While researching Camellias that will do well in Florida landscapes, I stumbled upon Camellia sinensis (Common name: Tea). Often not recognized as a Camellia, Camellia sinensis is not known for its blooms but rather its leaves. All six major tea types: green, black, oolong, white, yellow, and dark, come from Camellia sinensiss, and will grow in Florida landscapes. The two most common for tea production are Camellia sinensis var. sinensis (China type) and Camellia sinensis var

Recently in our Master Gardener intern class I presented information about the Southern Magnolia tree. During my research, I was intrigued by the history of this beautiful and captivating tree. Magnolias evolved on Earth as far back as 95 million years ago during the Cretaceous period making the Magnolia the first known flowering plant. At this time bees were not in existence, therefore Magnolias evolved to be pollinated by UF/IFAS prehistoric insects. Today we know them as b

Naked Ladies is just one of the names of the lily, Lycoris. Other names are: Surprise lily, Magic lily, Resurrection Lily, and Red Spider lily. The flowers appear on their UF/IFAS own in late summer, just a bare stalk with a beautiful flower on top, no leaves...hence “naked” ladies. Another name is Hurricane lily because the flowers often come up after a good hard rain or a hurricane. Whatever you call them, these lilies are long-living. Many times you can see them in Northwe