Tropical shrubs

Abstract

Hawaii is the home of one of the world{u2019}s greatest collections of tropical and subtropical plants. The Islands' benign and varied microclimates have accepted plants from many different places, ranging from humid jungle rain forests to arid deserts, and from seacoasts sprayed with salt to mountainsides of almost Andean heights. With the enormous variety of plants that have made Hawaii one great botanical garden, comes also a great curiosity and search for knowledge about them. Everywhere people ask, when they see a new one they like, "What plant is that?" "Where will it grow?" "How do I care for it?" The Hawai'i Garden is a series of books written to help the plant lover and amateur gardener identify, select, install, and care for the whole fascinating range of beautiful, interesting plants that are available in modern Hawaii and other mild-climate areas. Magnificent color photographs, each a work of art in interpreting the special qualities of the plant illustrated, will delight armchair gardeners and active gardeners alike. For anyone who appreciates the col orful plants associated with the tropics, these large-format volumes offer both visual enjoyment and a comprehensive practical guide. Tropical Shrubs is the first fully illustrated book on the subject to be published in the United States. The authors describe those shrubs under eighteen feet in height which they recommend for creative use as screen, accent, or border hedge. Unusual selections include Wheeler's dwarf pittosporum, Okinawan holly, dwarf geometry tree, bell flower from Dominica - 103 useful and decorative shrubs altogether. Each plant discussed is illustrated with a full-page color photograph by Rick Golt. The accompanying text gives a complete description of the plant, the origin of its name, its practical uses, required growing conditions, horticultural and landscape uses, propagation, insect and disease control, pruning, fertilizing, and significant disadvantages.