Coastal and Tropical South
July, 2006
Regional Report
Web Finds
Hummingbirds of Florida
On Hummingbirds of Florida you'll find a good list of plants, native and otherwise, that are known to be host plants to the butterflies of our region. Of special interest to readers will be the charts that reveal which plants are best suited for different areas.
Favorite or New Plant
Queen's Wreath
Also called purple wreath or sandpaper vine, this verbena relative can tolerate slightly freezing temperatures for brief periods of time. That makes it a great candidate for all parts of our region. Its green leaves are a flat or matte green, its flowers abundant from spring through summer. This vine is vigorous and requires a strong trellis to show off its blue clusters of blooms. After the flower petals fall off, the dusky blue calyx remains. Control growth by pruning, water regularly, and fertilize sparingly once established.
