Heavy-Bearing Passionfruit Vine with Exotic Sweet-Tart Flavor
Passiflora ‘Bounty’ is a vigorous, fruiting passionflower vine selected for its abundant yields, large purple fruit, and bold tropical flavor. Its striking fringed flowers light up the garden while drawing in bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and the round, aromatic fruits split naturally when perfectly ripe. With its reliable productivity and stunning looks, ‘Bounty’ is as rewarding for pollinators as it is for people.
Across Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, passionfruit (maracuyá, lilikoi, grenadille) has long been cherished for its bold flavor and nutritional richness. The golden pulp of ‘Bounty’ passionfruit is perfect for eating fresh with a spoon, blending into smoothies and juices, or transforming into tropical desserts, sauces, sorbets, and cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, passionflower vines also carry traditional use in calming teas and natural remedies, adding layers of meaning to this already extraordinary plant.
Why Grow Passiflora ‘Bounty’?
Produces heavy yields of large, sweet-tart purple passionfruits
Gorgeous ornamental flowers attract pollinators and wildlife
Self-fertile, fast-growing, and perfect for fences, trellises, or arbors
Begins producing fruit within 1–2 years from planting
Great for fresh eating, juicing, smoothies, or desserts
Growing Tips
Plant Passiflora ‘Bounty’ in full sun and well-drained soil. Provide a strong trellis or fence for climbing, as vines can grow rapidly. Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and fruiting. Mulch to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Prune lightly after fruiting to manage size and encourage new growth. Hardy in USDA Zones 9–11; in cooler climates, grow in containers and overwinter indoors.
Beijing Grass is an exotic medicinal herb that comes from the Spiderwort family of plants. Although it's rare and hard to find, Beijing Grass actually grows very easily. It's a low-lying grassy perennial ground cover that grows and spreads very quickly. Plant in the ground or in pots! Beijing grass can be overwintered easily indoors. The smooth green leaves are about 3 to 6 inches long, and can be eaten raw, cooked or juiced.
Beijing Grass has been an important healing herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. It helps to support and strengthen the immune system, detoxify the body, and aid in respiratory healing. It is an effective anti-inflammatory, is rich in flavonoids, syringic acid, and glycosphingolipids (G1B) which prevent free radicals and work to inhibit cancerous cells.
Panama Red Passion Fruit is an evergreen climbing vine native to South America which is beloved for its vigorous growing habits. A large red fruiting variety of the Passifloraceae, the Panama Red Passion Fruit is related to the Yellow Passion Fruit and Purple Possum Passion Fruit and weaves delicate green vines covered in serrated, deeply-lobed leaves. Due to its heat resistant qualities, heavy productivity and easy maintenance, the fast-growing Panama Red Passion Fruit is considered a coveted variety.
The Passion Fruit family is well known for bearing incredible, alien flowers with thin purple corona filaments above waxy white petals. These highly aromatic flowers mature to reddish-purple fruits, speckled in white dots- very beautiful and sweeter than other varieties. Many enjoy the tangy fruit out of hand or add it to smoothies, sauces or desserts.
Iboza, also known as Incense Bush, scientifically known as Tetradenia riparia or Iboza riparia, is a robust and aromatic semi-evergreen shrub hailing from the highlands of South Africa. Renowned for its lush, velvety foliage and striking floral display, Iboza grows vigorously, forming dense clusters of leaves that are both visually pleasing and highly fragrant.
The leaves of Iboza are broad, slightly serrated, and covered in soft hairs, giving them a unique texture. When crushed, they release a strong, spicy aroma reminiscent of nutmeg, making this plant a favorite among those who appreciate fragrant gardens. During the cooler months of late winter to early spring, Iboza produces profuse clusters of tiny, delicate flowers. These blooms range in color from white to pale lavender and attract an array of pollinators, adding ecological value to its ornamental appeal.
In addition to its aesthetic attributes, Iboza is revered in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. It has been used historically to treat a range of ailments, from colds and flu to headaches and digestive issues. The plant’s essential oils are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which contribute to its medicinal use.
The name Iboza is derived from the Zulu word referring to the aromatic leaves. The Zulu culture of Southern Africa have used this plant for centuries to relieve respiratory issues, stomach aches and headaches, through simply crushing and inhaling the leaves or making a tea from them.
The creeping annual herb Bhringraj is a member of the Asteraceae family, or daisy family, along with Electric Daisies and Earth Apples.
Also called the False Daisy and Bhringoraj, the Indian native shoots quick-growing hairy leaves in muddy flats which Ayurvedic medicine uses to remedy inflammation, hair growth, liver detox, and respiratory disorders. This supposed health benefit is thanks to the bitter, pungent leaves’ alkaloid ecliptine properties.
You’ll find Bhringraj in full bloom throughout late summer and early fall, growing easily in a container put in full sun or part shade. Growing up to 3 ft. tall, the herb grows long stalks with small, white flowers. Extract the leaves’ oil for hair growth application, or juice the leaves for stimulating digestive fire and liver detoxification!
Fragrant, Hardy Florida Native
Common Names: Simpson's Stopper, Twinberry, NakedwoodFamily: MyrtaceaeOrigin: Southeastern United States, Caribbean
Simpson's Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans) is a versatile, evergreen shrub or small tree native to Florida and the Caribbean. It is highly valued for its fragrant flowers, attractive foliage, and ability to thrive in a variety of soil types and climates. Known for its dense, glossy green leaves and small white flowers that bloom in spring and summer, Simpson’s Stopper is a favorite among native plant enthusiasts, pollinators, and wildlife. It produces small, bright orange to red berries that attract birds and other wildlife. This low-maintenance, hardy plant is often used for hedges, privacy screens, or as an ornamental feature in landscapes.
Distinctive Features, Uses, and Ornamental Value
Flowers: Simpson’s Stopper produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters during the spring and summer months. These flowers are highly attractive to pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Fruits: The plant produces small, round, orange to red berries that are edible and enjoyed by birds and other wildlife. These berries can be used to make jellies and preserves but are more commonly left for wildlife to enjoy.
Foliage: The glossy, dark green leaves are aromatic when crushed, releasing a pleasant fragrance that adds to the plant’s ornamental appeal. The dense foliage makes it an excellent choice for hedging or screening.
Growth Habit: Simpson's Stopper grows as a dense, compact shrub or small tree, typically reaching 10-20 feet in height. It is slow-growing but very long-lived, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes.
Ornamental and Environmental Uses
Simpson's Stopper is widely used in Florida and other warm climates as an ornamental plant in native gardens, hedges, and privacy screens. Its dense growth and fragrant foliage make it a popular choice for garden borders and formal landscapes. In addition to its ornamental uses, Simpson’s Stopper provides important environmental benefits, such as attracting pollinators with its fragrant flowers and providing food for birds with its berries.
The plant is highly drought-tolerant once established and is salt-tolerant, making it suitable for coastal gardens. It is also resistant to most pests and diseases, making it an easy-care choice for gardeners looking to create a natural, wildlife-friendly environment.
Simpson's Stopper is a fruiting shrub or small tree native to Florida, among other exotic locales like the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America, all the way south through Colombia and Venezuela. It is a member of the Eucalyptus family and produces springtime flowers, colorful berries, and fragrant evergreen leaves.
The leaves have a warm nostalgic fall-like aroma when crushed - think spicey cinnamon and citrus. The showy white flowers are also very fragrant and are followed by red-orange berries in mid-summer and early fall. While these berries are edible and the fast-growing shrub is heavily utilized as a popular landscaping hedge, the plants are not often grown for the citrusy flavored berry - yet. I'll admit that the flavor and texture won't absolutely knock your socks off, but it's not unpalatable by any means and it really is a beautiful and useful native shrub. We love the look, texture, fragrance, and pop of color that growing Simpon's Stopper adds to our edible landscape!
Chipilin is a beautiful perennial or annual legume native to Central America and Southern Mexico. Chipilin is cultivated for it's edible foliage. Chipilin plants are typically grown as a annuals in the seasonal garden.
The leaves are grown, harvested, and prepared as a leafy vegetable in the local cuisines of Chiapas, Oaxaca, Tobasco, El Salvador, and Guatemala. The leaves are high in iron, calcium, beta carotene, and magnesium. They can be boiled and served green, dried and used as an herb, or added to tamale dough for color and flavor.
Common names include Chepil, Chepilin, Chipilin and Longbeak Rattlebox.
The Pygmy Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii), native to Southeast Asia, is a compact and elegant palm that typically reaches heights of 6-12 feet. It features feathery, arching fronds and a slender trunk, making it perfect for small gardens, patios, and indoor spaces. The lush, green foliage creates a tropical ambiance, and the plant produces small, black dates. While these dates are edible, they are not commonly consumed due to their small size and minimal flesh, but they do add an ornamental touch to the plant.
This palm thrives in tropical and subtropical climates but can tolerate mild frost. It prefers well-draining soil and adapts well to various soil types, from sandy to loamy. Regular watering is essential, especially during the establishment phase, although mature plants can tolerate some drought. The Pygmy Date Palm enjoys full sun to partial shade, and indoor plants should be placed near bright windows to receive adequate light. Minimal pruning is required, mainly to remove dead or yellowing fronds, and care should be taken to avoid the sharp spines near the frond bases. Applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season will promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
Aloe Vera is a healing, perennial succulent native to Africa and the Middle East that stands out with its captivating, fleshy foliage that can reach 1-2 ft and its majestic flower spikes that soar to 4 ft! During summer's warm months, it blooms red and orange flowers that beckon hummingbirds and other pollinators. This fast-growing plant spreads through its base pups, making it a great medicinal ornamental and beautiful hardy ground cover.
It grows best in full sun or part shade and in loose, sandy or rocky, fast-draining soils; indoor plants are best in a cactus soil mix. Water regularly in the first growing season to establish a root system; drought tolerant once established. Aloe's succulent foliage can be harvested year-round.
Iconic, Hardy State Tree of Florida
Common Names: Sabal Palm, Cabbage Palm, Palmetto Tree, Sabal Palmetto, Cabbage PalmettoFamily: ArecaceaeOrigin: Southeastern United States (Florida, Georgia, South Carolina), the Caribbean
The Sabal Palm (Sabal palmetto), also known as the Cabbage Palm, is an iconic tree of the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida, where it serves as the state tree. This hardy palm is well-known for its resilience to salt, wind, drought, and even brief periods of flooding, making it an excellent choice for coastal landscapes and urban settings. The Sabal Palm is an evergreen, fan-leaved palm that can grow up to 40-50 feet tall, providing shade, beauty, and habitat for wildlife. The tree also has a long history of use in traditional medicine and food, with its edible "heart" known as the "cabbage" being a prized delicacy in some cultures.
Distinctive Features, Uses, and Historical Value
Foliage: The Sabal Palm features fan-shaped, deeply cut fronds that can grow up to 6 feet long. These fronds create a lush, full canopy that adds a tropical feel to any landscape.
Trunk: The trunk is often covered with the remnants of old leaf bases (known as "boots") unless they are removed for a smooth look. Over time, the trunk develops a unique texture that adds character to the tree.
Flowers and Fruit: The tree produces small, creamy-white flowers in the summer, followed by dark, pea-sized fruits that attract birds and wildlife.
Cabbage Heart: The edible "heart" of the Sabal Palm is known as the "cabbage," traditionally harvested and eaten in salads or cooked dishes, though removing the heart can kill the tree. Historically, indigenous peoples and early settlers used the Sabal Palm for food, medicine, and building materials.
Ornamental and Practical Uses
Sabal Palms are highly valued in landscaping due to their ability to tolerate a wide range of conditions, including high winds, salt spray, and drought, making them ideal for coastal areas and urban environments. Their tall, stately appearance adds elegance to gardens, parks, and cityscapes. Additionally, the tree provides habitat and food for various wildlife species, including birds and insects. While the "cabbage" heart is edible, harvesting it requires cutting down the tree, making it less commonly used today.
Hardy, Fruit-Bearing Ornamental Palm
Common Names: Jelly Palm, Pindo Palm, Wine PalmFamily: ArecaceaeOrigin: South America (Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina)
The Jelly Palm (Butia capitata), also known as the Pindo Palm or Wine Palm, is a hardy, slow-growing palm tree native to South America. Known for its arching, feathery fronds and its delicious, sweet-tart fruit, the Jelly Palm is both an ornamental and a productive fruit-bearing tree. The tree produces clusters of small, orange-yellow fruits that taste like loquats and can be eaten fresh or used to make jellies, jams, and wine, hence its common name. Adaptable to a range of climates, the Jelly Palm is tolerant of cold temperatures, making it a great addition to gardens in temperate regions.
Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value
Fruits: The Jelly Palm produces clusters of round, orange to yellow fruits that have a sweet and tangy flavor, similar to pineapple and apricot. These fruits can be eaten fresh, used in preserves, or fermented to make wine. The fruits are rich in vitamins A and C and are known for their refreshing taste.
Foliage: The palm has long, feathery, bluish-green fronds that arch gracefully from a stout trunk, adding a tropical touch to landscapes. The fronds can reach up to 10 feet long.
Growth Habit: Jelly Palm grows as a slow-growing, clumping palm that can reach 10-20 feet tall. It has a rounded crown, making it ideal for ornamental use in gardens and landscapes.
Culinary and Ornamental Uses
The fruits of the Jelly Palm are highly valued for their sweet-tart flavor, often used to make jelly, jam, and even wine. The fruit is also enjoyed fresh, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Beyond its edible fruit, the palm is prized for its ornamental appeal, with its arching fronds and sturdy trunk providing an exotic look to any garden or landscape.
Golden-Skinned Classic with Honey-Sweet, Low-Acid Flesh
Kadota Fig is one of the most beloved and widely grown fig varieties, treasured for its golden-green skin, amber flesh, and smooth, honey-like flavor. Native to the Mediterranean and brought to California by early growers, Kadota is a reliable, heavy-bearing tree that thrives in warm, sunny climates. The fruit is less acidic than many other figs, making it one of the sweetest and mildest varieties—perfect for fresh eating, drying, or turning into classic fig jams. With its lush green leaves and consistent productivity, Kadota is a timeless addition to orchards, food forests, and edible landscapes.
Why You'll Love It:
Produces large crops of golden-green figs with amber, honey-sweet flesh
Low-acid, mild flavor ideal for fresh eating and preserves
Heavy-bearing and dependable once established
Excellent for drying, canning, and making fig jams
Attractive tree with broad leaves and ornamental appeal
Growing Tips:
Plant Kadota Fig in full sun with well-drained soil. Figs are drought-tolerant once established but will produce more and sweeter fruit with regular deep watering. Prune in late winter to encourage airflow and maintain shape. Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Best suited for USDA Zones 8–10, but can be grown in containers and overwintered in colder climates. Expect fruit within 1–2 years from planting grafted or rooted cuttings.
A Pollinator Magnet and Resilient Wildflower
Bidens alba, commonly known as Shepherd's Needle, Spanish Needles, Beggarticks, or Butterfly Needles, is a hardy, fast-growing wildflower native to Florida and much of the Americas. Beloved by pollinators, its bright white daisy-like flowers with yellow centers bloom nearly year-round in warm climates, providing nectar for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
This versatile perennial or self-seeding annual thrives in full sun and a range of soil types, from poor sandy soils to fertile garden beds. It typically grows 1-4 feet tall and spreads quickly, making it ideal for naturalizing, erosion control, or wildflower gardens. The plant is drought-tolerant once established and can be easily propagated from seeds, which cling to clothing and fur for easy dispersal. It also has edible and medicinal uses—its young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, and it has traditional applications in herbal remedies.
Bidens alba is an essential plant for supporting biodiversity while adding charm to your garden or landscape. Let its cheerful blooms and ecological benefits inspire your next gardening project!
Cold-Hardy, Sweet-Fleshed Fig with Lush, Juicy Fruit
The Olympian Fig (Ficus carica 'Olympian') is a cold-tolerant and exceptionally sweet fig variety bred for performance in cooler climates—yet lush and productive enough to thrive in warmer zones, too. Discovered in Washington state, Olympian produces large, violet-skinned figs with rosy, sugary flesh that’s soft, juicy, and full of flavor.
These figs are excellent for fresh eating, but they also hold up beautifully for drying, canning, and desserts. The tree begins fruiting very early in life, often within the first year or two, and may produce two crops annually in warmer regions.
With its vigorous growth, high yields, and cold hardiness down to 0°F, Olympian is an ideal fig for growers in Zones 6–10—including those in the Southeast, Pacific Northwest, or inland gardens where many other figs struggle. It’s also self-fertile, easy to care for, and adaptable to containers or in-ground planting.
Whimsical Blooms That Pop with Beauty and Medicinal Power
Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus), also called Chinese Bellflower or Doraji, is a cold-hardy perennial herb known for its puffy, balloon-like buds that burst open into stunning star-shaped blue-violet flowers. Native to East Asia and used in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine, it’s as healing as it is ornamental—especially cherished for its soothing root, used to support lung health, coughs, and inflammation.
This low-maintenance plant thrives in sunny garden beds and borders, adding dreamy vertical interest and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its edible root can be prepared like a vegetable or dried for teas and tinctures. Balloon Flower is a perfect fit for medicinal herb gardens, pollinator plots, and cottage-style borders.
Why You'll Love It:
Unique balloon-like buds burst into stunning blue-violet stars
Medicinal root used in teas, soups, and herbal formulas
Cold-hardy, perennial, and easy to grow
Attracts bees and butterflies to your garden
Perfect for cottage gardens, herbal borders, and pollinator beds
Growing Tips:
Plant in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil
Avoid disturbing the roots once established—Balloon Flower doesn’t like to be moved
Water regularly but don’t overwater—roots may rot in soggy soil
Cut back stems after flowering to encourage more blooms and tidy growth
Harvest roots in fall after 1–2 years for medicinal use
lavorful, Award-Winning Variety
Common Names: Pomegranate 'Parfianka'Family: LythraceaeOrigin: Central Asia (Uzbekistan)
Pomegranate 'Parfianka' (Punica granatum) is an award-winning variety known for its exceptional flavor, juicy arils, and excellent balance of sweetness and tartness. Originally from Uzbekistan, this variety is celebrated for producing large, bright red fruits with soft, edible seeds and a rich, complex taste that is often considered one of the best among pomegranate cultivars. The tree is hardy and drought-tolerant, making it ideal for a wide range of growing conditions, from temperate to subtropical climates. ‘Parfianka’ is a top choice for gardeners looking for a productive, flavorful, and easy-to-grow pomegranate variety.
Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value
Fruits: The ‘Parfianka’ pomegranate produces large, round fruits with bright red skin and arils. The arils (seeds) are deep red and offer a sweet-tart flavor with a perfect balance of richness and acidity. The seeds are relatively soft, making the fruit easy to eat and versatile for both fresh consumption and juicing. Like all pomegranates, 'Parfianka' is packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and potassium, supporting immune health and overall wellness.
Foliage: The tree features glossy, lance-shaped green leaves, providing an attractive appearance throughout the growing season. In spring, it blooms with striking red-orange flowers, adding ornamental value to any garden.
Growth Habit: 'Parfianka' is a deciduous shrub or small tree that grows up to 10-12 feet tall and wide. Its compact size and hardy nature make it an excellent choice for both home gardens and commercial orchards.
Culinary and Ornamental Uses
The sweet-tart arils of the 'Parfianka' pomegranate are perfect for fresh eating, juicing, or adding to salads, desserts, and beverages. The fruit’s complex flavor and soft seeds make it one of the most sought-after varieties for culinary use. In addition to its edible value, the tree is highly ornamental, with its bright flowers and glossy leaves enhancing any landscape or garden.
Lemon Bergamot is a culinary and medicinal herb, native to the United States and Mexico that blooms in the late spring and early summer. Its 3-foot stem is covered in dense purple whorls, attracting butterflies, hummingbirds, and herbalists to the garden, while its lemon-scented leaves add a subtle, fresh scent. Bergamot can be grown year-round as a perennial or as an annual in colder climates.
Mentha Requienii is a member of the mint family of plants and commonly referred to as Corsican Mint. It is a very fragrant, hearty and fast-growing perennial that is perfect as a ground cover. It features bright green leaves and the iconic square stem of mints. It is known for having a strong minty-sage aroma, which is why it is frequently used in the culinary capacity for flavoring. This mint is native to Corsica, Italy and Sardinia, but has been naturalized in similar environments elsewhere.
Corsican Mint is low growing and likes partial shade with moist soil. Drying out the plant between watering will help increase the hardiness of the plant, as well as essential oil production. This results in a stronger and more flavorful herb!
Hardy, Native Florida Shrub
Common Names: White Berry Stopper, Spanish Stopper, TwinberryFamily: MyrtaceaeOrigin: Florida, the Caribbean, Central America
White Berry Stopper (Eugenia axillaris) is a versatile, evergreen shrub or small tree native to Florida and the Caribbean, known for its attractive, fragrant leaves and small white berries. This drought-tolerant, hardy plant is ideal for use in coastal and subtropical gardens. The tree provides excellent wildlife value, as its fruits attract birds and other wildlife, and its dense, multi-stemmed growth habit offers good cover. White Berry Stopper is also prized for its ornamental appeal, with its glossy, dark green leaves, delicate white flowers, and small white berries, making it a popular choice for native landscaping and privacy hedges.
Distinctive Features, Uses, and Ecological Value
Fruits: The tree produces small, white to pale yellow berries, each about the size of a pea. Though the berries are edible, they are mildly sweet and more commonly consumed by birds and other wildlife rather than humans. The berries play an important role in supporting local ecosystems by providing food for a variety of native animals.
Foliage: White Berry Stopper has small, glossy, dark green leaves that are aromatic when crushed. The foliage is dense, creating an attractive, lush appearance year-round.
Growth Habit: This hardy shrub typically grows 10-15 feet tall but can reach up to 20 feet when left unpruned. Its dense growth makes it ideal for use as a hedge or privacy screen. It can also be shaped into a small tree.
Ornamental and Practical Uses
White Berry Stopper is often used as an ornamental plant in native landscaping, coastal gardens, or for creating hedges and windbreaks. Its fragrant leaves and small, white flowers add beauty and texture to garden spaces. Additionally, the plant’s berries attract a wide variety of birds, making it a great choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. It is also salt-tolerant, making it a reliable choice for coastal areas.
Bloody Dock, or Red-Veined Dock, is an edible perennial grown as a colorful foliage plant and as a zesty salad green. It is native to Europe, southwest Asia, and northern Africa and has naturalized in parts of the U.S. and Canada.
The green, lance-shaped leaves grow in a rosette 18" high and wide decorated with a network of bright reddish-purple veins that make Bloody Dock a striking plant for a border, container, or around a pond. The young raw leaves give a pop of color to salads and can be cooked like spinach and used in soups, omelets, and sauces. They have a tart, lemony flavor, and zing from oxalic acid, but only young leaves should be eaten because older leaves are tough and bitter. Bloody Dock has antiseptic and astringent properties as well as being high in vitamins A and C.
In the late spring to early summer, 2' to 3' tall flower spikes grow up from the leafy rosette with small, star-shaped, copper-colored flowers. These spikes are usually removed to encourage bushier growth of the rosette and to prevent the plant from self-seeding since it has a tendency to become invasive.
Bloody Dock grows best in full sun but will tolerate some partial shade in rich, moist, well-draining, organic soil. It does well at a pond's edge and can also be grown in a garden as long as the soil is kept consistently moist and well-draining. Bloody Dock is a perennial within its hardiness zone of 4 to 8 but can also be grown as an annual.
Tropical and Sweet Pink Variety
Common Names: Pomegranate 'Vietnamese Pink'Family: LythraceaeOrigin: Vietnam
Pomegranate 'Vietnamese Pink' (Punica granatum) is a unique and beautiful pomegranate variety known for its light pink arils and sweet, delicate flavor. Unlike traditional deep red pomegranates, this variety produces large, pale pink fruits with a milder, less tangy taste, making it ideal for those who prefer a sweeter, less tart pomegranate. Native to Vietnam, this tree is hardy and drought-tolerant, thriving in warm climates and offering both ornamental beauty and delicious fruit. Its vibrant pink arils are perfect for fresh eating, juicing, or adding a splash of color to salads and desserts. The Vietnamese Pomegranate tree has a very shrubby habitat and is easily grown in containers.
Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value
Fruits: The 'Vietnamese Pink' pomegranate produces large, round fruits with pale pink skin and arils. The arils (seeds) are a soft pink color and have a sweet, mildly tangy flavor, offering a lighter alternative to the deep red varieties. The fruit is rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious choice for fresh consumption, juicing, or culinary uses.
Pomegranate fruit is loaded with beneficial nutrients and antioxidants! Juice from the seed pulp contains compounds known as polyphenols (micronutrients from certain plant-based foods that are packed with antioxidants and potential health benefits.) Some studies have shown that pomegranate juice may lower cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and manage hypertension.
Foliage: The tree has glossy, narrow, lance-shaped green leaves that provide ornamental value throughout the growing season. It also produces striking red-orange flowers in spring, adding a splash of color to the landscape.
Growth Habit: Pomegranate 'Vietnamese Pink' is a deciduous shrub or small tree that grows up to 10-15 feet tall, with a rounded, bushy habit. It can be pruned to maintain a more compact shape, making it suitable for smaller gardens or containers.
Culinary and Ornamental Uses
The sweet and mildly tangy arils of the 'Vietnamese Pink' pomegranate are perfect for fresh eating, juicing, or adding to salads and desserts. The delicate pink color of the arils makes them a visually appealing garnish for a variety of dishes. In addition to its delicious fruit, the tree is highly ornamental, with its glossy green foliage and bright flowers adding beauty to any garden or landscape.
Unique, Medicinal Herb with a Strong Flavor
Common Names: Giâp Cá, Fish Mint, Lizard Tail, Heartleaf, Chameleon PlantFamily: SaururaceaeOrigin: Southeast Asia
Giâp Cá (Houttuynia cordata), commonly known as Fish Mint or Lizard Tail, is a perennial herb native to Southeast Asia. This unique herb is known for its strong fishy aroma and is widely used in Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese cuisines, particularly in salads, soups, and as a garnish. It is also prized for its medicinal properties, which have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Giâp Cá is a hardy plant that thrives in wet, shady conditions, making it an ideal addition to herb gardens or as a ground cover in moist areas.
Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value
Leaves: The heart-shaped leaves of Giâp Cá are dark green with a purple tint and have a distinctive fishy aroma that intensifies when crushed. The leaves are edible and are often used in salads or as a garnish in Southeast Asian cuisine.Flowers: The plant produces small, white flowers that grow in spikes, though it is primarily grown for its foliage.Growth Habit: Giâp Cá grows as a low, spreading herb, reaching up to 1-2 feet in height. It spreads via underground rhizomes and can quickly cover large areas, making it an effective ground cover in moist, shady locations.
Culinary and Medicinal Uses
Giâp Cá is widely used in Vietnamese and Southeast Asian cuisine. The fresh leaves are often added to salads, spring rolls, or served as a garnish for soups and grilled dishes. The fishy, pungent flavor of the leaves pairs well with strong flavors like garlic, chili, and fermented foods. In Vietnam, Giâp Cá is commonly used as a fresh herb in raw salads or served alongside grilled meats and fish.
Medicinally, Giâp Cá has been used in traditional Chinese and Vietnamese medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and diuretic properties. The plant is believed to help detoxify the body, support respiratory health, and treat infections. The leaves can be made into a tea or tincture for medicinal purposes.
Deep Detox Root with Edible Greens and Pollinator Power
Greater Burdock, also known as Gobo, is a powerful medicinal and culinary plant grown for its nutrient-rich taproot, edible young shoots and leaves, and striking thistle-like appearance. Widely used in Asian, European, and herbal traditions, Burdock root is prized for its ability to support liver function, detoxify the blood, and aid digestion. In Japan, it’s a staple veggie known as Gobo, commonly stir-fried, pickled, or simmered in stews.
This biennial herb forms a rosette of large, velvety green leaves in its first year, then sends up a towering flower stalk in year two, blooming with purple, pollinator-attracting flowers that develop into the iconic burrs that inspired Velcro. The deep roots break up heavy soils and mine nutrients, making Burdock a great addition to regenerative gardens and food forests.
Easy to grow and adaptable, Burdock thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, especially when given loose, deep ground to develop long, straight roots. Harvest the roots in the first year for best flavor and medicinal potency.
African Blue Basil is a gorgeous perennial culinary and medicinal herb native to Africa and South Asia. It has a beautiful shrubby growing habit reaching up to an impressive 6 ft tall!
We love growing rare African Blue Basil for its delightful fragrance and because it is so attractive to pollinators. Focus your eyes on the deep purple variegated shrub for only a moment and you will think it is moving! It's totally a buzz with bees and pollinators! African Blue Basil is related to the common basil but this variety grows as a shrub rather than a leafy herb.
African Blue Basil is an amazing addition to any herb garden and makes a fantastic companion plant in your food forest and best of all, it is one of the few types of basil that grows as a perennial.
Our African Blue Basil plants are grown from cuttings and are capable of blooming and being harvested within one growing season.