors like hot
pink and yellow. Some varieties are lower growing dwarf types
and they all have thorns. The plant blooms profusely year
round and is very drought tolerant. They prefer full sun but
will do o.k. in partial shade. When pruning, be careful of
the milky sap which can irritate the skin or eyes and the
rest of the plant is toxic if ingested. Most varieties are
very salt tolerant and can handle 32˚F but can receive damage
in a frost. Landscape
Photo Landscape
(yellow) Photo |
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Cypress, Italian
BN: Cupressus sempervirens TH:
40 to 60 feet RG: medium ST:
medium DT: medium FS: n/a
ZN: 7-10b AS: #7 #25 CH:
This Cypress is native to the Mediterranean region and is
a medium sized evergreen tree that can reach 115 feet tall
in other countries. This tree has a narrow columnar habit
of growth like a Christmas tree with a natural conical shape.
It is a long-lived tree with some trees reported to be over
1,000 years old. The foliage grows in dense sprays with leaves
that are scale-like and produced on rounded shoots. Excellent
choice for a strong accent tree around tall buildings, for
tall screens, along driveways or to frame out landscape scenery.
They should not be used around single story residential homes
due to their overwhelming height at maturity. Flowers are
inconspicuous but foliage is a rich green throughout the year.
This tree rarely bares seeds but the fruit is brownish in
color and ½ to 1” in size. Red spider mite and leaf fungus
are two chronic problems with this plant in South Florida
due to our climate conditions, so plan to spray. Very cold
hardy to South Florida; no problems with freezing here. Landscape
Photo |
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Desert Rose
BN: Adenium obesum TH: 4
feet RG: slow ST: medium
DT: high FS: year round
ZN: 10b-11 AS: #3 #7 CH:
This curious plant loves the tropical climates and is very
drought tolerant by storing water in its thick stems and massive
base. This succulent evergreen is noted for its weird twisted,
swollen appearance in the lower parts of the plant. This look
can be accelerated and enhanced by raising the plant up in
the pot or landscape and exposing more of the upper root area.
Aged plants with character can be worth as much as a $1000.
The different colored varieties bloom predominately from March
to October in shades of alluring pink, red, magenta, white
or purple but can bloom during any month of the year. The
flowers are funnel shaped with the pistils and stamens well
hidden inside the throat. Seeds look like small sticks, about
a half inch long with a tuft of soft fur on each end. Suitable
for growing in the landscape or in containers and indoors
in well lit locations. They must have a well drained soil,
lots of sunlight and should not be over watered. This plant
is toxic if ingested. Does not like temperatures below 40°
F so plan to cover or move in during cold snaps. |
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Dipladenia, Red & Pink
BN: Mandevilla sanderi TH:
2 feet RG: medium ST: medium
DT: High FS: year round
ZN: 10a-11 AS: #3
Dipladenia,
Pink
Landscape Photo Bloom
Photo
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Dracaena, Black Magic
BN: Cordyline terminalis TH:
5 feet RG: slow ST: low
DT: medium FS: n/a ZN:
10b-11 AS: #3 #7 #15 CH:
Although we often call Black Magic a Dracaena, it is really
in the Cordyline family with Red Ti. It has a large growth
habit with its giant dark green and chocolate colored leaves
and can reach 8 ft. at maturity. It is chunkier looking that
most other Ti plants where individual leaves can reach over
4 ft. long and 8 in. wide. This dracaena is relatively easy
to grow and is an excellent landscape plant that gives years
of color with very little care. Lighter colored plants like
Variegated Arboricola, Alocasia or Variegated Ginger contrast
wonderfully with this plant. Additionally tropical looking
palms or crotons will blend great with this landscape theme.
Although this plant works well in outside full sun in South
Florida, it is also used in interior settings in atriums,
malls and as an indoor potted plant. This Cordyline like most
others are sensitive to temperatures below 40° F so plan to
protect them or move potted plants inside in cold spells.
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Dracaena, Marginata and Colorama
BN: Dracaena marginata TH:
10 feet RG: medium ST: low
DT: high FS: n/a ZN:
10b-11 AS: #3 #7 #15 CH:
Sometimes called Dragon Tree this versatile Dracaena is drought
tolerant, a pretty slow grower but can eventually reach 15
ft. in height with a 12 ft. spread in the landscape. This
plant has a lot of character with its multiple, long- reaching
curving trunks and spear shaped leaves with red or purple
lined edges. It can be used in sun or shade, as a large accent
plant against a wall, in interior-scapes or as an indoor potted
plant. Older lower leaves will shed naturally and tall canes
can be chopped back to control height and spread. The cut
canes can be rooted by shoving them into the ground or in
pots with soil during warmer times of the year. They do well
in a variety of soil types but need good drainage and will
develop root rot in continually wet or saturated areas. Another
popular variety we stock is Dracaena, Colorama which has similar
growth habits but has shocking pinkish red leaves and reaches
only 10 ft. in height at maturity. Both varieties are sensitive
to temperatures below 37° F. Leaves and canes will get damaged
in frost and freezing temperatures. Dracaena,
Marginata Landscape Photo Dracaena,
Colorama Dracaena,
Tricolor Landscape Photo |
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Dracaena, Red Ti
BN: Cordyline terminalis TH:
5 feet RG: slow ST: low
DT: medium FS: n/a ZN:
10b-11 AS: #3 #7 #15 CH:
Some common names for this group are Red Dracaena, Hawaiian
Ti or Red Sister. This high color tropical plant is not really
a dracaena but is actually a Cordyline. There are many different
varieties of Red Ti with colors ranging from hot pink and
red; to purple and green; to yellow and white. These gorgeous
bright colors will highlight any exterior or interior landscape
and make a great indoor potted plant. They can reach a height
of 7 ft. or more in the ground at maturity but tall canes
can be chopped back to control height and spread. The cut
canes can be rooted by shoving them into the ground or in
pots with soil during warmer times of the year. They do well
in a variety of soil types but need good drainage and will
develop root rot in continually wet or saturated areas. Most
Red Tis can be used in sunny areas but do not like all day
or too much hot, afternoon sun. They will develop tip burn
and colors will fade out with too much sunlight. Most varieties
are sensitive to temperatures below 37° F. Leaves and canes
will get damaged in frost and freezing temperatures. Landscape
Photo Landscape
Photo |
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Dracaena, Reflexa
BN: Dracaena reflexa TH:
14 feet RG: slow ST: low
DT: high FS: n/a ZN:
10b-11 AS: #3 #7 CH: Also
referred to as Song of India or Pleomele this plant has narrower
and shorter leaves than most other Dracaena’s and comes in
a green or variegated variety. Shinny, pointed leaves are
a pleasing dark green and the variegated one has a contrasting
cream colored outer ribbon. They are frequently used as a
containerized interior plant inside malls and atriums. It
does well in full sun but is not used much in outdoor landscapes
due to its unusual size and shape. This is a warm weather
tropical plant, like most Dracaena’s and should be protected
in temperatures below 45°F. Variegated,
Landscape Photo |
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Duranta, Golden Dew Drop
BN: Duranta repens TH: 8
feet RG: fast ST: medium
DT: high FS: spring through
fall ZN: 9b thru 11 AS:
#3 Landscape
Photo |
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Duranta, Gold Mound
BN: Duranta erecta TH: 2-4
feet RG: slow ST: medium
DT: medium FS: n/a ZN:
10 thru 11 AS: #3
Landscape
Photo
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Eugenia
BN: Syzygium paniculatum (Old name: Eugenia
myrtifolia) TH: 12 feet RG:
medium ST: Low DT: Medium
FS: Spring, Summer and Fall ZN:
10b-11 AS: #3 #7 #15 #25
Landscape
Photo Topiary,
2 Ball Topiary,
multi heads Topiary,
Spiral
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Ficus, Benjamina
BN: Ficus benjamina TH:
40 feet RG: fast ST: medium
DT: high FS: n/a ZN:
10b-11 AS: #3 #7 #15 #25
Landscape
Photo Landscape
Photo 2 Landscape
Photo 3 Variegated,
Ficus Benjamina
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Ficus, Green Island
BN: Ficus green island TH:
3 feet RG: slow ST: medium
DT: medium FS: n/a ZN:
10-11 AS: #3
Landscape
Photo |
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*Fiddlewood
BN: Citharexylum fruticosum TH:
20 feet RG: slow ST: medium
DT: high FS: n/a ZN:
10b-11 AS: #3 CH: Grows
as an evergreen shrub or smaller tree in Southwest Florida.
It is an excellent plant for the coastal areas and warm climates.
They tolerate dry sandy soil, lots of wind and adapt to a
wide range of soil ph. Use this particular plant as a screen,
hedge along a property line or near a deck or patio. Fiddlewood’s
white flower appears throughout the year with its fragrant
attractive blooms that are an excellent nectar source for
wildlife. The berries also provide a food source for wild
animals. Few insects and diseases affect the Fiddlewood. Although
this is a more tropical tree it can handle temperatures in
the upper 20’s. |
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*Firebush, Dwarf and Regular
BN: Hamelia patens TH: 10
feet RG: fast ST: medium
DT: high FS: all year ZN:
10a thru 11 AS: #3 Firebush,
Dwarf Landscape Photo Firebush,
(regular) Firebush
(reg.) Landscape |
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Firecracker
BN: Russelia equisetiformis TH:
5 feet RG: fast ST: high
DT: high FS: year round
ZN: 10b-11 AS: #1, #3
Landscape
Photo Bloom
Photo
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Flax Lily
BN: Dianella tasmanica 'Variegata' TH:
18 in. feet RG: medium ST:
medium DT: medium FS: Year-round
ZN: 10a-11 AS: #1#3 CH:
This popular, well used plant is also called Blueberry Flax
for its dainty blue flowers that are seen at certain times
of the year. These flowers are followed with steel blue, shinny
seeds. Leaves are an inch or so wide with striking bold white
stripes on either side of the leaf. This clumping/spreading
perennial is often used for borders or as filler in large
beds for a smart, colorful showing. They are pretty drought
tolerant once established, like sun or shade and will flourish
in wet areas. Very cold hardy to our zone. Landscape
Photo |
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Frangipani
BN: Plumeria-assorted TH:
18 feet RG: slow ST: high
DT: high FS: spring thru
summer ZN: 10b-11 AS: #3
#7 #15 #25 CH: This distinctive, smaller
stature tree has large leaves with gorgeous flower clusters
which come in a variety of colors such as pink, yellow, red,
white and confetti (multi-colored). Blooms are very fragrant
and used to make authentic Hawaiian lei’s. They are related
to the Oleander and have a milky sap that is toxic when they
are cut or when leaves are broken off. Branches can be rooted
easily by sticking them in the ground or in a pot. The only
real problems with this lovely plant is that they shed leaves
and go dormant for the winter and they occasionally get a
fungus called Rust which is not hard to control. Full sun
is the best location to plant them in and they like well drained
soil and require very little irrigation. Tender to cold below
34˚F.
Landscape
Photo Landscape
Photo 2 Bloom
Photo Bloom
Photo 2
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Gardenia
BN: Gardenia jasminoides TH:
2-6 feet RG: slow ST: low
DT: low FS: spring ZN:
8 thru 10a AS: #3 #7 #15 Landscape
Photo Bloom
Photo
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Ginger, Variegated
BN: Alpinia zerumbet TH: 5
feet RG: fast ST: medium
DT: medium FS: n/a ZN:
10a thru 11 AS: #3 #7
Landscape
Photo Green
Ginger
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*Grass, Cord
BN: Spartina bakeri TH:
3-4 feet RG: medium ST:
High DT: High FS: Fall ZN:
8b-10 AS: #3
Landscape
Photo
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*Grass, Fakahatchee (regular & dwarf)
BN: Tripsacom dactyloides TH:
3 feet RG: medium ST: medium
DT: high FS: n/a ZN:
8 thru 11 AS: #3
Landscape
Photo Dwarf
Fakahatchee |
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Grass, Fountain (Red and White)
BN: Pennisetum TH: 3 feet
RG: medium ST: low DT:
medium FS: summer and fall ZN:
n/a AS: #3
Red,
Landscape Photo White
Fountain Grass Photo White
Landscape Photo |
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*Grass, Muhly
BN: Muhlenbergia capillaris TH:
3 feet RG: medium ST: high
DT: high FS: summer ZN:
7 thru 10 AS: #3
Landscape
Photo
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Grass, Pampas
BN: Cortaderia selloana TH: 4
feet RG: fast ST: high DT:
high FS: summer and fall ZN:
9 thru 11 AS: #3
Landscape
Photo
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Guava, Cattley
BN: Psidium littorale TH:
20 feet RG: medium ST: low
DT: High FS: Spring ZN:
10a thru 11 AS: #15 #25 #45
This fashionable shrub/small tree has glossy, dark green,
smaller leaves and bears an edible fruit about the size of
a golf ball from which jelly can be made. Strawberry Guava
is another commonly used name due to the size and color of
the guava fruit. They make great buffers, tall hedges and
a fabulous single accent tree. Attractive tan colored trunks
are noteworthy when exposed as a lone accent tree. Although
they are not real tender to cold they can get leaf burn from
a hard frost and will incur further damage in a hard freeze
where temperatures go below 30˚F for an extended period. Landscape
Photo |
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Hawthorne Indian
BN: Raphiolepsis indica TH:
3 feet RG: slow ST: medium
DT: medium FS: spring ZN:
8 thru 11 AS: #3
Landscape
Photo Majestic
Pink Photo
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Heliconia
BN: Heliconia-assorted TH:
3 to 5 feet RG: fast ST:
medium DT: low FS: year
round ZN: 10b-11 AS: #3
Landscape
Photo Lobster
Claw Bloom Photo
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Hibiscus
BN: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis TH:
4 to 8 feet RG: fast ST:
low DT: low FS: year round
ZN: 10a thru 11 AS: #3 #7
#15 (#25 on request) Other
Varieties |
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*Ilex Schillings
BN: Ilex vomitora TH: 2
feet RG: slow ST: high DT:
high FS: n/a ZN: 7 thru
10a AS: #3 #7
Landscape
Photo
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Ixora, Coccinea
BN: Ixora coccinea TH: 5
feet RG: medium ST: medium
DT: medium FS: Year-round
ZN: 10b-11 AS: # 3
Landscape
Photo
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Ixora, Dwarf Red, Pink & Yellow
BN: Ixora-hybrids TH: 3
feet RG: medium ST: medium
DT: medium FS: Year-round
ZN: 10b-11 AS: #3
Ixora,
Dwarf Red Landscape Photo Ixora,
Dwarf Pink Ixora, Maui
Red Ixora, Maui
Yellow
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Ixora, Nora Grant
BN: Ixora-hybrids TH: 4
feet RG: medium ST: medium
DT: medium FS: year round
ZN: 10b-11 AS: #3 #7
Landscape
Photo Ixora
Super King |
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*Jamaican Caper
BN: Capparis cynophallophora TH:
8 feet RG: slow ST: high
DT: high FS: n/a ZN:
10b-11 AS: #3
Landscape
Photo Bloom
Photo |
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Jasmine, Crape
BN: Tabernaemontana divaricata TH:
5 feet RG: slow ST: low
DT: low FS: Spring ZN:
10b-10a AS: #3 #7
Landscape
Photo
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Jasmine, Downy
BN: Jasminum multiflorum TH:
5 feet RG: fast ST: low
DT: low FS: spring through
fall ZN: 10b-11 AS: #3
Landscape
Photo
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Jasmine, Night Blooming
BN: Cestrum nocturnum TH:
10 feet RG: fast ST: low
DT: low FS: summer through
fall ZN: 10a thru 11
AS: #3
Bloom
Photo
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Jasmine, Orange
BN: Murraya paniculata Please note:
Two varieties of Orange Jasmine, Chalcas (small leaf) and
Lakeview (large leaf) have been placed on a list by the Florida
Department of Agriculture as host plants for Citrus Greening.
This disease is posing a serious threat to Florida’s citrus
industry. Please read “Articles” in the main menu on the home
page for further details. A.W. Kelley’s will no longer stock
Orange Jasmine due to this situation. Hopefully this problem
will be corrected in the future since Orange Jasmine is a
wonderful ornamental plant that has been used extensively
in the landscape for decades.
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Jasmine, Star
BN: Jasmine nitidum TH:
5 feet RG: fast ST: medium
DT: medium FS: spring and
summer ZN: 10b-11
AS: #3
Landscape
Photo |
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Jasmine, Wax
BN: Jasmine volubile TH:
3 feet RG: medium ST: medium
DT: medium FS: n/a ZN:
10b-11 AS: #3
Landscape
Photo
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Jatropha
BN: Jatropha integerrima TH:
5 to 8 feet RG: medium ST:
medium DT: high FS: year
round
ZN: 10b-11 AS: #3 #7 #15
#25 Landscape
Photo
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Juniper, Blue Pacific
BN: Juniperus conferta TH:
12 in. RG: slow ST: high
DT: high FS: n/a ZN:
6 thru 10a AS: #1 #3 CH:
Also called Dwarf Shore Juniper. This northern looking ground
cover is in the Cypress family. Have aromatic, needle-like
leaves which are only ½ in. long. Leaves are soft but sharp
tipped with an appealing blue-green and silver cast. This
wonderful ground hugger reaches a maximum height of only 18
in. but can spread to cover a diameter of 10 foot. Likes full
sun, good drainage and is very drought tolerant once established.
All junipers are cold hardy to South Florida. Landscape
Photo |
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Juniper, Parsonii
BN: Juniperus chinensis TH:
18 in. RG: medium ST: medium
DT: high FS: N/A ZN:
3-10b AS: #1 #3
Landscape
Photo
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Juniper, Torulosa
BN: Hollywood Juniper TH:
10-15 feet RG: medium ST:
none DT: low FS: Year-round
ZN: 10b-11 AS: #3 #7 #15
Landscape
Photo
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Ligustrum, Lucidum
BN: Oleaceae TH: 30 feet
RG: medium ST: low DT:
low FS: Summer ZN: 7-10b
AS: #3 #7 #15 #25 #45
Landscape
Photo Landscape
Photo Ligustrum,
Gold Tip Ligustrum,
Gold Tip Landscape Photo
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*Myrsine
BN: Myrsine guianensis TH:
15 feet RG: slow ST: medium
DT: medium FS: spring ZN:
10b-11 AS: #3 #7
Landscape
Photo |
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*Necklace Pod
BN: Sophora tomentosa TH:
8 feet RG: medium ST: high
DT: high FS: year round
ZN: 10a thru 11 AS: #3
Landscape
Photo
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Oleander
BN: Nerium oleander TH:
10-12 feet RG: medium ST:
fast DT: high FS: spring
through fall ZN: 8 thru 11 AS:
#3 #7 #15 (#25 on request) Oleander,
Red Oleander,
Petite Pink Landscape Photo Oleander,
Pink Landscape Photo Oleander,
White Landscape Photo Oleander,
White Tree Landscape Photo Oleander,
Pink Bloom
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Orchid, Ground
BN: Spathoglottis TH: 2
feet RG: medium ST: n/a
DT: medium FS: summer and
fall ZN: 10 thru 11 AS:
#1 #3
Bloom
Photo |
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Panama Rose
BN: Rondeletia leucophylla TH:
4 feet RG: medium ST: n/a
DT: medium FS: winter ZN:
10 thru 11 AS: #3 |
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*Papyrus and Papyrus Dwarf
BN: Cyperus isocladus TH:
2 to 5 feet RG: medium ST:
medium DT: low FS: n/a ZN:
9 thru 11 AS: #3
Landscape
Photo
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Philodendron, Selloum
BN: Philodendron selloum TH:
6 feet RG: fast ST: low
DT: medium FS: n/a ZN:
10a thru 11 AS: #3 #7 Landscape
Photo |
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Philodendron, Xanadu
BN: Philodendron araceae TH:
3-4 feet RG: medium ST: medium
DT: medium FS: Spring/Summer
ZN: 10a-11 AS: #3 #7
Landscape
Photo
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Pittosporum
BN: Pittosporum tobira TH:
5 to 8 feet RG: medium ST:
high DT: medium FS: n/a
ZN: 8 thru 11 AS: #3
Landscape
Photo Pittosporum, Variegated |
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Plumbago, Blue
BN: Plumbago auriculata TH:
5 feet RG: medium ST: medium
DT: low FS: spring through
fall ZN: 10a thru 11 AS:
#3 Landscape
Photo White
Plumbago |
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Podocarpus
BN: Podocarpus macrophyllus TH:
30 feet RG: medium ST: medium
DT: medium FS: n/a ZN:
7 thru 11 AS: #3 #7 #15 #25 Landscape
Photo |
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*Porterweed
BN: Stachytarpheta jamaicensis TH: 4 feet
RG: fast ST: low DT:
low FS: year round ZN: 10a-11
AS: #1 #3 Landscape
Photo |
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Powderpuff, Dwarf
BN: Calliandra haematocephala ‘Nana’ TH:
3 feet RG: medium ST: low
DT: High FS: Year-round
ZN: 10a-11
AS: #3 #7 #15 Bloom
Photo Landscape
Photo
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Razzleberry
BN: Lorapetalum chinense TH:
4-6 feet RG: medium ST:
low DT: medium FS: Spring
ZN: 8-10a AS: #3
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Ruellia, Tall
BN: Ruellia brittoniana TH:
2-3 feet RG: fast ST: low
DT: low FS: spring through
fall ZN: 10b-11 AS: #1 #3
CH: Also called Mexican Petunia because of
its origin, this perennial blooms like crazy most of the year.
Popular colors are pink and purple with vibrant and numerous
flowers that attract butterflies. They thrive in partial or
full sun but prefer the later to bloom heavily. They reach
an average overall height of about 3 ft. and can be trimmed
often to maintain a 2 foot height. This tall variety is listed
as invasive to South Florida because of its ability to rapidly
spread. There are also dwarf varieties in different colors
which are low growing and spreading, reaching an overall height
of only 8 in. (see these in the “Ground Cover” plant category).
Both varieties can get damage from frost and freezing weather
but will bounce back. Landscape
Photo |
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