15. July 2010 by Carol Whitaker.

1. christy2828 says:
   14. July 2010 at 12:10 | editHi Carol, I was wondering if you had any thoughts or information about Michelia Alba? Thanks
2. Carol Whitaker says:
   15. July 2010 at 14:05 | editHi Christy,

   I inquired about the Michelia champaca ‘Alba’.

   It is a lovely tree. It can be grown as a tree or large shrub, growing to 30′ or 35′ tall. It can tolerate partial shade to full sun and it is a member of the Magnolia family, with formal pyramidal growth. The tree is extravagantly fragrant and known as the Joy Perfume Tree. It has beautiful glossy leaves and pure white flowers.

   A 3 gallon pot with a 3 to 4 ft tree will cost around $50. I have been told they will bloom at this size, but can’t say for sure, as I have never grown it.

   A 15 gallon container with a height of 8 to 10 foot will cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $325-$375.

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29. June 2010 by Carol Whitaker.

This is what Kimberly asked:

KimberlyO says:
29. June 2010 at 12:48 |We have an outdoor lanai/shower. We want to cover most of the wood with vine type plants. I know I have seen wood covered before with vines but I would appreciate your guidance as to what type of vines would give not only greenery but we would like vines that bloom. What are your thoughts?

Kimberly, we are so lucky to have such a broad variety of vines that do well in south Florida. Many are fast growers and cover a broad expanse quickly.

Some of my favorites which are also butterfly hosts, include: Passion Vine, they come in a variety of colored flowers. One fruits and the native gets a very small fruit and tiny flower. The others have very showy flowers. Passion Vine Flowers are subtly scented. Pelican Vine and Pipe Vine and other Aristolocha varities are great, as well.

Native Honeysuckle Vine is a butterfly nectar and fine choice if you are looking for a less agressive vine, which doesn’t grow as quickly.

Lonicera (Honeysuckles) have lovely scented trumpet shaped flowers.

Native Climatis has small scented white flowers.

The Mexican Flame is a butterfly nectar host and the orange flowers are subtly scented.

These are twining vines which will cling to your trellis or fence. They require a lot of sun to bloom well.

Native Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans) and the native Allamanda are fine vines for this area. Native Allamada is quite different than the varieties one usually sees in garden centers.

Clereodendrum vines are lovely and thrive in our area.

For a shady area  choose (Thunbergia grandiflora) Sky Vine with its showy lavender blue flowers or the White flowered Clock vine with its scented flowers.

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