UF/IFAS Okeechobee County Extension Service

458 Highway 98 North

Okeechobee, FL 34972-2578

Phone: (863) 763-6469

E- mail: dfculbert@ifas.ufl.edu

December 24, 2003

Feature Article - for release the week of December 28, 2003

Dan Culbert - Extension Horticulture Agent

Looking for something new and exciting for your Florida Yard? As we enter 2004, consider adding some new and different plants that will beautify your home and landscape. But, what’s out there that will not only be beautiful, but easy to care for and well adapted to our area?

Every year, the Florida Nurserymen and Grower’s Association asks horticulturists, retailers, landscape professionals and the University of Florida to suggest plants that will grow well, but are somewhat unknown by the public. The committee makes their list known to growers in advance so that they can have enough of these plants to meet consumer demands. Then, the public is encouraged to consider adding these new plants to their Florida Yards and homes.

Not all of the 2004 plants will do well in our area, but since the list is state-wide, we expect some of the choices to be better than others. Today’s column highlights 6 of the FNGA 2004 plants that, in my estimation, will do best in our area.

The Needle Palm is this year’s Florida native choice. It is one of the hardiest palm trees around. It has been reported growing in the wilds of north Georgia, and a palm enthusiast in Toronto even has it growing outside in a protected area. It will certainly do well in our area. The down side of this plant is it’s slow growth rate, with seed taking as long as two years to sprout. This means it takes a long time to reach a size large enough to be sold, and that translates to an expensive plant.

If you make an investment in a Needle palm, it can last for many years with little care. Needle palms will grow to a height of 5 feet and may reach a width of 8 feet. The fronds may remind some of a palmetto or a Raphis palm, but they have numerous long needles coming from the trunk at the base of the leaves. They like partial shade and access to moist conditions. 

Pelican Flower is a semi-tropical vine - its tops may freeze back to the ground, but the roots should make it though our coldest temperatures. It is native to Central America. As with all vines, it must be given the room to grow and can take over if given the chance. Its heart-shaped leaves are a food source for the Gold Rim butterfly, but it is grown for its impressive 10 inch wide flower, which looks somewhat line a pelican’s pouch. The smell is unpleasant, as it attracts flies for pollination.

Red Russelia is hardy to our area, and is covered with bright red tubular flowers during warm months. These 5 foot tall and wide masses of arching stems create a mounded appearance. Red Russelia is similar to its relative, the Firecracker plant, the difference being that it has the leaves that the Firecracker plant lacks. The smaller firecracker-like red flowers are highly attractive to butterflies. Like the pelican flower, it is a native to the Central American tropics.

Lion’s Ear is a member of the mint family. This large flowering perennial or shrub is native to southern Africa can grow 3 feet wide and 6 feet tall. It will do best in dryer soils and full sunlight. It is a strong growing and may become woody, lasting for years. I have seen this plant in the nursery, and had to literally shake off the bees and butterflies before I could move this plant to my shopping cart. The bright yellow to orange flowers may also be cut and used fresh, or dried for arrangements. A faint smell of chrysanthemum is noted. With upright, square stems and aromatic foliage, it displays fuzzy orange flower-balls stacked one just above the other. Other names for this plant are Lion’s tail or Wild Dagga. A word of caution: in Hawaii it has been listed as a problem plant which can invade native habitats.

Coleus is well know as a houseplant, but locals know it can also be used as a bedding plant in our area. Hurricane Louise Coleus is a new cultivar  worth trying in both locations. This plant will reach a height of 3 to 5 feet in height and width, but looks better if regularly pruned back With an upright growth habit and strong branching habit, it can last throughout the winter season with minimal flowering. (Flowering is undesirable with coleus). Foliage color is white, pink and bright green with frilled leaf edges. Hurricane Louise is a heat and sun tolerant coleus.

And for the indoors, try Silverado Aglaonema. Professionals appreciate its full, regal appearance and beautiful tricolor leaves. This low light performer is highly resistant to disease and is very cold tolerant. Silverado rarely flowers, a desirable characteristic in Aglaonemas. It can be used as a stand-alone specimen or massed with other plants. Outside in the shady landscape, it may be added as a bedding plant for a look of the tropics.

Missing from this review of the 2004 FNGA list are the Purple Trumpet Tree, which is too tropical for our area, and the Shishigashira Camellia, which needs different soils and cooler temperatures for it to be a local success. If you need additional information on these plants for 2004, consult our web page at http://okeechobee.ifas.ufl.edu, stop by our office at 458 Hwy 98 North, call us at 863-763-6469, or email us at okeechobee@ifas.ufl.edu.  Happy New Year!