Lemon grass as an ornamental

Lemon grass, native to Southern India and Sri Lanka, has been cultivated there for millennia for its medicinal, culinary and pesticidal properties. It’s still widely used around the world, including the U.S., to add flavor to teas, soups and curries. But due to that utilitarian focus, the ornamental potential of lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) has been underappreciated. This grass – it’s a true grass, unlike Aztec and mondo grass – grows 3 to 5 feet high and wide, forming a dense clump of foliage with gracefully arching leaves. It makes a fine accent or filler plant, can be massed under palms and is useful in mixed shrubbery borders.

Although lemon grass survives poor soil, part-day sun and lengthy drought, specimens on sunny, organically enriched, irrigated sites develop into beautiful, landscape-worthy specimens. Propagate with seeds and divisions. Plants are available locally and online, as are seeds and plugs (rooted side-shoots). Other species of Cymbopogon grown in Florida include C. nardus and winterianus, which are called citronella grasses. Yet another species – exploited for culinary purposes – is Cymbopogon flexuosus, known as East Indian lemon grass.

‘Red Dragon’ worth a try

‘Red Dragon’ is a variety of Persicaria microcephala from China, but unlike Persicarias you may know – such as knotweed – ‘Red Dragon’ is sterile and non-invasive. This herbaceous perennial forms 30-inch-tall clumps of red, green and silver foliage on enriched, mulched sites. And though it tolerates sun farther north, shade is required in Florida. ‘Red Dragon’ grows well in North Florida but might struggle here, especially with our cool seasons becoming shorter and milder. If you’d like to try this perennial, plants are available online.

When devil’s backbone blooms

Novice gardeners are sometimes startled when their devil’s backbone plants flower – something that can occur any time of year. A Tropical American species that’s usually seen with variegated leaves, this zigzag-stemmed succulent is cultivated for its form and foliage, not its blossoms. Actually, the flowers – like those of the related poinsettia – are tiny but surrounded by bright-red bracts that are small and eye-catching. Devil’s backbone (Pedilanthus tithymaloides) grows in sun or light shade on well-drained sites. Sheltered locations are best. Propagate with warm-season cuttings.

Living heirlooms

Jade plants dwell in millions of homes worldwide and are often sufficiently treasured to be handed down from one generation to the next. Native to South Africa, jade plant (Crassula ovata) is a succulent that can grow 4 feet tall in sun or moderate shade. Admired for its plump foliage and tree-like branching, this undemanding houseplant thrives in the low humidity found in most homes. In Florida, jade plant also performs well in screened rooms as long as it’s protected when temperatures drop below 40 degrees. The main hazard this plant faces is soggy soil, so it’s best to use clay containers filled with a blend of perlite and potting soil designed for succulents. Propagate with stem and leaf cuttings.

Charles Reynolds, a Winter Haven resident, has an associate’s degree in horticulture and is a member of Garden Writers Association of America.