Common name:Crape Myrtle, General Varieties
Botanical name:Lagerstroemia indica (Varieties)

This is one of the longest blooming varieties of trees, which could be 2-4 months long. Flowers usually appear in the summer and could be red, rose, pink, purple, or white. Depending on the variety, Crape Myrtle can be a spreading shrub or upright tree. Some varieties are fast growing. Some species have exfoliating bark that exposes a lovely cinnamon or gray colored bark. It does not like Coastal foggy locations, it can get mildew. It is better for inland hot locations.

Common name:Tree Roses
Botanical name:Rosa Tree varieties

Tree roses are actually shrubs that have been grafted or grown in a way that looks like a tree, ie with a trunk. Tree roses can be floribundas, hybrid teas, or grandifloras. They are typically used as specimen plants. Make sure the plant is tied to a stake in case of strong winds.

Common name:Giant Bird Of Paradise
Botanical name:Strelitzia nicolai

This clumping evergreen perennial can reach 25' tall fairly quickly, forming a false trunk from the base of the leaves. The leaves are shaped like bananas, reaching 10' long with the widest part reaching 5' . It does best with fertilizer once a month and rich soil. It does not like wet feet so water only when dry. It can be planted in full sun but will do better if it receives afternoon shade. The flowers can reach a size of 10"-12", but plants need to be a few years old before they will flower.