LIST OF COMMONORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Aglaonema spp. Plants for partial shade. The simple rule to follow for these slow-growing plants is this: the lighter the variegation, the more light it needs. They have large oval leaves on short stems. Do not expose the Aglaonema to direct sun. It should be planted in a humid area and watered often. A slow-release fertilizer should be given regularly. Aglaonema can be divided during repotting. Small shoots can be potted as individual plants. Aglaonema plants are poisonous due to calcium oxalate crystals. If ingested they cause irritation of the mucous membranes, and the juice can cause skin irritation and painful rash. A. commutatum is native to the Philippines. Aglaonema commutatum ‘Pink Petiole’ Plant for partial shade. This Aglaonema has pinkish leaf stems (leaf stems). It has oblong-elliptical leaves and bears flowers that resemble small greenish-white callas followed by yellow to red berries. It is grown primarily for its foliage. Endemic to the Philippines. Aglaonema commutatum ‘Red Gold’ Plant for partial shade. LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Page 2 Variety unknown Plant for partial shade. pale grey trunk. As can be expected from a native of dry Arabia.Aglaonema commutatum ‘Silver Queen’ Plant for partial shade. It bears trumpet-shaped flowers almost continuously. The plant itself is rounded in shape and is more compact than my other Aglaonemas. It is often used as a decorative pot plant. it does not like too much water and should not be grown in moist places. grows to 1 meter. Adenium obesum. Its leaves are glossy and club-shaped. Aglaonema commutatum. It has a highly toxic sap. The green of the leaves of this plant is much darker than that of the other Aglaonema I have. this succulent plant. It has a swollen. LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Page 3 . Desert Rose. According to Warren. Aglaonema ‘Snow White’ Plant for partial shade. a native of arid Arabia and East Africa. sg) LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Page 4 . it can grow to a height of 6 meters. Infusions of the roots and leaves are used to treat fever. and warmth and humidity. It is easy to grow. The tiny yellow flower balls are fragrant in the evening.parks. they are used to perfume clothes and cigarettes. though they are perhaps better suited to looser. Delta maidenhair. Its upright and bushy growth makes it suitable for use as a hedging plant. and to scent teas. Cinamomo. If allowed to.Adiantum raddianum. well-drained moist soils. Aglaia odorata. this is the kind of plant that becomes an enduring friend. convulsive illnesses and menopausal problems. Cultivated as an ornamental tree or shrub and for its fragrant flowers. Very easyto-grow. Chinese perfume plant. Propagated from semi-ripe stem cuttings. It is tolerant of partial shade but prefers the full sun. Propagation is by cuttings or air layering. Despite its fragile looks. (Photo source: www. The leaves last long in flower arrangements. It flowers several times during the year. Aglaia pinnata. sinamomong sunsong (Tagalog). likes rich. Mock lemon. gov. Dead and damaged fronds should be removed to enable new ones to grow. Introduced to the Philippines from south-eastern Asia. this is a hardy plant under proper growing conditions. dried. In Asia. Origin: tropical and subtropical South America. more ‘natural’ arrangements than to the more formal ones sold by flower shops. The maidenhair likes full shade in a humid area and moist but well-drained soil. Even with little maintenance. but too much pinching removes flower buds which form on new growth. My gardener took some cuttings. it can also be pruned into a free-standing specimen. While it can cover a trellis or clamber over a wall. Alpinia purpurata Red ginger.Allamanda violacea Purple allamanda. is a recent introduction to the Philippines. put them aside overnight and stuck them in the soil the next day. Its bright red bracts cover small white flowers. It is propagated by woody cuttings. my plant has disappeared completely: probably defeated by the strongly-growing raphis among which it had been planted LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Page 5 . my cucharita grew leggy and was fading away under the shade of the palmeras where they had been planted. Althernanthera ficoidea Cucharita (green and white). It likes full sun or partial shade. but grows best when grafted on A. has bigger flowers and is more floriferous (photo on top). All parts of the plant are toxic. Propagated by root division. Regular pinching will keep it in bounds. They have now taken root and were doing well in mid-December 2004. Vine or climbing shrub with year-round 8 cm funnel-shaped flowers that are reddish-purple fading to pink. After nearly two years. According to Madulid. the red ginger. I have two varieties: one is more vigorous than the other. The allamanda grows in full sun. By December 2004. They are still thriving. moist but well-drained soil and requires protection from strong winds. cathartica (Yellow Allamanda). native to the Pacific Islands. Schefflera arboricola (Green Arboricola). Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird of Paradise).plantsrescue. vittata is native to the Bismarck Archipelago in the Solomon Islands. High humidity is essential. (Source: http://www. Avoid planting them too deep to prevent them from rotting. it can rise to 1. The tallest stalks can be trimmed off to keep this plant to a lower size. Also. freshly planted rhizomes need oxygen to grow new roots and will die if the planting medium is too dense or too wet. Alpinia vittata thrives in medium light or filtered direct sunlight.5 meters in height outdoors and has 20 cm long lanceshaped leaves edged and banded from the centre to the margin with cream or white stripes. brown or bleach. The plant should be watered regularly but should be allowed to dry out between waterings. It is recommended to establish the plant in a pot before planting it in garden. A member of the ginger family. A. split and replanted. The rhizomes should be planted as soon as possible. rhizomes should be dug up. Tibouchina heteromalla (Silverleafed Princess Flower) and Agapanthus species. This Alpinia grows vigorously and where they outgrow their allotted space.com/alpinia-vittata/) LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Page 6 . It is moderately drought tolerant when established. A clumping plant. Keeping it in too dark a position will reduce variegation and make the leaves greener. Prolonged direct sunlight can cause foliage to scald. It is a plant of the forest understory which is hot and moist climate all year round.’Macho Fern’ (Macho Fern). It can bear pendulous pink flowers but rarely does so in cultivation. The rhizome should be planted with the top up.Alpinia vittata Plant for moderate light conditions. Brugmansia species (Angel’s Trumpet). no more than 3-4cm under the soil. Nephrolepis biserrata cv. Companion plants: Alpinia vittata makes a striking contrast when planted in along with: Cordyline species. Black-Naped Oriole (Kiyaw.com Attractive to many birds which eat the fruit and the insects living off it. male flowers sessile. LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Page 7 . Yellow-vented Bulbul (Malipago). Photo: www. up to 1 cm long. Fernando). Yellow-Wattled Bulbul and the spectacular Luzon Hornbill (Tarictic). their petioles are stout. female flowers with a small stalk. I have also seen them at a UPLB (University of the Philippines Los Baños) nursery. Description (Madulid. are yellowish-white. and forest birds such as Philippine Bulbul.filipinoheritage.American rose Plant vendors in the Philippines have no idea what the scientific names of these roses are and sell them under the all-enveloping term “American rose” Antidesma bunius. The edible fruit. growing to 10 m tall. Among the birds that have been observed feeding on the tree are: common garden birds like Pied Fantail (Maria Capra). Bignay Have you got a bignay in your garden? Let us know what birds come round to feed on it. Kilyawan). Its glossy 20 cm long leaves are oblong with an acuminate tip and a rounded base. The small flowers. Seedlings are occasionally sold at garden centres and garden shows. Red-keeled Flowerpecker. is deep red to bluish-violet when ripe. about 1 cm in diameter. This is a small to mediumsized tree. in drooping racemes about 10 cm long. A drought-tolerant (and salt-tolerant) plant. it makes a good pot plant and can be used at the foot of taller plants in pots and allowed to climb over the pot rims. up to 15 cm in length. Stringy stems should be removed to promote growth. (Info sources: various interset sites) Artabotrys hexapetalus (L. LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Page 8 .) Bhand Climbing ylang-ylang. Aptenia cordifolia needs full sun and well-drained soil. In addition to its use as ground cover.5 metre woody climber which climbs with a curved hook developed from flower stamens. A native of the coastal plains of South Africa. The leaves. Propagated by seed or ripe cuttings.Aptenia cordifolia Baby Sun Rose. Its leaves are small and thick. An internet source does not recommend the use of fertilizer with this plant. it should be watered only when it is thoroughly dry.f. Described by internet sources as a woody climber with a spiny trunk. Synonym: Artabotrys odoratissimus. purplish red and resemble daisies. turning yellowgreen as they age. It blooms throughout the year and its flowers are 1 in across. Ylang-ylang climber. Needs the full sun to flourish. It reaches a spread of 2 feet or more and a height of 4 to 6 in. Bears fragrant six-petal fleshy flowers that are greeny yellow at first. hara-champa. Main flowering season: summer and the rains. Described by the Web as a 2-3. Also said to bear fleshy yellow berry-like fruit in clusters of up to 25. Can be allowed to become a dense evergreen shrub bearing fragrant light green flowers which turn yellow with age. are dull green. this plant makes an excellent ground cover. Requires abundant moisture and shade for optimum growth. dapong lalaki. The variety that is known as ‘Silver Dust’ in the Philippines has attractive silver-grey leaves and small light purple flowers. pugad lawin. Tolerates a dry spell but does best with frequent watering. LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Page 9 . It is drought resistant and can be pruned quite closely. Epiphytic fern similar to A.) Will adjust to full sun but prefers light shade. dapong babae. pakpak lawin babae. which often sprout in moist areas around the parent plant. Asplenium nidus L Bird’s nest fern.Asplenium musifolium Giant bird’s nest. Atriplex halimus Silver dust. Garden centres say that they can get used to the sun. nidus but with much longer and much wider leaves. Epiphytic fern. (My plant has leaves that are about 170 cm long and 23 cm at their widest point. Propagation is by spores. Mediterranean saltbush. Propagated by spores. I am keeping the two plants I bought. which are typical of the Bauhinia genus. Hongkong Orchid Tree. well-drained soil. It also grows well in acidic soils. It should be pruned regularly when it is young to help create a stronger structure. It will tolerate hot. My supplier told me that this would be a small tree. Requires a stout support on which to grow. The Blakeana is completely sterile and thus requires artificial propagation . exposed positions and dry soils. It can be grown from softwood and semi-hard cuttings.5 cm across in long racemes of up to 40 cm. Some sources say it requires full sun and regular watering. There is apparently strong circumstantial evidence suggesting that all trees of this Bauhinia cultivated today originate from a single ancestor grown in the Hong Kong Botanic Gardens. prefers roots to be in the shade. but internet sources say it grows to a height of 9 meters and a width of 4. The branches can be brittle and may break off. It has large deep rose-red. LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Page 10 .5 meters. 1 at P 1. Propagated by means of woody cuttings or seeds. Likes rich. The flowers can be cut and brought indoors. Flowers age to orange-yellow or golden-yellow before they fade. Some sources say it is semievergreen. orchid-shaped blooms with a touch of white. Certainly too big for the space I had in mind. others state that it is evergreen .500 from Anihan. this vine produces a frequent display of orange and red-orange flowers that can be up to 3.Bauhinia blakeana. Bauhinia kockiana Climbing Bauhinia. and by air-layering. However. A native of the Malaysian jungle. Perhaps in the tropics it doesn’t grow quite as tall as in subtropics? We’ll find out soon enough. no more than 5 feet high. It is a deep-rooted plant so it does not like to be transplanted.as the flowers are so beguiling. Another feature of this tree are the twin-lobed leaves. It is exceptionally long-blooming. Others say that it is an excellent choice for sites that have dry soil or require drought tolerance. pale and hairy underneath. the teeth are long. Propagated from seed and by stem cuttings (these root quite easily and will do so even in water). Brugmansia versicolor ‘Peach’ 1 at P150. Beaumontia grandiflora Easter lily vine. In time.000. Prices can drop to a third during the non-flowering (rainy) season. Has large fragrant white flowers resembling lilies. turning white and then peach as the flowers age. May take 25-50 days to root. and may begin at Pesos 25 for new plants. flaring and recurved. A strong growing climber. The flowers appear on mature plants (about two years old) on year-old wood in trusses particularly during the cool season. Propagation: take cuttings from firm new growth.Bougainvillea Sources of plant: the national road that goes through Bae. this can become a small tree. it can reach 6 m in full sun. I have seen a magnificent specimen selling for P10. Nepal trumpet flower. stick in well-drained soil and mist. apply rooting hormone. LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Page 11 . shaped ones with trunks the size of fists. Requires copious watering and well-drained soil. The large leaves are glossy and dark green on the upper surface. herald’s trumpet. It has oblong smooth-edged leaves and pendulous flowers which are fragrant at night. Laguna is lined with bougainvillea garden centres. They offer young plants as well as old. The corollas are pale yellow at first. Woody vine from the Himalayan tropics. today and tomorrow. Bromeliads 3 plants. birds and butterflies.Brugmansia x candida ‘Double White’. thin woody stems and dark green. up to 5 metres tall. The ororojo does not flower. Flowers are borne on and off throughout the year. they have a smell reminiscent of jasmine with spicy undertones. leathery leaves. Fragrant only after dark. I am told that bromeliads that do not flower will tolerate some sun and that those that bear flowers have to be put in the shade. Fragrant tubular flowers open a rich lavender blue. It has upright. A double-flowered brugmansia. LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Page 12 . The foliage is easily distinguished from those of the other varieties by its soft grey hairs. Flowers well in December and April-May. It has solitary. It likes the sun. The fruit is a marble-sized capsule with 2-10 black seeds. P15. Thought to be a hybrid between Brugmansia aurea and B. the latter will also root in water. but is generally grown as a shrub. It can be propagated from seeds and from stem cuttings. versicolor. creamy-white five-petal flowers (which turn yellow as they age) with tubes up to 5 cm long. and turn pale lavender and then white as they age. From a small nursery in Barangay Maharlika. rich well-composted soil and a warm. It is propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings. Brunfelsia americana Lady of the night. wind-sheltered position. Attractive to bees. with large velvety leaves and pendant hose-in-hose white ruffled flowers with a sweet musky scent. This native of the West Indies can develop into a small tree. It should be watered regularly but not over-watered. Grows to 1 metre. Should be watered regularly. Medium-sized shrub from South America. ‘Flore Pleno’ Double Angel’s Trumpet. Brunfelsia panciflora Yesterday. but will grow in partial shade. Tagaytay. Likes some shade. tolerates the sun. tubers. green with dominant white patches. Its bark is rough and its trunk has a twisting movement. Bucida molinetii Spiny black olive. A perennial that can be used as ground cover. which form in a horizontal zigzag pattern with almost no bottom growth. Caladium humboldtii Plant for the shade (but see also below). Calamba City. corms or bulbs. Bagong Kalsada. tall. It likes the full sun and a moist soil. its flowers are so small as to be insignificant. Leaves are heart-shaped. Its leaves are tiny and while it is a prolific bloomer. Had tiny white flowers in April 2004. Graceful herb to 20 cm. The bucida can grow to 3 m. Its major appeal lies in the growth of its leaves. LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Page 13 . Laguna and the numerous other garden centres that line the Calamba national road (and side roads: Bacnotan Drive). It should be watered regularly but should not be overwatered. Another one of those rare plants that can grow anywhere. Once the branches are formed. It is propagated by dividing rhizones.800. the clip-and-grow method is all that it requires. Possible sources: Josie’s Gardens at RBR Laguna Gardens. Bought tree-sized specimen at P1. Native to Brazil. Suitable for bonsai cultivation. it can grow in partial to full shade as well as in the sun.Bucida spinosa. and is smooth and black when ripe. The leaves are obovate. Canarium ovatum Engl. not wet. the ripe whole fruit can be boiled and the soft thick pulp eaten as a vegetable or salad. asphalt. A sharp blade should be used to separate the rosettes which should then be planted each in its own pot. It bears insignificant flowers. crown flower. varnish. they are grey-green above and have a whitish powder below. and it should be fertilized occasionally with a half-strength solution of liquid fertilizer. The oil from both kernel and pulp is LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Page 14 .) Calotropis gigantea Ivory plant. (Info from several internet sources. Shrub. This tree grows to a height of 35 m. Obtained from Legazpi City.to four-paired. The plant itself can grow to 1 meter. The plant should be divided when there are several rosettes at the base. Plant for the shade. up to 5 cm long. linoleum. The leaves are usually three. are boldly striped in a striking feather-like pattern and are red-purple underneath. with waxy stems which produce a milky sap when cut. ending in a terminal leaflet. plastics and printing inks. Indigenous to the Philippines. Pili. These plants grow in the shaded understory of tropical forests of the Americas and don’t need strong light. The small flowers grow in clusters and the fruit is ovoid. The hard-shelled kernel is the well-known pili nut. When freshly picked. kapal-kapal. It is an ingredient in the manufacture of plasters. lacquers. The resin extracted from the bark is an export product and has both pharmaceutical and industrial uses.Calathea zebrina Calathea Zebra Plant. and are surrounded by a crown of 5 flesh lobes. are about 18 cm long and 12 cm wide. The white flowers grow from the leaf axils. are star shaped. ointments. The Calathea zebrina’s bright green leaves grow on the tips of their stems. Too much and the plant will grow leggy. They can reach a length of 2 feet. sealants. paints. Marcotted.000 fruit at a time. Good light is nevertheless required for the leaves to attain their best colour. to 4 m tall. water and fire proofing. The tree is long-lived (the owners of one tree in the Bicol region claim it is 200 years old) and can bear up to 24. The plant should be kept moist. the cassia is utilized to treat a wide range of ailments from stomach problems. I started out with 60 of these. As a short-lived plant which grows commonly in damp wastelands. Perennial shrub. white or white with red rings. Akapulco. and is useful in soaps. Cassia alata L. Dislikes too much water. LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Page 15 . Easily propagated from seeds. Poisonous. The leaves and sap contain a fungicide (an acid) which is effective against fungal infections such as ringworm. The plant recruits bodyguards against these caterpillars in the form of ants. welldrained location. tends to flop. Height: 30-60 cm. pink. which are attracted to the nectar produced by the “extrafloral nectarines” found near the base of the leaves. the boiled leaves are used to treat high-blood pressure. All in all.considered equal to olive oil in quality and is suitable for culinary uses. In Africa. Vinca rosea. Produces almost continuous display of five-lobed flowers that are dark pink. Attracts butterflies. In South America. an extremely valuable plant. fever. It is the food plant of some butterfly caterpillars. The plant’s other chemical contents enable it to act as a laxative and to expel intestinal parasites. It was introduced to other tropical areas from the Americas and is now widely considered a weed. asthma to snake bite and venereal diseases. Candle bush. Madagascar periwinkle Chichirica. shampoos and lotions. Prefers a sunny. self-seeds freely. The vinca’s flowering life can be prolonged by pruning when the stems grow too lanky and bear fewer flowers. Catharanthus roseus. bikas-bikas. it helps to colonize these areas and pave the way for the regeneration of growth. This attractive but short-lived shrub is named for its flower buds which grow in a column and look like fat yellow candles each complete with a flame. Reed palm. sheltered courtyard or border. May. hence the plant’s name. I started with 6 of these planted along the garden wall. March. I started with nine of these in pots. this is an ideal pot plant and houseplant. The black seeds on dark orange stems make a striking contrast. Chrysalidocarpus lutescens Palmera. It blooms several times a year. It should not be planted near drains or filters as these can get blocked by the slender flowers which fall profusely. This not very pretty shrub grows quite quickly. The small greenish flowers have a powerful fragrance which is released at night. Propagation is by cuttings.Cestrum nocturnum Dama de noche. It has been said to grow quickly to a mature height of 2 m and to seed early. In my garden it has flowered in January. Queen of the Night. LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Page 16 . June. Chamaedorea seifrizii Seifrizii. Pruning to keep its size within bounds seems to encourage it to flower again. It likes shade and can be easily propagated by division. The books say that it should be grown in a shaded. An elegant clump-forming palm with cane-like stems. pomelo. like the leaves. this was populated by about 15 caterpillars. Citrus microcarpa Kalamansi. It sprung a full coat of leaves in April-May. My suha is still only about 50 cm tall and has not fruited. Flowering timidly by mid-January 2005. lime: variegated cultivar. From India to the Malay Peninsula to the Philippines. The fruit is larger than the common kalamansi and. the plant was fruiting quite well by April-May. it is variegated. Citrus maxima Lukban. This plant always keeps its full complement of leaves and is obviously not a favourite of caterpillars. Propagated from seeds or from cuttings. Citrus microcarpa Kalamansi. In mid-January 2005. but it already plays host to the lime butterfly. It is known as a host plant for several species of butterflies: its leaves provide food for caterpillars. by December 2004 there were only a few tiny fruit.Citrus aurantiifolia Dayap. It fruited fairly well for some months since then. LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Page 17 . suha. variegated form. The large paired oval leaves are dark green above. The fruit is ellipsoid and is up to 1. Considered an invasive weed in some countries.5 cm in length. LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Page 18 . The plant blooms intermittently throughout the year. ending in five white spreading petal lobes. Grows in primary forests at low and medium altitudes. opposite and simple with variable margins. I started with 6 of these. The short-lived (they fall in two to three days) white flowers resemble musical notes in the bud and open to small flowers with red stamens. with dense terminal heads of fragrant (often sterile) white-pink-mauve flowers which look like tight nosegays. While it tolerates shade. Propagated by root suckers. This tall shrub or small tree. it prefers sunny locations. Nectar-bearing. each with a narrow pink tube about 7 cm long. It can be invasive and is considered a potential environmental weed in some countries.4 metres tall. musical note shrub. Shrub to 2-3 feet. chinense Shrub. Clerodendrum philippinum. The plant produces numerous seeds and suckers profusely from the roots. I started with 2 of these. reddish purple underneath. is a Philippine native.Clerodendrum macrosiphon Do-re-mi plant. C. growing to a height of 5 m. Indigenous to New Guinea and the Philippines. they are attractive to butterflies. 1. though January-February seems to be a dormant period. Slowly coming into flower in early March 2004. The flowers are produced in large showy clusters around 25 cm in diameter. The leaves are large (6-10 cm long). Thrives in moist and fertile soil.2-2. Clerodendrum quadriloculare Bagawak. LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Page 19 . It is propagated by airlayering or from woody cuttings. Glorybower. It has dark green ovate leaves 7-10 cm long and soft. The leaves consist of five leaflets with short petioles. It likes somewhat dry conditions and at least partial shade. linear.Clerodendrum thomsonae Known as Bleeding Heart in the Philippines. The flowers are described as solitary bright blue flowers with yellow markings on white centres. but came into its own in the drier month of November. A native of West Africa. Clitoria ternatea L. It has clusters of brilliant red flowers surrounded by white inflated calyxes. The flowers are nectar-bearing and are attractive to butterlifes. The pod is flat. this slender woody vine is one of the few flowering vines for the shade. It is propagated from suckers or green wood cuttings. It blooms on and off throughout the year. The flowers should be picked off when faded. I bought 2 plants for P40 from one of the nurseries in Barangay Maharlika. slightly wooden stems. They are borne in great numbers throughout the year. Blue pea vine. which are its most distinctive ornamental feature. It was not too floriferous in the rainy month of July 2003. and the vine should be pruned as needed. Clerodendrum ugandense Blue butterfly. pukinggan. This scandent shrub with pale and dark blue flowers grows tall quite rapidly. green and up to 10 cm long. Tagaytay. I was encouraged to buy several pots of this Cymbidium by an enthusiast who said it blooms frequently. with the leaves crowded at the end of stem. Native to India. Perhaps this is the reason why it has bloomed at least 3 times since its purchase. tropical Africa and Madagascar.Cordyline fruticosa. though they haven’t quite lived up to the promise of frequent blooms. I was looking for flowering plants to brighten up my garden and what she said sounded good to me. which are followed by berry-like fruit. though some prefer the shade. Propagated by stem cuttings. The one in the photograph was the most mature of the lot when I bought them and had the biggest clump. cooler months that follow the rainy season. I have them planted in a border under direct sun and they are fertilized either with urea (to encourage leaf growth) and Osmocote or Complete (to encourage flowering). and this month’s flowers are particularly large. Several cultivars of varied leaf sizes. Most need the sun to develop their full leaf colours. my plants continue to look healthy. Shrub to 90 cm tall. unbranched stem. Five months after purchase. Cymbidium Enzan Delight 'Fluorish' Tentative ID: Cymbidium Enzan Delight 'Fluorish'. LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Page 20 . It bears flowers in panicles from the leaf cluster. Crossandra infundibuliformis Common crossandra. A hybrid orchid with all-yellow flowers patented in Korea. Recently introduced to the Philippines. multiplies rapidly and is very easy to care for. The colours become more intense during the drier. shapes and colours have recently been introduced to the Philippines. Cordyline terminalis It has a single. The yellow-orange flowers are nectar-bearing and are attractive to butterflies. It is drought-tolerant but it needs consistently moist soil during its first growing season. which means that it produces offshoots and grows as a clump of slender trunks.Cymbopogon citratus Lemon grass. This helps it establish the strong. (Idea for planting: combine with bromeliads with a touch of red in their leaves) Danella tasmanica ‘Variegata’ Variegated Flax Lily. compound panicles with loose slender branches. This is a variegated evergreen with strappy leaves that are yellow-edged with green central panels. so water it slowly to a depth LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Page 21 . Tentative ID.8 m. the flax lily probably is as well. deep root system that allows it to tolerate drought conditions later in its life. It has bright red leaf sheaths. It bears small blue flowers which give rise to blue berries. If other plants in the garden are experiencing drought stress. Rises to about 6 m. it does best when it receives full or partial sun for most of the day. I have both the Philippine and the Thai varieties. sealing wax palm. Both are clump-forming grasses that grow to 1. water it only during periods of extreme drought. In its second and subsequent seasons. which appear down nearly the full length of the trunks as well as along the leaf stalk. Cyrtostachy renda Red palm. tanglad. Madulid and internet sources give both varieties the same scientific name. Propagation by offshoots. To me the Thai variety has the more delicate scent and flavour. Although it grows well when planted in shady locations. They are propagated by division and are said to be native to Sri Lanka and southern India. The leaves are stiff and feather-shaped. each with its own crown of leaves. It grows from 1 to 3 feet tall with equal spread. This is a medium-sized tufted palm. Too much water will make it susceptible to scale and other pests. The red palm is said to be easy to grow provided it gets a lot of water and the full sun. Their flowers are large. and a fully grown clump is not too large for a small garden. AOS says they should be potted in porus. often referred to as canes because they are upright and leafy. lacquers. Australia. Indigenous to the Philippines. plastics and printing inks. varnish. and a shovel driven through its root ball. They are epiphytes or air plants with well-developed water-storage organs (pseudobulbs). ending in a terminal leaflet.of 10 inches.) Dendrobium According to the American Orchid Society (AOS). these are the most common orchids in the retail trade. (Info from various internet sources. paints. and is smooth and black when ripe. It should be dug up.000 fruit at a time. asphalt. up to 5 cm long. Canarium ovatum Engl. but Dendrobium phalaenopsis varieties are the most frequently encountered. This tree grows to a height of 35 m. The hard-shelled kernel is the well-known pili nut. The tree is long-lived (the owners of one tree in the Bicol region claim it is 200 years old) and can bear up to 24. Obtained from Legazpi City. The oil from both kernel and pulp is considered equal to olive oil in quality and is suitable for culinary uses. It should be fertilized montly during the growing season. When freshly picked. sealants. linoleum. water and fire proofing. The flowers of these varieties resemble those of the Phalaenopsis or moth orchids.to four-paired. It is propagated by dividing up established plants. There are many types of denrobiums. It is an ingredient in the manufacture of plasters. The small flowers grow in clusters and the fruit is ovoid. The plant is native to Tasmania. The leaves are usually three. LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Page 22 . The resin extracted from the bark is an export product and has both pharmaceutical and industrial uses. free-draining media. Marcotted. ointments. Pili. the ripe whole fruit can be boiled and the soft thick pulp eaten as a vegetable or salad. Fuzzy young stems twine around supports eventually scrambling to heights up to 3. It likes filtered light and moist-well drained soil. Mandevilla sanderi. Its bilabiate flowers are pale red to crimson. Dipladenia (Mandevilla) splendens.5 metres from underground stems. lightly banded with silver and with a purplish-blue wash underneath. Its leaves are dark green. Origin: south-eastern Brazil. boliviensis Family: Apocynaceae. Propagated from cuttings. which can multiply to alarming proportions if left unchecked) and fast growing. Dipladenia sanderi. Its large terminal clusters of flowers are dark blue-mauve with white and yellow centres.5 meters.Dianthera candicans Pink candy justicia. The flowers have gold throats and are up to 10 cm across. Blooms heaviest in the hottest months and sporadically throughout the rest of the year. this is not a ginger but a spiderwort. According to Warren. LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Page 23 . Dischorisandra thrysiflora Blue ginger. A tender woody vine which provides a non-stop bounty of huge white (also pink) trumpet-shaped flowers in clusters. Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested. This native of Mexico is a climbing shrub with lanceolate. It has cane-like. the Dipladenia is pest free (except for aphids. It is propagated from tip cuttings or by root division. dark green leaves. jointed stalks rising to about 1. Origin: tropical America. M. I have lost this plant. up to 20 cm long and 7 to 10 cm wide. with the lower lip divided into three segments. The handsome leathery leaves are dark green. Given adequate care. Unbranched or rarely branched plant. Can become a small tree. Recently introduced to the Philippines. The ‘Tricolor’ has in addition white or yellowish stripes along the green centre. Dracaena reflexa ‘Song of India´ 1 at P700. Dracaena reflexa Lam. 1 at P2.Dracaena australis. It bears numerous panicles of small white fragrant flowers. leathery. LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Page 24 . Propagated from stem cuttings or from seeds. Its predominantly green leaves have a red-purple stripe running along the outer edges. unlike palms. ‘Song of Thailand’ Similar to Song of India. It has narrow dark green leaves with bright yellow margins. It prefers lightly shady to shady conditions. Native to Madagascar. Slow growing. however. but the leaves have light cream to white stripes. Propagated from stem cuttings and by division. A recent introduction to the Philippines. Thrives in sunlight and well-drained soil. Needs to be watered regularly as the soil must be kept moist. False yucca. Dracaena marginata ‘Tricolor’ 6 at P100. The Reflexa bears white flowers once annually. it has many branches high up on the trunk. Cordyline australis Yucca. This is a multi-trunk or clumping shrub. and are borne in tufts at the ends of branches. giving the plant an overall greenish-gold colour. which are followed by berries. Propagated from stem cuttings.000. up to 90 cm long and 5 cm wide. The leaves are sword-shaped. Palm-like tree to 8 m. although its stems are weak and may require support to keep the plant from sprawling. hence its name. This native of New Zealand was given the name “cabbage tree” by early settlers who used its inner leaves and stems as a cooked or raw vegetable. 7 given by Belle. with a slender trunk and 60 cm long narrow leaves which taper to a point. the crape jasmine nevertheless responds well to the application of fertilizer. It flowers continuously throughout the year. Crape jasmine. Sky flowers. long thin leaflets. 10 at P75. Not particular about soil. Chrysalidocarpus madagascariensis Becc. They have a gentle perfume which is best enjoyed in the evening – the heat vaporizes the scent during the day. 1 at P200. A handsome. Beautifully shaped shrub which forms mounds that can be 2 m high. with a thick. the flowers are attractive to butterflies. The branches tend to grow almost parallel to the ground. Ervatamia divaricata. Pinwheel flower. it grows fairly rapidly. Nectar-filled. Once started. It grows in sun or partial shade and tends to be more compact in the sun. closely ringed grey trunk. and can be propagated from seeds. The duranta can be grown as a shrub which can arch to 25 feet. and slightly plumose leaves. LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Page 25 . Native to India. it requires frequent pruning to keep in shape. mediumsized solitary palm (there is also a clumping form). to about 15m. It should be pruned lightly to maintain its form. The waxy blossoms are white five-petal pinwheels which are borne profusely throughout the year.Duranta repens Golden dewdrop (the name comes from the bright orangeyellow berries that follow the flowers). it can also be grown as a tree. Propagated from seeds and cuttings. Dypsis madagascariensis lucubensis. Tabernaemontana divaricata Pandacaqui (in the Philippines). Madagascar palm. Its large shiny leaves are deep green and are 15 cm or more in length and about 5 cm wide. It has a tristichous leaf arrangement. giving the shrub an attractive horizontal aspect. Needs full sun and regular watering. It should be watered during dry periods and requires good drainage. Either way. It likes the full sun and frequent deep watering. Pigeon berry. It is easy to root from cuttings. double flowers. The flower torches. My plant cost P1. well-drained soil. Belonging to family of the Zingeberaceae and a native of tropical Asia.000. It self-seeds freely. 3 small at P80. A medium-sized tree (to 4 m) native to Brazil. It LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Page 26 . and it is said to bloom best after a period of drought. before the bracts begin to open. and trifoliate leaves with backward-pointing prickles along the stem. and is propagated easily from seeds. semi-hard wood cuttings and by marcotting. the branch should be cut below the borer as soon as an infestation becomes visible. The most common form has bright red flowers. Erythrina crista-galli Cockspur coral tree. More troublesome is a boring insect which enters at branch tips.Ervatamia divaricata ‘Flore Pleno’ Butterfly gardenia. It blooms frequently but not as profusely as the crape jasmine. It likes the full sun and rich. there is a form with pink flowers. Etlingera elatior Torch ginger. It bears flowers in waves throughout the year. Both can be grown as potted plants as they respond well to pruning. In some countries it develops galls. also emerge from the ground on long stalks. with plenty of water and protection from strong winds. It should be pruned hard immediately after flowering to produce flowering stems for the following season. E. The flower heads are eaten raw in Malaysia. Growing from underground rhizomes. its tall leafstalks can reach a height of 4-5 m. The torch ginger likes full sun or light shade and rich. elatior is one of the most beautiful of flowering tropical plants. well drained soil. 1 large at P600. The ‘Flore Pleno’ has the same cultural requirements as the crape jasmine. but these do not seem to harm the tree. This cultivar has white. The Erythrina will eventually develop a gnarled trunk. All plant parts are poisonous. rising to about 1 m. the Erythrina has long drooping sprays of coral red flowers at branch ends. as are the young shoots and fruits. millii started in Thailand and China around 1990. Although it needs moist soil for best growth. Various hybrids of the plant have been produced offering larger. It can be propagated by cuttings. very well draining potting mix. The hybridization of E. Flowering is usually prolific and showy. but it will also grow in light shade. Brightly coloured bracts (modified leaves) resemble petals and give the crown of thorns its colourful appeal. It is deepLIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Page 27 . whether yellow or pink. and attractive soft greygreen leaves. The Etlingera is a perennial and can be harvested continuously with low labour input. I have not followed this advice where I live and manage to grow new plants from cuttings nonetheless. It has green leaves and either yellow. with the individual flowers lasting only one day and closing in the early evening hours as well as on overcast days. (Info obtained from internet sources. It is said that they believe that when the plant produces 8 flowers in an inflorescence. over-watering can cause fungal problems. It is a ground cover with clear blue flowers on the tips of trailing stems. Euphorbia milii Euphorbia milii and hybrids. It is also salt-tolerant. they will be lucky. The sap of this plant can be a skin irritant. The plant has a high drought tolerance. The plant has thorns. Some advise that the cutting should be allowed to dry for three to four days until the cut end has callused over. A dip in rooting compound containing a fungicide is also recommended before placing the cutting in a slightly moist. The Chinese grow E. Euphorbia milii is a slowgrowing evergreen succulent shrub which can attain a height of two feet. red or pink flowers.produces high yields of shoots with low levels of fertilizer. millii as a plant of fortune.) Evolvulus glomeratus ‘Blue Daze’ The ‘Blue Daze’ belongs to the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae). while the true flowers of the plant are small and unobtrusive. different color bracts. The ‘Blue Daze’ persists for many years in sunny locations. Like other members of the Euphorbia family. Excoecaria cochinchinensis Chinese croton. it will tend to be somewhat drought tolerant. Its stems take root where they touch the ground. It is propagated from stem cuttings. the sap of the Chinese croton is poisonous. sunny places and rich soil. The ‘Blue Daze’ is a moderate to heavy feeder. but it will die if it is kept too dry.rooted and. this is a native of China and Japan. it can grow well in coastal gardens. My plants have leaves that are variegated pale green and off-white on top and bright lacquer red underneath. It is propagated from softwood stem cuttings or from seeds. According to Madulid. Called Picara in the Philippines. LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Page 28 . It prefers open. I started out with 6 of these. It is a low-growing shrub (to 1 m) with arching stems. and requires constant watering. once established. As it is tolerant of salt. and rooted stems can be separated from the main plant. 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