PlantFlowerSeeds

Nymphaea caerulea is a herbaceous perennial in the Nymphaeaceae family. Not to be confused with Nelumbo Sacred Lily. Common names are blue lotus or sacred blue lily of the Nile. A native to Africa in the Northern and Tropical regions. They can pop out of the water almost a foot above the surface and spread out 8 feet under the water. It needs full sun for the best results. You can grow it in a container inside your home and then transplant it to your pond or water feature. They bloom from July to September in light blue to dark blue and are 4-6 inches across. King Tuts' body was covered in blue lotus petals when uncovered in 1922. Zones 10-11

Germination

Add 2 inches of garden soil in a waterproof container 6 inches tall. Avoid soil with organic content or fertilizer. Add water until it reaches 1 inch above the top of the soil, then press down gently. Sow the seeds on top of the soil and space them evenly 1 inch apart. Sprinkle a thin layer of white sand over them. Keep in a warm sunny location until the seeds sprout. Wait until a sprout forms one or two leaves that float on the water's surface before you pluck it out. Plant it in a separate container and then move it to deeper water.

Aconitum napellus is a perennial in the Ranunculaceae family. Native and endemic to central and western Europe. Common names are monk's-hood, wolfsbane, and aconite. It can grow to 3 feet tall with spikes on the stem and loaded with blue to dark purple helmet flowers that are great for cut flowers and may also be used for dry material. This plant will attract insects like bees, butterflies, and birds when they bloom in the late spring until mid-summer. It can grow in most soils that are well-drained. A part shade lover but can handle full sun if watered regularly. Zones 7-9

Germination

Mix seeds and moistened soil together in a ziplock bag. Write the name on the bag. Place in refrigerator for 21 days.  Sow seeds into a well-drained, sandy compost and cover seeds to their own depth with sand or grit. Place the seed tray in bright light and keep moist. Seeds may germinate very slowly and may take more than a year to germinate.

Darlingtonia californica is a perennial Carnivorous or Insectivorous in the Sarraceniaceae family. A native to Northern California and Oregon. Some familiar names are the California pitcher plant, cobra lily, and cobra plant. This genus Darlingtonia is the only member of the Sarraceniaceae Family. It grows in seeps with running water that is cold or in bogs as well. The tubular leaves look like cobras, ranging in colors from yellow to purple-green. The tongue is the forked leaf that resembles a serpent's tongue. Flies fly in but don't fly out. They will be trapped by the upper part of the leaf designed to trap insects where the insect's sugary glands can't resist. Grows best in full sun. Zones 7-10

Germination

Mix seeds and moistened soil together in a ziplock bag. Write the name on the bag. Place in the refrigerator for 30 days. Sow seeds on top of well-drained sandy compost soil. Do not cover seeds with soil. Place the seed tray in bright light and keep it moist. Cover your pot with plastic to create a humid environment. Leave a small hole for fresh air. Seeds sprout within 1-3 months.

Brugmansia sanguinea is a small tree in the Solanaceae family. An endemic in Chile and Columbia, where it grows at altitudes of 6 to 9 thousand feet. It can grow to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide, but most I see are only 8-10 feet tall. The blooms are red, fading to green striped trumpets 8 inches long with an orange throat. It can grow in most soils but will require being watered more than most.  It will die to the ground in the winter and return in the Spring. Seeds are from the plants in the pictures. Zones 9-11

Germination

Soak seeds in water for 24-48 hours. Sow seeds 1/2" deep and lightly cover. Keep moist in a bright spot. Do not cover and keep temperatures around 65-70F. Germination is in 21-30 days.

Laurus nobilis is an evergreen tree in the Lauraceae family. A native of the Mediterranean. Common names include Bay tree, Bay laurel, Sweet bay, True laurel, Grecian laurel, or Laurel. It can grow to 60 feet tall but is usually seen around 12 feet tall. The bay laurel is a dioecious tree meaning it has both male and female parts on separate trees. The leaves are glabrous, about 2-5 inches long and wide. Famously known for cooking spaghetti and other delicious dishes. It grows best in full sun with adequate drainage. It is a drought-tolerant tree once established. Zones 7-11

Germination

With sandpaper, rub small holes into each seed. Soak seeds for 24 hours. Sow seeds 1" deep and lightly cover. Keep moist in a bright spot. Do not cover but maintain temperatures around 75-85F. Germination is in 45-90 days.

Cestrum nocturnum is a Tropical or Tender perennial in the Solanaceae family. Common names include the Queen of the night, night-blooming jessamine, night-scented Cestrum, or poisonberry. It is native to the West Indies and naturalized in South Asia. Cestrum nocturnum is an evergreen woody shrub that grows up to 12 feet tall. The leaves are smooth and glossy and are a wonderful backdrop for the flowers. The flowers are a greenish color with some white. They are slender and tubular, almost an inch long. They open at night hence the name Night-blooming Jasmine. The fragrance is a powerful and sweet perfume smell released at night. The fruit is a white berry. You can grow it in most soils that are moist and well-drained. It prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade. Zones 8-11

Germination

Sow seeds 1/4" deep and lightly cover with a medium. Keep moist in a bright spot. Do not cover with plastic but maintain a temperature around 65-75F. Germination 7-30 days.

Boswellia serrata is a deciduous tree in the Burseraceae family. Its native range is the Indian subcontinent. Familiar names include Indian Frankincense, Indian oil-guggul, Sallaki in Sanskrit, and Salai Guggal. This tree is in danger of being eradicated due to non-sustainable practices. It grows naturally in arid teak forests with dry deciduous forests at 3800 feet. It is harvested in India for its bark and gum traded Internationally. The gum has been used medicinally for lung disease, gonorrhea, liver disorders, and much more. The bark is used to make cordage. It can grow to 30 feet tall under full sun. It has an average water need once established. Seeds are kept refrigerated. Zones 9-11

Germination

Soak seeds for 48 hours. Sow seeds 1/2" deep and lightly cover with soil. Keep moist in a bright spot. Do not cover with plastic and keep temperatures around 65-75F. Germination is in 7-60 days.

Hibiscus mutabilis is a small tree/shrub in the Malvaceae family. A native to Southeast China but is on every continent except Antarctica. It is also known as Cotton Rosemallow, or Cotton Rose. It can grow to 15 feet tall in zones 9 and above. It does die to the ground in colder areas but will come back from the roots in zone 7. The flowers on this one come out in white and slowly change color to pink, then red by the end of the day. The red flowers will last a few days, then fall off. The flowers are 4-5 inches across, and many of them. The huge leaves are a foot across. There is also a single petal that I sell, and it is actually considered rare. It blooms early in Spring and will continue to flower through Fall. It grows well in full sun or partial shade and prefers rich, well-drained soil. The seeds will produce flowers in the first year. Zones 7-11

Germination

Soak seeds in warm water overnight. Sow seeds 1/4" deep and lightly cover with soil. Keep moist in a bright spot. Do not cover with plastic but maintain a temperature around 65-75F. Germination 7-30 days.

Cestrum nocturnum is a Tropical or Tender perennial in the Solanaceae family. Common names include the Queen of the night, night-blooming jessamine, night-scented Cestrum, or poisonberry. It is native to the West Indies and naturalized in South Asia. Cestrum nocturnum is an evergreen woody shrub that grows up to 12 feet tall. The leaves are smooth and glossy and are a wonderful backdrop for the flowers. The flowers are a greenish color with some white. They are slender and tubular, almost an inch long. They open at night hence the name Night-blooming Jasmine. The fragrance is a powerful and sweet perfume smell released at night. The fruit is a white berry. You can grow it in most soils that are moist and well-drained. It prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade. Zones 8-11

Germination

Sow seeds 1/4" deep and lightly cover with a medium. Keep moist in a bright spot. Do not cover with plastic but maintain a temperature around 65-75F. Germination 7-30 days.

Hibiscus mutabilis is a small tree/shrub in the Malvaceae family. A native to Southeast China but is on every continent except Antarctica. It is also known as Cotton Rosemallow, or Cotton Rose. It can grow to 15 feet tall in zones 9 and above. It does die to the ground in colder areas but will come back from the roots in zone 7. The flowers on this one come out in white and slowly change color to pink, then red by the end of the day. The red flowers will last a few days, then fall off. The flowers are 4-5 inches across, and many of them. The huge leaves are a foot across. There is also a single petal that I sell, and it is actually considered rare. It blooms early in Spring and will continue to flower through Fall. It grows well in full sun or partial shade and prefers rich, well-drained soil. The seeds will produce flowers in the first year. Zones 7-11

Germination

Soak seeds in warm water overnight. Sow seeds 1/4" deep and lightly cover with soil. Keep moist in a bright spot. Do not cover with plastic but maintain a temperature around 65-75F. Germination 7-30 days.

Caesalpinia pulcherrima is a shrub, Tropical, or a Tender perennial in the Fabaceae family. A native possibly to the West Indies, but the origin is unknown. Some common names include Barbados Pride, Paradise Flower, Peacock Tree, or flamboyant-de-jardin. This shrub can grow to 15 feet tall but is mostly seen around 5-8 feet tall and wide. It will grow larger in higher zones where it does not freeze. I grew it in zone 8, and it died to the ground every year and returned in the Spring. The leaves look like Cassia leaves, small and rounded. The fragrant flowers are amazing, with each flower having 5 yellow, red or yellow petals. It is the national flower of the Caribbean island Barbados. Birds, bees, and butterflies visit it in bloom from Late summer until Mid fall. It constantly blooms in zones 10 and 11. Zones 8-11

Germination

Scarify seeds with sandpaper to break through the outer coating of seeds. Soak seeds for 24 hours. Sow seeds 1/2" deep and lightly cover. Keep moist in a bright spot. Do not cover and keep temperatures around 65-75F. Germination is in 7-30 days.

Empetrum nigrum is a shrub in the Empetraceae family. It is native to Europe, including Britain, Iceland to the Pyrenees, East to Siberia and Bulgaria, and N. America. It is commonly known as Crowberry and Black Crowberry. It is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1ft by 1ft 8in.  It is not frost-tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen in September. Bees, Flies, Moths & Butterflies pollinate this plant. The plant is not self-fertile. It can grow in semi-shade or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate strong winds but not maritime exposure. They are edible and used for teas, pies, and also put in drinks.  Zones 3-8

Germination

Mix seeds and soil together in a ziplock bag. Write the name of the seed on the bag. Place in the refrigerator for 60 days. Seeds should be sown into well-drained, sandy compost and covered to their own depth with sand or grit. Place the seed tray in filtered light and keep it moist. Seeds germinate very slowly and may take more than a year to germinate.

Edgeworthia chrysantha is a species of Deciduous shrub in the Thymelaeaceae Family from the Genus Edgeworthia. Common names include Oriental Paperbush or Paperbush Plant. A Native from E. Asia and China. Also found in forests and streamsides, in elevations of 1000 to 5000 feet in the Ichang Province. This is a deciduous shrub growing up to 6-12 feet. There are many uses of Paperbush, such as using the root as a remedy for some eye diseases. A high-class paper is made from fibrous bark. The manufactured paper is an off-white color. In the Spring, the stems are steamed until the fibers can be stripped away. The fibers are cooked with soda ash and then beaten with mallets. The flowers have a pronounced clove-like perfume scent and can be smelled through the air from quite a distance. It can grow in most soils in the sun or part shade and grow well in a light woodland area. The plant is frost-hardy, but the flowers are susceptible to frost damage. The plant is best grown on a south or west-facing wall. Zones 7-10.

Germination

Place the pot in a plastic bag to keep it moist. The seed might germinate in the Spring, though it could take another 12 months. Stored seed usually requires 8 - 12 weeks of warm stratification at 70F, followed by 12 -14 weeks at 38F. Germination can still take 12 months or more at 60F. Prick the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle, and grow in a greenhouse for at least a year before planting in late Spring or early summer. Consider giving the plants protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors.

Lonicera caerulea is a deciduous shrub in the Caprifoliaceae family. A native to Asia, Europe, and North America. It is also called blue honeysuckle, sweet berry honeysuckle, fly honeysuckle, blue-berried honeysuckle, haskap, and honeyberry. The greyish-green leaves are slightly waxy. The flowers are a yellow-white color with 5 lobes and are produced in pairs. The edible fruits taste like blueberries a little. It is in bloom year-round in temperate climates. Shrubs are unisexual (not self-fertile). Compatible plants should be planted in pairs or groups in order for pollination and fruit set to occur. Many insects such as bees, birds, and butterflies will visit this one. It grows in most soil well-drained. Zones 2-8

Germination

Mix seeds and moistened soil together in a ziplock bag. Write the name on the bag. Place in the refrigerator for 60 days. Soak seeds for 12 hours. Sow seeds into a well-drained, sandy compost and cover seeds to their own depth with sand or grit. Place the seed tray in bright light and keep moist. Seeds may germinate slowly.

Nyctanthes arbor-tristis is a shrub or a small tree in the Oleaceae family. A native to Southeast Asia and South Asia. Common names include Coral Jasmine, Night-Flowering Jasmine, Tree of Sadness, Tree-of-Sorrow. Hindu stories mention the flowers in many stories related to Kalpavriksha. The 'tree of sorrow' gets its name from the flowers being so bright when they come out, and by the end of the day, they lose the brightness. It grows to 12 feet tall and wide. The leaves are jagged 4-5" long and 2" wide. The fragrant flowers can have 5-8 lobes with an orange center. They prefer full sun to part shade. You can grow in a container. I cut mine back to a foot tall every year and winterized it. Zones 10-11

Germination

Fold 2 sheets of paper towel in half twice. Place 5 seeds in the middle of paper towels. Place seeds inside a Ziploc bag. Pour water into Ziploc bag so paper towels are soaked inside the bag. Lay flat in a bright spot and keep temperature 85-95F. A heat mat will help. Add water daily to keep wet. Seeds germinate in 7 days. Transfer to pots and keep warm.

Eriogonum fasciculatum var. foliolosum is a shrub in the Polygonaceae family. A native in the Southwest U.S., California, and Northwest Mexico. Some common names are California Buckwheat or Eastern Mojave Buckwheat. It likes to grow on slopes and dry washes and also in grasslands and juniper forests. This shrub can grow to 7 feet tall and 10 feet across. The flowers are in dense clusters that are white to pink in color. Used by many insects including bees and butterflies. Zones 9-11.

Germination

Sow seeds 1/4" deep and lightly cover with soil. Keep moist in a bright spot. Do not cover with plastic and keep temperatures around 65-75F. Germination is in 14-60 days.