Resources
July 12, 2001
Tropical South
By Robert Haehle
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Web Finds

Fairchild Gardens
For the best in tropical plants, check out the web site of Fairchild Gardens. Located in Coral Gables, Florida, this botanic garden features exotic plants from around the world. The web site has a map of the grounds, a botanical resource center, and garden shop loaded with information on growing plants in this climate.

Favorite or New Plant

'Purple Fountain' Salvia
Salvia splendens 'Purple Fountain' is a quick growing perennial that grows less than 1 foot tall and is best used as a groundcover. The purple spikes glisten in the sun and the leaves are a rich shade of dark green. It's a new plant to my landscape so it doesn't yet have a track record for longevity. Most small plants that bloom year round such as this salvia tend to have a shorter life spans and other perennials. I would estimate it will last at least 3 years, and maybe longer, with annual pruning.