Tag: tropical flowers

April Gardenias in Lakeland, Florida

Carol 21 Comments

Gardenia is a genus of flowering plants in the coffee family, Rubiaceae, native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Madagascar, Pacific Islands, and Australia. The genus was named by Carl Linnaeus and John Ellis after Alexander Garden (1730–1791), a Scottish naturalist. Gardenia species typically grow as shrubs or small trees from 2 to 15 feet, however some species are more like ground cover. Gardenias thrive in bright, indirect sunlight In warm climates like Southern California or Florida. They need protection from hot afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch. They cannot survive deep freezes.

The weather here in central Florida has been beautiful, warm days with highs in the upper 80’s or low 90’s F. We’ve had no significant rain in the last week. Summer temperatures are here but the humidity hasn’t risen like summer.

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Last of My Forced Amaryllis for 2025

Carol 18 Comments

Native to tropical regions, amaryllis thrive outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 8-10 (and potentially 7b with protection) and can be grown indoors in colder climates.

My forced amaryllis by my condo door have been steady bloomers for over a month starting mid-February. They are blooming early as they are forced, and I expect next year to see them bloom later in probably April. Let’s start with the last white amaryllis flower.

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It’s Orchid Time Again

Carol 15 Comments

Here in the USA, it’s Thanksgiving tomorrow. I’d like to thank you for your friendship in the last year. Your dropping by is always appreciated. Today I just want to say thank you and share the beautiful orchids my friend Beverly grows. Beverly lives in south Florida and has a tropical garden. I’m thankful for her generosity in sharing the photos, and I hope you enjoy them.

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Peach Hibiscus by the Parking Lot

Carol 23 Comments

You know we should enjoy the simple things in life. For example, there is a large tropical hibiscus by the parking lot close to where I park. It just seems perfect to me that it’s a peach hibiscus bush. The other day it was covered in flowers.

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A Ride in Tropical Central Florida

Carol 27 Comments

Today I’d like to take you on a drive. I want to get out and enjoy a beautiful day. I like to see the landscaping around residential communities. Palm trees, bushes, and flowers are usually there. Most of today’s photos are from a condo neighborhood.

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Maryce’s Spring Flowers

Carol 26 Comments

Photos are courtesy of my friend, Maryce, who lives in tropical Clearwater, Florida. I appreciate my friends who share photos, especially now that I am staying home and recovering. I saw the surgeon on Tuesday and he said I’m doing great. I am wearing a neck guard and will continue to wear it until June. I see my primary physician today for surgery follow-up.

Today my friend Maryce is sharing photos mostly from her home in Clearwater, Florida. First is a bouquet of yellow roses from a friend.

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Spring Garden White Amaryllis

Carol 26 Comments

I live in Central Florida, growing zone 9B which is semi-tropical. Amaryllis is a subtropical bulb that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is native to South Africa. It is grown as a potted plant in most parts of the United States but can also be grown outdoors year round in warm areas like Florida. The red amaryllis you buy at Christmas are FORCED bulbs.

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