Find Your I will soon move to Okinawa, Japan, where I hope to plant a lush flower garden (my first!). Okinawa has a subtropical climate. I would like to know if you can help me determine which flowers will do well (and which will not) in such a climate. These are flowers that I am considering planting there:
petunia
pansy
begonia
hollyhock
Sweet William
cockscomb
Cosmos
shell flower / shell ginger / pink porcelain lily / light galangal (Which name is most common?)
kahili ginger (Can this flower be planted in a garden, or does it only grow
in the wild?)
May I ask whether you can identify any of the flowers pictured (the photos
do not appear to be labeled with names):
I really do appreciate your help! Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Richard Tyler
Richard,
Petunia, pansies, begonias, hollyhock, sweet William, cockscomb and cosmos should grow in Okinawa, Japan without any problem. Keep in mind some are annuals and some are perennial.
In reference to shell flower – shell ginger – etc., I assume you are referring to Alpinia or Ginger lily. Alpinia zerumbert, Alpinia nutans, Alpinia speciosa is often referred to as pink porcelain lily or shell ginger. Alpinia galanga is known as Siamese ginger or Galangal.
In reference to Kahili Ginger, I assume you are referring to Hedychium known as Garland Lily or Ginger Lily. Hedychium gardnerianuum known as Kahili ginger is an upright, rhizomatous perennial. This plant is common on the Big Island of Hawaii. I am not sure if you can grow it in Okinawa. The problem is not whether it can grow there but if it is allowed to grow there. Kahili ginger is a very invasive plant. You will need to check with a local Okinawa garden center to find out if it is permissible to grow it.
When it comes to common names, you’ll notice that both Alpinia and Hedychium gardnerianuum are known by the common name Ginger lily. Knowing the botanical name of flowers can help to eliminate the confusion. Different cultures and geographical locations often have different common names for plants.
A little tip when moving to a new location: find a local garden center and ask questions. Some states and countries will restrict the selling and growing of plants they consider invasive. The local garden center should be familiar with all plants restrictions for their area.
Off the top of my head:
Going from left to right
Picture #2 Bougainvillea
Picture #3 Penta
Picture #4 Mandevilla
Picture #5 Hibiscus
Picture #8 Catharanthus – Madagascar periwinkle
Picture# 9 Double hibiscus
Picture #11 Lagerstroemia – Crapemrytle
Picture #15 Ananas – Pineapple
Picture #20 Lantana
Picture # 29 Portulaca
Picture #30 Hibiscus
Picture #31 Hibiscus
Picture #32 Mandevilla
Picture #33 Bougainvillea
Dear Jamie,
I am really surprised and really pleased by your swift and informative reply. Wow! I have to praise your knowledge and your expertise. (I wish I could pack you in my suitcase and take you to Okinawa with me! Then I would have a garden to behold!) You have my deepest gratitude, Jamie. Many thanks for your time and trouble.
Highest regards,
Richard