Jacaranda mimosifolia is a sub-tropical tree native to south-central South America that has been widely planted elsewhere because of its attractive and long-lasting violet-colored flowers. It is also known as the jacaranda, blue jacaranda, black poui, Nupur or fern tree.
The tree grows to a height of up to 60 or so feet tall in it's native climate, but also makes a good tub plant when young for cooler climates. Its bark is thin and grey-brown, smooth when the tree is young but eventually becoming finely scaly. The twigs are slender and slightly zigzag; they are a light reddish-brown. The flowers are up to 2 inches long, and are grouped in 12 inch panicles. They appear in spring and early summer, and last for up to two months. They are followed by woody seed pods, about 2 inches in diameter, which contain numerous flat, winged seeds. The blue jacaranda is cultivated for the sake of its large compound leaves, as well as it's flowers.
The blue jacaranda has been cultivated in almost every part of the world where there is no risk of frost; established trees, however, tolerate brief spells of temperatures down to around 19 °F. In the US, in areas where winter temperatures can dip to 10 °F for several-hour periods, the mature tree survives with little or no visible damage. Even when young trees are damaged by a hard frost and suffer dieback, they will often rebound from the roots and grow in a shrub-like, multi-stemmed form.

This bush type banana is cold hardy into and north of USDA Hardiness Zone 8. Regardless of your climate, you can always enjoy banana type bushes in containers or in greenhouses or as tender perennials. If you crave amazing, tropical, bold-textured foliage and exotic flowers in your garden, you should try growing your own banana bush!
Musa ensete is one of the hardiest types of the Musa family and has very large seeds. This small tree is ideal for conservatories, patios, or as a large potted plant. Only grows about 6 feet tall and is grown for its foliage; unfortunately, no bananas on Musa Ensete. Decorative, huge leaves rivalling any expensive mature house plants. Grows 3 feet in the first four months after seed germination!
Sow anytime of year after soaking the seeds for 24 hours in lukewarm water. Use a peat based seed compost and sow 1/4 inch deep. After sowing, seal the seed container inside a polythene bag in order to keep the compost moist. Germination is slow and erratic and can take 1 - 6 months at 80F. As each seed germinates, transfer it to a 3 in pot of good free draining compost, taking care not to damage the fragile roots. Pot on as required, the larger the container the larger the plant will grow.
Grow Musa ensete bush in warm, well lit conditions. During summer they can be stood outside or planted in the border but should be brought into well lit frost free conditions for the winter when it should be kept moderately dry. Some discoloration of the leaf ends may occur through the winter months but this won't harm the plant.
Zone 8 or higher outside, but often grown as a houseplant or patio plant.

A beautiful fig tree with very large oval leaves to 15". The leaves are bright red when they are developing and exceptionally attractive - the decorative 2 1/2" fruits develop in clusters ( not edible ). This fast growing tree grows to 25' and develop a spreading canopy of 25' but can be kept pruned to a much smaller height.
Makes a sensational indoor specimen. seeds. Cold hardy to 25-30 degrees.

The name Drunken Parrot Tree comes from the fact that individual flowers contain so much nectar that it has a tendency to ferment before the birds can eat it all, resulting in a mild narcotic effect on the birds.
These tropical trees will start blooming when they are still quite young. The abundance of rich deep red flowers are produced straight after the new leaves during September and October, but exact flowering times will vary from tree to tree. This irregularity in blooming times is of value to the nectar feeding birds, and ensures a longer feeding season. The flowers produce such copious amounts of nectar that it literally 'weeps' from the flowers.
This is an exceptional ornamental tree for gardens and parks and looks wonderful as part of a larger landscape, or planted singly as a specimen tree. Do not plant it near paved areas or car parks etc, where the dripping nectar could become a problem. When in bloom it will attract a wide variety of birds, animals and insects. The nectar will attract nectar-feeding birds like sunbirds, the nectar will also attract many insects, and therefore insect-eating birds.
Easy to grow in warm frost-free areas, where it remains evergreen and grows surprisingly fast. In colder, dry, inland regions it is slower-growing and deciduous, losing its leaves for a short period in winter or spring. It is semi-hardy to moderate frost if it is planted in a protected part of the garden and young trees are covered in winter, until they are more established. An established tree can withstand minimum winter temperatures of about 24 degrees. It is remarkably hardy in dry regions with poor soil, but for best results in the garden, plant in deep very well-drained soil, to which generous quantities of compost has been added and a dressing of bonemeal. A general purpose granular fertiliser can be used during the growing season. It loves in full sun and will respond well to judicious watering in the garden, especially when young, and during prolonged dry periods.

One of the most attractive of all tropical plants.
The Bird of Paradise is delightfully easy to care for and enjoys warm, balmy days year round. The stunning flowers of this unique plant make it popular in gardens around the globe.
Flowering occurs multiple times a year if the plant is well taken care of. It is a long lived plant, and takes up to three years to begin producing flowers. Once it begins flowering, however, this plant will provide you with years of delight.
Once flowering begins in early spring, each plant will produce up to six flowers in succession, with each flower being long-lived. Blooming can be almost continuous from early spring into early fall, provided the plant is cared for. This plant requires little encouragement to bloom, happy with enough light and water for its needs.
It comes from S Africa. The flowers take shape of a most peculiar form, resembling birds in flight. Grows to a height of about 3 feet in containers, but can reach 6 feet outside.
They can tolerate temperatures as low as 55 degrees, but prefer to remain in the 70-90 degree range.

Leafless Bird of Paradise is a rare plant in the Bird of Paradise family. It has similar flowers to the Orange Bird of Paradise, but foliage is more narrow and more like grass. Other forms of Bird of Paradise usually have paddle shaped foliage, but Strelitzia juncea is the exception with this very unique foliage. It makes a good houseplant or patio plant as it tolerates a bit of shade and is slow growing, and will live for many years.
It makes a very good landscaping plant as well. The needle-like foliage is very striking in the garden, and Strelitzia juncea can be a very drought hardy plant once it has established itself in your garden. Strelitzia juncea grows approximate 3-5 feet in height and width, and will take 3-4 years to flower. It is very long lived and as a bold accent plant will look fantastic amongst other tropical plants, rock gardens or formal gardens.
It tolerates drought well, it is also frost hardy. Do not expose it to severe frost, or frost for long periods of time, but this plants is suitable for gardens which may experience light frost for short periods of time. Strelitzia juncea is best grown in full sun or bright light for best flowering performance, but could be grown in part shade. Part shade positions will be better for nicer, greener foliage.

Originally native to southeastern Brazil and northernmost Argentina, this shrub or small tree is now widely cultivated around the world for its edible fruits, as well as for its ornamental qualities. Acca sellowiana grows to about 12-15 feet tall and forms a dense, rounded crown of small leaves that are grayish furry underneath.
The pinkish flowers have prominent red stamens and are followed by plum-sized, yellowish green fruits that are amazingly delicious, highly aromatic, lightly acidic and remind of pineapple and strawberries. They are eaten raw or used in jams, juices or sauces.
Hardy to zone 8.

A most unique tree with colorful, beautiful foliage. A great ornamental tree famous for its interesting shape and vibrant foliage, it stands out with a tall, rounded form and delicately-crafted leaves.
Unique, fan-shaped leaves turn a stunning yellow color in the fall. It can tolerate many urban conditions including heat, air pollution, salt, and confined spaces. And it establishes easily. And it thrives just about anywhere in the United States. It's especially perfect for urban areas since it won't be bothered by smog and other pollution.
The Ginkgo tree is a living fossil, with the earliest leaf fossils dating from 270 million years ago. It was rediscovered in 1691 in China and was brought to this country in the late 1700s. The seeds and leaves have been (and are still today) used in medicine throughout the world.
An interesting fact about the ginkgo,there are only five living groups of seed plants, and ginkgo is one of them. And ginkgo is the only one that consists of just one species.
Excellent selection for a variety of uses, including lawn tree, street tree or shade tree. Also effective in city parks or near commercial buildings. A mature tree can grow to 80 feet tall with a 30-40 feet wide canopy. Its nuts are regarded as a delicacy in the Orient. It is the source of the famous herbal supplement. A favorite bonsai specimen. Well suited for zones 3-8.
For more info on the Ginko, please visit the Gingko Page