Shrubs Fact Sheets

Abelia x grandiflora: Glossy Abelia

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

Acalypha hispida: Chenille Plant

Keighly Graves, Wendy Wilber, Tom A. Wichman, Claire Lewis, Gail Hansen, and Ryan Klein

Chenille plant has striking red, drooping flowers. It is commonly used as an accent, hedge, or container plant due to its long blooming period and ornamental features.

Acalypha pendula: Dwarf Chenille Plant

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This ground-hugging, fine-textured relative of the more common chenille plant grows no more than several inches tall. In the full sun it forms a thick canopy of tiny, serrated leaves no more than 3/4 inches long by 1/2 inches wide. Bright red, fuzzy flowers stand erect above the foliage like soldiers in a field.

Acalypha amentacea subsp. wilkesiana: Copperleaf

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID for Homeowner audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Urban Water

Acer japonicum 'Vitifolium': Vitifolium Fullmoon Maple

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' Bloodgood Japanese Maple

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

Acrostichum daneifolium Leather Fern

Edward F. Gilman

This beautiful fern, which is native to Florida, grows larger than many other ferns, becoming 4 to 8 feet tall. The 3- to 6-foot-long, pinnately divided fronds emerge from the ground to form a beautifully textured, open form. The plant changes very little throughout the year, but provides a continual green mass of beautiful foliage. 

Adiantum spp. Maidenhair Fern

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document is about the maidenhair fern (Adiantum spp.), a delicate, airy fern native to North America. It thrives in shady, moist environments and is suitable for both outdoor landscapes and indoor settings with bright, indirect light. The fern features light grey-green, soft foliage and is best planted in masses or as ground cover. It requires well-drained soils with high organic matter and does not tolerate dry conditions. The document details its growth habits, soil preferences, and potential pests, highlighting its ornamental value and suitability for various garden settings. Original publication date October 1999.

Aechmea blanchetiana Bromeliad

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

Aesculus parviflora: Bottlebrush Buckeye

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document is about the bottlebrush buckeye (Aesculus parviflora), a native shrub from Alabama, South Carolina, and Florida. It describes the plant’s physical characteristics, including its rounded form, dark green foliage, and showy white flowers. The document also covers the plant’s growth conditions, such as its preference for moist, shaded habitats and its hardiness in zones 5 through 9A. Additionally, it highlights the uses and benefits of the bottlebrush buckeye in landscaping, noting its ornamental features, moderate growth rate, and pest resistance. The shrub is recommended for use as a specimen, screen, foundation, or border plant. Original publication date October 1999.

Agapanthus orientalis: Agapanthus, African Lily, Lily of the Nile

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

Agave attenuata Spineless Century Plant

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

Aglaonema spp.: Chinese Evergreen, Aglaonema

Keighly Graves, Wendy Wilber, Tom A. Wichman, Claire Lewis, Gail Hansen, and Ryan Klein

Chinese evergreen is an herbaceous perennial that has colorful, variegated evergreen foliage which lends a tropical feel to the landscape. It may be utilized as a mass planting or groundcover, container or above ground planter, or it makes a suitable houseplant.

Ajuga reptans: Common Bugle, Bugleweed, Carpet Bugleweed

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of Ajuga reptans, commonly known as bugleweed. It describes the plant’s characteristics, including its dark green to purple leaves, small blue flowers, and its growth habit as a ground cover. The document also details its planting requirements, such as preferred light conditions, soil tolerances, and USDA hardiness zones. Additionally, it highlights the plant’s uses in landscaping, potential invasive nature, and available cultivars. The document concludes with information on propagation, pest resistance, and aesthetic considerations for garden design. Original publication date October 1999.

Allamanda bolivinensis Bolivian Allamanda

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides a detailed overview of the Bolivian Allamanda (Allamanda bolivinensis), an evergreen vine known for its vivid white, trumpet-shaped flowers with deep yellow throats. It describes the plant’s characteristics, including its rapid growth rate, spreading habit, and adaptability to various soil types. The document highlights the plant’s uses in landscaping, such as covering trellises, arbors, and retaining walls, and its suitability for hanging baskets. It also notes the plant’s high drought tolerance and minimal pest issues, making it an attractive option for gardeners in frost-free locations. Additionally, the document discusses the plant’s maintenance requirements, including the need for full sun and regular pinching to manage its growth. Original publication date October 1999.

Allamanda violacea Purple Allamanda

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides a detailed overview of the purple allamanda (Allamanda violacea), an evergreen vine or climbing shrub known for its two-toned reddish-purple to pink blooms. It describes the plant’s physical characteristics, growth habits, and uses in landscaping, such as covering arbors, walls, or as a hanging basket. The document also outlines the plant’s care requirements, including its preference for full sun, moderate drought tolerance, and need for nematode-free soil. Additionally, it highlights the plant’s non-native status, potential planting zones, and propagation methods. The purple allamanda is noted for its ornamental value and minimal pest issues, though all parts of the plant are poisonous. Original publication date September 1999.

Alocasia spp. Elephant's Ear

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the Alocasia genus, commonly known as elephant’s ear, highlighting its various species with large, showy leaves1. It details the plant’s characteristics, including its fast growth rate, upright habit, and coarse texture. The document also covers the plant’s adaptability to different soil types and light conditions, its invasive potential, and its uses in landscaping as a border, ground cover, or container plant. Additionally, it discusses the plant’s maintenance needs, pest resistance, and aesthetic contributions to a tropical landscape. Original publication date September 1999.

Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata': Variegated Shell Ginger, Variegated Shellflower

Keighly Graves, Wendy Wilber, Tom A. Wichman, Claire Lewis, Gail Hansen, and Ryan Klein

Variegated shell ginger has striking green and yellow variegated foliage. This plant’s ornamentally interesting foliage and shell-like flowers make it an excellent specimen or accent plant, as well as being suitable for mass planting, borders, or as a houseplant.

Ananas comosus: Pineapple

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the pineapple plant, Ananas comosus, detailing its characteristics, uses, and cultivation requirements. Pineapples are perennial, herbaceous plants with bright green, spiny leaves that form a rosette. They thrive in USDA hardiness zones 10 through 11 and are used for ornamental purposes as well as fruit production. The plant prefers well-drained soil and partial shade but can tolerate full sun. Propagation is typically done by dividing suckers or rooting the leafy tops of mature fruits. Common pests include mites, scales, and mealy-bugs, though no major diseases are noted. The document also highlights the aesthetic appeal of pineapples in landscaping and their compatibility with various companion plants. Original publication date September 1999.

Anthurium andraeanum Tailflower, Flamingo Flower

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of Anthurium andraeanum, commonly known as tailflower or flamingo flower. It describes the plant’s physical characteristics, including its shiny, dark green, heart-shaped leaves and long-lasting, colorful flower bracts. The document details the plant’s growth conditions, such as its preference for low-light environments, high humidity, and moist, organic-rich soil. It also covers the plant’s uses in landscaping and interior decoration, highlighting its ornamental features and compatibility with other plants. Additionally, the document addresses the plant’s propagation methods, pest resistance, and maintenance requirements. Original publication date October 1999.