No one on ArtisTree’s Plantopinions panel doubts the magnificence of Southern magnolia trees. But it's their very magnificence (being impressively large) that can literally get in the way when homeowners plant them too close to their homes. The Southern magnolia, or Magnolia grandiflora, has been called the Clydesdale of magnolia trees,…
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Tropical lookalikes. Top photo features the stately Allamanda. Bottom photo: The irrepressible Mandevilla. So what's the confusion? Allamanda and Mandevilla are basically the same plant, right? No way, and they can't believe you would even say that. If you look past your first immediate impressions -- bright yellow blooms, viney…
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Dioon spinulosum, also known as a Giant dioon, adds a lush "Jurassic Park" feel to Sarasota landscapes. Dioon spinulosum used to be overlooked for those preferring sago palms. But ever since word got out that sagos were susceptible to airborne scale, dioons have moved to the forefront as a reliable…
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Crotons stir up Florida landscapes with a riot of kaleidoscopic colors and nearly 700 cultivars to select from. So it was no small feat for each ArtisTree Plantopinions expert to winnow down their favorites to just one. But they managed, considering cultivars like Funky Jungle Queen, Chili Pan, Mrs. Iceton…
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This Arikury palm claims a small corner of a Sarasota courtyard. Photo source: South Florida Plant Guide. Arikury palms aren’t that well-known, so chances are you’ll ask “What’s that?” when you see one. Their punky, spike-like leaf bases or “boots” are purposely left long to form a distinctive spiral pattern.…
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