PLANT SPECIES
Explore some of the plants showcased in our gardens.
Click the image to browse the photo gallery featuring each species.
Photos: Rosalba Matta Machado
TREES
Known as the flamboyant tree or royal poinciana, this tropical beauty is celebrated for its vivid scarlet blooms that create a dramatic contrast against lush green foliage. Up close, the intricate stamens add a touch of elegance, making it a true statement tree in any landscape.
Native to Madagascar, the royal poinciana is ideal for expansive open spaces. Its vigorous surface roots require strategic placement, as they may interfere with nearby structures and walkways.
Commonly called silver wattle, this striking Australian native displays abundant golden-yellow blossoms paired with soft, silvery-gray foliage. It thrives in full sun and adds year-round texture and seasonal brilliance to the garden.
Frangipani varieties offer blooms in a stunning range of colors. This cultivar, with pristine white petals and a vibrant yellow center, becomes sculptural when it drops its leaves in winter, especially under dramatic lighting.
Frangipani’s intoxicating fragrance and tropical charm make it perfect for warm-climate gardens. In Hawaii, its blossoms are traditionally woven into leis, a timeless gesture of welcome.
The white trumpet tree produces delicate blossoms that transform entire avenues into breathtaking spectacles during its short but intense blooming season, typically from July to August.
Known as pink ipê or pau-d’arco-rosa, this rare Brazilian species boasts an intense yet delicate pink bloom. Native to the Midwest and Northeast of Brazil, it is regarded as one of the country’s most beautiful flowering trees.
Commonly called golden trumpet tree, this beloved species bursts into a dazzling display of gold. As my grandmother Stella once said, “The ipê that was once green, a treasure of the forest, suddenly transforms into a crown of gold.”
SHRUBS
Roses are timeless icons of the garden. Grandiflora varieties combine the beauty of hybrid teas with the abundant blooms of floribundas, making them perfect for both classic and contemporary landscapes.
Known as bigleaf hydrangea, this plant produces countless clustered blooms that form stunning, rounded bouquets. In alkaline soils, the flowers take on shades of pink, adding seasonal color variation to the garden.
Fuchsia shrubs captivate with their pendant, jewel-toned blossoms that bloom nearly year-round. Highly attractive to hummingbirds, they bring movement and vibrancy to shaded and semi-shaded garden areas.
Commonly called golden shrimp plant or lollipop plant, its bright yellow bracts frame delicate white flowers, together forming an irresistible attraction for hummingbirds.
Part of a vast orchid genus, this dendrobium variety thrives when mounted on trees or palms. After blooming, secure it to a trunk with natural twine, and it will root in place. Best grown in filtered light, avoiding direct midday sun.
Also known as English lavender, this species is valued for its aromatic lilac bracts and tiny white flowers. Dried sprigs are often placed in sachets to encourage relaxation and restful sleep. Ideal for sunny borders and sensory gardens.
Commonly called king’s mantle, this fast-growing shrub is excellent for hedging. Reaching up to 2.5 meters in height, it blooms nearly year-round in rich purple hues. Prune early to promote dense, lush branching.
Known as red ginger, this tropical showstopper is ideal for large groupings in partial shade. Its striking red bracts and tall flower spikes provide year-round color with minimal maintenance.
PALM TREES
An exceptionally ornamental palm with striking silvery, fan-shaped leaves. Due to its large size, it should be planted in spacious areas. Native to Madagascar, the Bismarck palm is a bold focal point in tropical landscapes.
Commonly known as king palm, it produces red fruits that attract a variety of bird species. A slender and elegant palm that can reach up to 15 meters in height over many years. Native to Australia.
Known as lady palm, this Asian species thrives in partial shade with lush, evergreen foliage. Its roots can spread aggressively, so it should be planted with care.
Commonly called fishtail palm, this striking ornamental is known for its unique, jagged leaf shape and clusters of attractive fruits. Its bold tropical appearance makes it a standout choice for large gardens and landscape compositions.
GROUNDCOVERS
Native to Africa, this vibrant groundcover thrives in full sun. Its silvery-gray leaves create a striking contrast with its bright blooms, which appear in spring and summer, adding cheerful color to the landscape.
Native to tropical rainforests, this charming groundcover is admired for its vivid red-veined leaves. It adds lush texture and color to shaded or partially shaded areas, making it a popular choice for decorative plantings.
This hardy and versatile creeping plant delights with its tiny, bright yellow flowers that appear in spring and summer. Native to Brazil, it forms a dense, low-growing carpet ideal for groundcover in sunny areas.
A captivating lily variety native to Japan and China, it produces abundant blooms in spring and summer. Perfect for garden beds, it offers long-lasting beauty and vibrant color throughout the warm months.
Blooming year-round, this delicate species features clusters of small lilac flowers with a sweet fragrance. It thrives in planters, hanging baskets, and garden borders, providing continuous charm and color.
CLIMBERS
Delicate clusters of purple flowers appear in winter and spring, creating a charming display over fences and walls. Commonly known as sandpaper vine, it adds texture and beauty to garden structures.
Known as Port St. John’s creeper, this vigorous climber features soft pink, trumpet-shaped flowers and blooms almost year-round. Native to Oceania, it provides abundant shade and is ideal for covering pergolas and trellises.
Known for its cascading masses of pink bracts with tiny white flowers at their peak, this tropical climber creates a spectacular display. Perfect for draping over fences and walls, it adds elegance and color to any garden.
With its vibrant yellow flowers blooming nearly year-round, this showy climber is ideal for adorning fences and walls. Native to Brazil, it brings a tropical touch to gardens. Caution, it is toxic if ingested.