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All Images Copyright Terry Pallister
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| The hibiscus is a very popular flower that blooms constantly in warm weather. Once established it will produce flowers every day. In warmer climates, like New Orleans, the growing season begins as early as March and continues sometimes through December if the temperatures are mild in the late fall. The downside is that cold weather can damage or kill the shrub if it is not protected. Since they can easily grow 10 to 15 feet tall, they have to be cut back in order to protect them from freezes. |
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| The amaryllis is a very popular bulb that blooms in the spring. Flower spikes may need to be staked to prevent gusty winds from knocking them down. They require very little care. In mild climates the bulbs can be left in the ground over winter. Light freezes do not harm them. They can be propagated from seed or by cutting new shoots coming up from the ground and transplanting them. New plants from seeds or from new shoots will not bloom until the third year. |
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| Angel trumpets come in a variety of colors. If cared for properly they can grow 12 feet high and branch out as seen in the second image on the top row above. They bloom in cycles several times during the warmer months. In a mild climate like New Orleans, they usually can come back from modest freezes if the plant has become well established. All varieties can be propagated by cuttings in water or potting soil. The white variety above does not produce seeds. The purple variety above does produce seed pods which will sprout the following spring if the seeds are allowed to fall to the ground. |