Plant Guide

Common Name

Shell Ginger

Botanical Name

Alpinia zerumbet

Hardiness Zone

1. Zone 9b
2. Zone 10a
3. Zone 10b
4. Zone 11a

Sun

Shade with Light Sun

Water Requirements

1. Moderate to High

Dormancy

1. Evergreen

PROS:

• Tropical accent plant
• Grows in shady locations
• Can tolerate wet locations
• Variegated variety lightens up dark areas
• Green variety can tolerate a fair amount of sun

CONS:

• Requires a fair amount of maintenance to look it's best
• Can look "ratty" through the winter months
• Can grow out of bounds
• Stalks die after blooming requiring removal

Common Name

Bird of Paradise

Botanical Name

Strelitzia reginae

Hardiness Zone

1. Zone 9a
2. Zone 9b
3. Zone 10a
4. Zone 10b
5. Zone 11a

Sun

Sun with Light Shade

Water Requirements

1. Moderate

Dormancy

1. Evergreen

PROS:

• Unusual, attractive flower
• Tropical foliage
• Easy care

CONS:

• Can form very large clumps
• Heavy feeder
• Dead leaves persist on plant, need to be removed

Common Name

Foxtail Palm

Botanical Name

Wodyetia bifurcata

Hardiness Zone

1. Zone 9b
2. Zone 10a
3. Zone 10b
4. Zone 11a

Sun

Full Sun

Water Requirements

1. Moderate

Dormancy

1. Evergreen

Leaf Type

Pinnate (Feather)

PROS:

• Dark green bushy "Foxtail" foliage
• Self cleaning
• Pest/disease resistant
• Fast-grower
• Somewhat salt tolerant

CONS:

• Do best with moderate water/ fertilizer
• Can be "floppy". While this doesn't hurt the palm, it is unattractive
• Produce prodigious amounts of seeds

Common Name

Macho Fern

Botanical Name

Nephrolepis biserrata

Hardiness Zone

1. Zone 9a
3. Zone 9b
4. Zone 10a
5. Zone 10b
6. Zone 11a

Sun

Shade with Light Sun

Water Requirements

1. Moderate to High

Dormancy

1. Evergreen

PROS:

• Gorgeous Large Foliage
• Deep Green Color
• Fast Growing
• Not Fussy But Responds to Extra Care

CONS:

• Garden Thug Will Overpower Other Plants
• Spreads Fast, Must Be Kept Under Control
• Can Look Unkempt