PlantWerkz: September 2014

Cuban Cigar - Calathea Lutea

Common Name: Cuban Cigar

Scientific Name: Calathea Lutea

Height: 6–10 ft (1.8 – 3 m)

Span: 3–6 ft (0.8 – 1.6 m)

Growth Rate: Fast

Sun Tolerance: Full Sun

ABP Index: 2.5 (Aesthetics 4.0, Solidarity 1.0)

Calathea Lutea common name is Cuban Cigar also called Pampano. It grows 6 to 10 ft (1.8-3 m) in height. It is an extremely beautiful and unusual plant. The oval shaped evergreen leaves are broad and attractive, being gracefully held on long stems which gives this plant a very tropical looking appearance. The leaves are heavily pleated with a beautiful waxy backing, which makes the undersides of the leaves look silver. Leaves are almost 1 m long and about 40-50cm wide. Leaves looks like banana leaves. The flowers are stunning, although not beautiful in the traditional sense. They appear to be made of thick, reddish-brown colored wax. The small round bracts nest in and overlap with each other, resulting in a long, cigar shaped arrangement. So it is called Cuban Cigar. This particular species will grow in full sun to half shade. They may be grown outdoors in the garden or as a large container specimen. People love the plants cultivate in their garden.

Cuban Cigar - Calathea Lutea

Cuban Cigar - Calathea Lutea : Leaves

Cuban Cigar - Calathea Lutea : Flowers like Cuban Cigar

Cuban Cigar - Calathea Lutea : Flowers

Cuban Cigar - Calathea Lutea : In tub

Cuban Cigar - Calathea Lutea as ornamental plants

Cuban Cigar - Calathea Lutea

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Chinese fringe flower - Loropetalum chinense

Common Name: Chinese fringe flower
Scientific Name: Loropetalum chinense
Height: 3–6 ft (0.8 – 1.6 m)
Span: 3–6 ft (0.8 – 1.6 m)
Growth Rate: Fast
Sun Tolerance: Full Sun
ABP Index: 3.0 (Aesthetics 4.0, Solidarity 2.0)

Chinese fringe flower scientific name is Loropetalum chinense. It is native to Eastern Asia. It is ornamental, flowering green-leafed variety and a pink-flowering variety with leaves varying from bronze-red when new to olive-green or burgundy when mature, depending on selection and growing conditions. It grows 3-6 ft (0.8-1.6 m) in height. It is evergreen with branches forming horizontal layers plant. The leaves are alternately arranged, ovate up to 5 cm long by 3.5 cm wide, and have a slightly abrasive feel. Chinese fringe flower blooms in spring. The flower color is pink to reddish-purple. Loropetalum chinense grows best in fertile, slightly acidic soil in full sun for deepest foliage color. It is a popular ornamental plant in eastern Asia. It is grown for its prolific clusters of flowers and deeply colored foliage that may contain various green, copper, purple and red tones.