Rubber Tree (Rubber Plant)
The nursery Rubber Tree is Ficus elastica, a tropical evergreen grown chiefly as a houseplant for its large, glossy, leathery leaves. It is frost-tender and not suited to outdoor exposure in the low desert; keep it indoors or on a shaded patio in bright, indirect light. (Note: the commercial latex tree Hevea brasiliensis is a […]
Oakleaf Croton
A tropical croton grown for leathery, oakleaf-shaped foliage splashed with green, yellow, orange, and red. Best grown as a houseplant or movable patio container in Phoenix. Special Features Bold, multicolored, lobed foliage provides year-round interest. Sap can irritate skin, and ingestion is toxic to people and pets. Problems & Solutions Phoenix frost, dry air, and […]
Rubber Plant Ficus
A tropical tree with large, thick, glossy leaves and an upright form; best grown indoors or in a movable, protected container in Phoenix Zone 9b. Special Features Bold, glossy foliage; attractive green, burgundy, and variegated cultivars; responds well to pruning for size control. Problems & Solutions Not reliably hardy outdoors in Zone 9b; move under […]
Shell Ginger
A tropical, rhizomatous perennial with arching, leafy stems and hanging clusters of shell-shaped flowers; requires a sheltered, irrigated microclimate in Phoenix. Special Features Lush tropical foliage, aromatic leaves when crushed, and unusual shell-like flowers; suitable for shaded courtyards but not drought tolerant. Problems & Solutions Hot sun, dry wind, and low humidity can scorch foliage; […]
Umbrella Plant
A tropical shrub with glossy, umbrella-like clusters of leaflets. Also known as dwarf umbrella tree; best grown in Phoenix as a sheltered patio container plant or houseplant. Special Features Glossy tropical foliage; green and variegated cultivars available; tolerates pruning and adapts well to container culture. Problems & Solutions Not reliably hardy outdoors in Zone 9b; […]