John&Jacq~s Garden

Articles on tropical plants, arranged by posting dates. For plant search, it’s easier to refer to the A-Z categories located at the top left sidebar.

Posted by Jacqueline on November 24th, 2010

Thunbergia laurifolia (Blue Trumpet Vine, Blue Sky Vine, Laurel Clock Vine) An impressive flowering vine with long dangling flowering stalks that are beautifully decorated with numerous lavender-blue to lilac-coloured blooms. We sighted this beauty for the first time at Botanical Garden Putrajaya (Taman Botani), about 2½ years ago and were mesmerized by its spectacular display. [...]

Posted by Jacqueline on October 21st, 2010

Impatiens walleriana (Impatiens, Busy Lizzy/Lizzie, Touch-me-not, Jewel Weed, Sultana) When mixed varieties are group-planted in garden borders, parks and the like, Impatiens will hold you spellbound with its carpet of psychedelic floral colours! It is one of the most popular and best known bedding plants worldwide for its profuse flowering year round and ease of [...]

Posted by Jacqueline on September 30th, 2010

Pyrostegia venusta (Flame Vine, Flaming Trumpet, Orange Trumpet Creeper, Golden Shower) With such brilliance in its flaming orange-coloured blossoms, it’s inevitable that Pyrostegia venusta has been reputed as one of the most spectacular flowering vines in cultivation. A vigorous and rambunctious climber with tendrils, Flame Vine will produce abundant clusters of brightly coloured trumpet-shaped flowers [...]

Posted by Jacqueline on September 22nd, 2010

Thunbergia mysorensis (Clock Vine, Lady’s Slipper Vine, Dolls’ Shoes) Wanna buy a pair of lady’s slippers, anyone? Aren’t they gorgeous! No wonder, it’s pretty obvious why this tropical climber has been lovingly nicknamed Lady’s Slipper Vine and Dolls’ Shoes! Even the other common name, Brick & Butter Vine suits it fine, seeing the similarity in [...]

Posted by Jacqueline on September 10th, 2010

Solanum macranthum (Potato Tree, Giant Star Potato Tree) Truly an exotic and impressive tropical specimen! This Giant Potato Tree is a large bushy shrub that can grow into a medium-height tree, and be beautifully adorned with stunning flowers all year round! A rare treat indeed to see purple blossoms on a tree! And more amazing [...]

Posted by Jacqueline on August 29th, 2010

Dieffenbachia bowmannii Carriere (Dumb Cane, Spotted Dumbcane, Leopard Lily ) Dieffenbachias are very much loved as houseplants for homes and offices, simply because of their irresistible foliar beauty and their great tolerance for shade. Their splendid foliage variegation is so extensive that gardeners are now spoilt for choice! One cultivar worthy of mention is Dieffenbachia [...]

Posted by Jacqueline on August 25th, 2010

Fittonia albivenis (Mosaic Plant, Nerve Plant, Painted Net Leaf) No wonder this showy Fittonia species is aptly nicknamed Mosaic Plant! Its intricately-designed leaves with contrasting coloured veins will provide a marvelous mosaic display that will attract and captivate all season through! These beautiful ornamental foliage plants make great houseplants, especially if displayed on bathroom shelves [...]

Posted by Jacqueline on August 1st, 2010

Clivia miniata (Bush Lily, Kaffir Lily, St John’s Lily) An attractive plant with clusters of brightly coloured trumpet-shaped flowers, standing tall above its elegant and symmetrically arranged foliage. It’s considered as the ‘Queen of Houseplants’ for its striking beauty, durability and reliability. Typical floral colour is a brilliant orange with yellowish throat that contrast fabulously [...]