City of Lakeland
2004 Top Performers
All of these plants and flowers can be found around
the City of Lakeland for you to view
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ORNAMENTAL MILLET `PURPLE MAJESTY`
Pennisetum glaucum
A new ornamental grass with purple leaves, stems, and plumes. It reaches a height of 5 feet and and is topped with 14 inch plumes. Plant in combination with a yellow coleus such as `Gay’s Delight’ or `Marguerite’, a yellow ornamental sweet potato to create a stunning combination. This variety was a 2003 All American Selections winner.
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HIBISCUS `SUN SHOWER’
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
One of the more dependable varieties in the Exotic Hibicus collection. It produces many very large red and yellow single blooms. Morning sun and afternoon shade seems to be the best position in the landscape. Flowers have more yellow coloration in hot weather. See Exotic Hibiscus.com.
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STRAP LEAVED CALADIUM
Caladium bicolor
Several strap leaved varieties including `White Wing’,` Red Frill’ and `Florida Sweetheart’ were outstanding all summer in both shade and full sun.
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PERILLA `MAGILLA’
Perilla spp.
Showy coleus-like foliage in hot pink, green and deep plum shades is great in beds or mixed containers. It does well in hot weather and seems to have very few problems. Full
sun is best..
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PENTAS `STARS AND STRIPES’
Pentas lanceolata
A durable and easy to grow variety featuring red flowers and variegated foliage. It was recognized by the Athens Select Program of the University of Georgia because of it`s landscape value and heat and humidity tolerance. Our original plantings are still performing well after nearly two years. Being a great butterfly and hummingbird attractant is an added benefit.
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ORNAMENTAL PEPPER `EXPLOSIVE EMBER’
Capsicum annuum
A compact and long lasting ornamental pepper, which is equally valuable in a vegetable or flower garden. The one inch fruit are held above the all purple flowers, stems and leaves and gradually turn red as they mature. Rich soil and good moisture improve performance.
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XANTHOSOMA `ALBO MARGINATA’
Xanthosoma atrovirens
Leaves unfold to reveal random variegated patterns. Moist soil and partial shade is required for best performance. Planted in combination with red caladiums creates a stunning combination.
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ALTERNANTHERA `PARTY TIME’
Alternanthera ficoidea
An eye catching specimen with beautiful variegated pink leaves. This easy to grow perennial is well suited for mass plantings or in mixed containers. Partial shade to full sun and good moisture are required.
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CALADIUM `FLORIDA FANTASTY’
Caladium x hortulanum
Developed by the University of Florida , it is an improved version of `White Queen’. Nearly white leaves are accented with red veins. Rich soil and good moisture are required. Full sun is tolerated.
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ORNAMENTAL PEPPER `CHILLY CHILI’
Capsicum annuum
This 2002 All America Selection is stunning in mass plantings or as an accent plant. The non-pungent, `child safe’ fruit change from yellow to red and are held above the foliage. This long lasting variety requires good soil and plenty of moisture and matures at about 14 inches tall.
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ORNAMENTAL PEPPER `MEDUSA’
Capsicum annuum
This variety has the same great characteristics and requirements as `Chilly Chili’. The dwarf 8 inch plants produce large quantities of twisted fruit that are analogous to the `hair ‘ of the Medusa.
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OKRA `LITTLE LUCY’
Abelmoschus esculentus
This 1998 All America Selection still attracts considerable attention. The sturdy 18 inch plants have burgundy leaves, stems, and pods in addition to yellow hibiscus- like flowers. When picked young, the pods are very delicious.
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SILVER EUROPEAN FAN PALM
Chamerops humilis `cerifera’
This beautiful silver leafed selection from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco is a great choice for containers or as an accent plant. An extremely slow grower it occurs naturally at altitudes above 1500 feet.
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ROSE `KNOCKOUT’
Rosa ssp
This trouble free shrub rose was a 2000 All American Selection and a American Rose Society Winner. Virtually pest and disease free, it requires no pesticide applications. It produces continuous clusters of bright red flowers on compact 3 foot plants. This is real breakthrough for landscape plantings.
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HIBISCUS `BLACK VELVET’
Hibiscus rosa sinensis
Huge 7 to 8 inch blooms are deep red with a dark eye are produced in abundance. Attractive healthy leaves and a compact growth habit make this variety a great choice for the landscape. Partial shade to full sun are required for best results.
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