By Ellen Barredo ]An abbreviated version of this article appeared in The Gateway Gardener June 2014 issue.] There’s nothing quite like being surrounded by boldly textured palms! Here are a few suggestions for success with palms. Purchase your palms at a local garden center as they usually acquire their palms from reputable growers that have techniques set up to ‘Light
» Read moreBy Ellen Barredo Tropical hibiscus (H. rosa-sinensis) have been a top interest with customers this year. Top requests are for single flowering plants in very clear colors or bi-colored flowers. Hibiscus has also been a top re-post on my Pinterest Page! Who can resist them? Hibiscus are in their glory right now and provide an explosion of color on the
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How about a Tropical Island Christmas? It can be a lot of fun to remember your favorite tropical destination, then apply a Christmas theme. (This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener Nov/Dec 2011 issue) Text and Photos By Ellen Barredo How about a Tropical Island Christmas? It can be a lot of fun to remember your favorite tropical
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By Chris Kelley Photos courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden PlantFinder (This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener July 2006 issue.) One day, while casually walking through my greenhouse, my addiction to tropicals became clear. Who wouldn’t love and covet the amazing variegated and colorfully patterned leaves that occur so often in this heat-loving genera? I think I can trace
» Read more(This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener April 2006 issue.) Text and photos by Chris Kelley Close your eyes and make a wish. A wish for beautiful foliage, superb architecture, and WOW appeal. If your wish comes true, you’ll be growing elephant ears, those denizens of steamy tropical and subtropical climates named Alocasia, Colocasia and Xanthosoma. We’re talking
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