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Roses
Growing roses can indeed be rewarding! Just read the story of how GreenHearts’
founder got started! The blooms grown in our hot lowlands may not be
as large and as closely-clustered as those pictured in foreign gardening
books and magazines, but rose bushes in the tropics possess their own
eye-catching charm and can be just as addicting! The secret is finding the
right spot for your plants. It should have lots of sun, at least six
hours. Planting them facing south would be best. Some dappled, afternoon
shade would also be beneficial. Water very, very deeply just once or twice
a week. Plant in very good soil, amended with compost about once a month.
Cultivate the soil and fertilize weekly from November until June. You can
opt for the chemical preparations or go organic. Based on our own
experience, organically fed plants are less susceptible to pest attacks
and diseases. Try some liquid seaweed to help address those irritating
black spots on the leaves.
Prune heavily at the onset of the rainy season and withhold
fertilizing. This will give the plants a chance to rest, minimize chances
of getting diseases from too many leaves that are left wet for days on
end, and help keep the plants from getting uprooted by strong winds. Roses
can also be grown in containers, but you’ll have to water daily and the
plants will not get as lush or bushy as those grown in the ground, but
they will still reward you with their unequaled display of blooms. |
A rose blushing prettily
in the tropical heat
Miniature
roses |
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Hibiscus, better known to us as gumamelas, come in a wonderful range of
colors and flower styles. There are single and double flowers in red,
yellow, pink, orange, white, peach and blends of colors.
The most commonly grown species is the rosa-sinensis, which means
"Chinese Rose". They are native to our region – the tropics
– which is why they want a steady supply of moisture and really would
much prefer not to dry out.
Give your gumamela lots of sun and room to grow. When grown in the
ground, they can reach a height of six to eight feet! |
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Better known as Bandera Española, cannas make a most bombastic display
the whole year through. Native to the tropics, these low-maintenance
stunners are seen growing practically anywhere. The more common varieties
can become quite unwieldy in size with large leaves (18 inches wide) and
reaching up to eight feet in height! New varieties, however, are
friendlier for the home garden, some growing no more than 2 feet high.
Although they can tolerate some drought, it is best to keep them moist.
Keep them in full sun. Plant in clusters for a more impressive and
continuous display. |
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These natives from Brazil acquired a most unflattering name locally:
Vietnam Rose. No one remembers how these annuals got that common name, but
what is memorable are the bright-colored blooms in white, pink, magenta,
red, yellow and orange, in single and double petals. The flowers open in
full sun and close in the shade so make sure to plant them where they get
the most daylight. The portulaca’s fleshy stems and leaves store water
well so they are able to store water through drought and are excellent
choices for areas where the ground may be too dry or rocky for other
plants to grow. |
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Also called Duranta, this shrub is often referred to as "bridal
bouquet" by local growers. Its common name, Golden Dewdrop,
however, seems most appropriate because the fruits of the plant are borne
in charming golden-yellow clusters. But be careful about those
berries when kids and pets are around because they're poisonous!
When grown in the ground, the shrub can reach more than 15 feet but they
do quite well in containers. A variety called Golden Duranta has
yellow-green leaves that provide a bright splash of color in the garden
even when not in bloom. Keep in full sun. |
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