Trees

Hong Kong Orchid Tree

We carry a vast number of different trees at Driftwood. Trees in the landscape add scale and depth that many regular shrubs simply can’t do. There are a wide variety of trees available to us in southwest Florida but not all are the same. In fact, many “trees” are actually shrubs that are trained to develop a stalk when they are young, and encouraged through trimming and shaping to appear as if they are actually trees. This does not take away from some of the stunning topiaries and standardized (trained upwards as trees) shrubs that growers and gardeners are able to create.

Sesbania

Many trees are stunning for most of the year, but some don’t always look their best. Although we don’t normally get a very extreme winter, the plants in southwest Florida will still respond to the change in daylight and temperature. Crepe myrtles, for example, are deciduous and can drop their foliage in the winter, so don’t be upset when they start to decline as the days start to get shorter. Alternatively, Hong Kong orchid trees are one of the most beautiful winter bloomers with wide butterfly-shaped leaves and large fragrant purple blooms that last all season. Unfortunately, they do not always look as vibrant in the summer.

Having the right plant in the right place is the key when planning a landscape. Some trees are great for creating a shady area underneath the canopy, like a black olive or shady lady, whereas others are more of a specimen and can act as a large centerpiece, like a silver Bismark palm. There a number of different circumstances where certain trees will be better off and more beneficial to the design based on the situation, so it’s a good idea to ask questions when planning.

Watering plants thoroughly and then allowing time to dry out before the next watering is essential to many plants in southwest Florida, so it is best to use a well-draining soil when planting. Using the appropriate fertilizer is important for plants to thrive, so it is good practice to do it on a regular schedule to ensure good plant health. We recommend fertilizing quarterly with organic or granular extended-release fertilizer for best results.

Tecoma Stans

Below is a short list of popular plants in this field:

*Selection may vary by location / time of year – list does not directly reflect current inventory*

• Flowering
  • Standards (trained to be trees)
    • Ixora, Tibouchina, Hibiscus, Shrimp Plant, Rose, Duranta, Jatropha, Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow, Gardenia, Bougainvillea, Clerodendrum, Powderpuff, Dombeya, Oleander, Lantana, Tecoma Stans.
  • Weeping Hibiscus, Crepe Myrtle, Royal Poinciana, Dwarf Poinciana, Jacaranda, Hong Kong Orchid Tree, Royal Robe, Weeping Bottlebrush, Magnolia, Chinese Perfume Tree, Cassia, Verawood, Holly, Geiger Tree, Tabebuia, Sesbania.

Foxtail Palm

• Foliage
  • Standards (trained to be trees)
    • Croton, Clusia, Ficus, Podocarpus, Eugenia, Buttonwood / Silver Buttonwood.
  • Ylang Ylang Tree, Eucalyptus, Bamboo, Japanese Fern Tree, Japanese Blueberry, Slash Pine, Italian Cypress, Bald Cypress, Red Maple, Mahoe.

• Palms / Cycads
  • Pygmy Date Palm, Areca Palm, Chinese Fan Palm, European Fan Palm, Christmas Palm, King Sago Palm, Foxtail Palm, Traveler Palm, Ponytail Palm, Coconut Palm, Alexander Palm, Silver Bismark Palm, Thatch Palm, Windmill Palm, Fishtail Palm, Spindle Palm, Bottle Palm, Buccaneer Palm, Giant Dioon Cycad.

Have other questions? Give us a call, or stop in at either of our locations and talk with one of our trained experts to give you the upper hand!