The Tropical Look: An Encyclopedia of Dramatic Landscape Plants

by Robert Lee Riffle

Overview

Meant primarily for gardeners in USDA zones 8–10, The Tropical Look encompasses most of the southern U.S. and the West Coast. This groundbreaking encyclopedia of lush plants will also be useful to gardeners in other zones who are interested in growing tropical-looking plants (as opposed to strictly tropical plants, which cannot endure a frost) as half-hardy, annual, or conservatory plants.

This book is only available through print on demand. All interior art is black and white. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781604690835
Publisher:	Timber Press, Incorporated
Publication date:	03/27/2009
Pages:	524
Product dimensions:	8.25(w) x 11.00(h) x 1.06(d)

About the Author

Robert Lee Riffle (1940–2006) was an internationally recognized authority on palms and tropical plants. His landmark book, The Tropical Look: An Encyclopedia of Dramatic Landscape Plants (1998), won an American Horticultural Society Book Award, as did An Encyclopedia of Cultivated Palms (2003), which he co-wrote with Paul Craft. For 25 years Bob was a strong presence online, answering questions and encouraging gardeners in their endeavors via postings on garden and plant message boards. He generously shared his extensive knowledge gently and with wit as the moderator of the International Palm Society's active PalmTalk message board. Bob was an accomplished pianist, a gifted photographer, and an enthusiastic film buff. He had finished writing the manuscript for the Timber Press Pocket Guide to Palms when he passed away unexpectedly.

Read an Excerpt

MEGASKEPASMA (meh-gas'-ke-PAZ-ma)

Acanthaceae: The Acanthus Family

BRAZILIAN RED-CLOAK

Large herbaceous shrub; immense ovate leaves; gigantic terminal red flower spikes

Zones 10b and 11 as a permanent perennial; zone 9b as a returning perennialSun to partial shade

Average but regular amounts of moisture

Average well-drained soil

Propagation by cuttings
A monotypic genus that occurs naturally in southern Venezuela.
Megaskepasma erythrochlamys
(e-rit'-ro-KLAY-mis) (synonym Adhatoda cydoniifolia) is a magnificent shrub with a grotesque botanical name. It grows to at least 6 feet in height and, without frost, often to 10 or even 12 feet. The leaves are a foot, sometimes more, long, and are elliptical to ovate in shape with a prominent and lighter colored (rarely pink) large midrib and slightly depressed lateral veins, which give somewhat of a quilted effect to the blade. The plants bloom mainly in the fall through the spring, but summer blooms are not uncommon. The erect terminal inflorescence is a foot or more tall and consists of closely packed large scarlet to purplish red bracts enclosing elongated arching two-lipped white flowers, which peek out in the same manner as those of Justicia brandegeana (shrimp plant). This shrub is breathtaking in the landscape as a tall background subject underplanted with almost anything that is not as tall; one of the most intriguing partners is the shrimp plant whose more subtle flower colors are extremely complementary with those of the red-cloak. The plant in bloom is shockingly spectacular when one first encounters it because of its unexpected size in leaf and flower cluster. This shrub has soared in popularity in the 1990s. Plate 279, above.

1999 AmericanHorticultural Society Annual Book Award Winner

Editorial Reviews

It’s margarita time! If you’re looking for a banana that can bounce back from zero-degree temperatures or plants that merely look tropical, this book has them, along with 400 color photographs.” —The Boston Globe

“Gardeners and horticultural professionals alike will find much to be excited about in this expansive and significant resource. Riffle’s effort will contribute immensely to the development of many fantastic indoor and outdoor displays around the country. . . . Timely, comprehensive, and beautifully produced.” —American Gardener

“The essential book for anyone interested in tropical plants.” —Newark Star-Ledger

“This compendium of nearly 2000 plants is an excellent resource for learning about hundreds of tropical plants and their cultural needs.” —Orchids

“In the context of the scores of books on horticulture that I own or have seen, Riffle’s comprehensive work is ‘truly unique.’ . . . What makes this work so unusual is not so much its superb, lavish illustration, 409 color photos (their captions happily with Latin names). . . . but rather its inclusion of many horticulturally ‘obscene’ or little-known taxa treated only in the specialist literature. . . . This horticultural encyclopedia is destined to become a classic.” —Taxon

“Although The Tropical Look is directed for Zone 8 and higher, those of you with greenhouses, or who are adventurous may want to try the unusual as annuals or ‘die-back’ plants.” —Garden Spot

“Who knew an encyclopedia could be so much fun!” —Gardening on the Gulf Coast

“From Acacia to Zombia, this hefty volume lists basic descriptions for nearly 2,000 plants—and color photographs of many. The author shares his extensive knowledge enthusiastically.” —Neil Sperry’s Gardens

“One of the most excellent sources for unearthing specific plants and determining whether or not they will suit your needs and growing conditions.” —Palatka Daily News

“This is an informative guide of nearly 2,000 such [tropical] plants that can add drama and excitement to the garden.” —Manchester (CT) Journal Inquirer
 

From the Publisher

"This new encyclopedia is the most updated guide to these lush plants."
—American Gardener, September/October 1998

American Gardener

"The essential book for anyone interested in tropical plants."
—John Van de Water, Newark Star-Ledger, October 7, 1998

Newark Star-Ledger

"It's margarita time! If you're looking for a banana that can bounce back from zero-degree temperatures or plants that merely look tropical, this book has them, along with 400 color photographs."

—Boston Globe, December 3, 1998

Boston Globe

A compendium of some 2,000 plants which either appear to be or literally are tropical, plus cacti and succulents. Ideal for gardeners in USDA hardiness zones 8 and higher, it also lists some plants suitable to cooler zones as annuals or die-back plants. Each entry provides complete information on cold- hardiness as well as cultural requirements and a detailed description. Includes some 400 luscious color photos. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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