GWP Plant Nursery came about as a result of Madge Neil-Burnett’s love for gardening. What started out originally as a hobby has now developed into a thriving business which is the newest divisional expansion for Greenwood Plaza Company Limited.
Featuring several varieties of beautiful plants, all individually cared for by an attentive nursery staff; many visitors have asserted that the environment at GWP Plant Nursery is positively mood altering.
Here now is a look at some of the plants now available at GWP Plant Nursery. We have included a brief overview of each plant as we believe that knowledge about and how to care for your plant is just as important as acquiring the plant.
This year round flowering plant comes in a variety of red, white, pink or yellow flowers; that can grow up to as tall as 9 inches. Begonia’s thrive in rich loose fertile soil that drains well.
They like plenty of attention and so should be regularly fertilized, watered and pruned.
Well attended to Begonia’s often yield lush foliage and beautiful blooms.Begonia’s make good indoor plants as they tolerate shade well. They are generally insect free.
PLUMBAGO
This fast growing, drought resistant plant that can grow in virtually any soil type; usually getting up to a height of 9 feet tall. Because of their lush growth tendencies, Plumbagos must be controlled especially in a garden environment.
Plumbagos are a habitat for butterflies and birds who feed on their flowering nectars.
In some parts of Africa, Plumbago is traditionally used to treat warts, broken bones, headaches and wounds; or used as a thwart to chase away bad dreams.
ALLAMANDA
Allamada plants do not like the shade; they grow best in plenty of sunlight and water in a well fertile, low alkaline soil. Allamandas consistently bloom and can grow to reach heights of up to 6-8 feet.
Although yellow is the most common color for an Allamanda flower; there are also purple, pink, orange and white varieties.
The sap inside an Allamanda can cause the development of rashes and sometimes blisters if contact is made with the skin. However in contrast, there are some types of Allamandas which are noted for their medicinal properties and are now being researched by scientists as a possible cancer treatment.
EUPHORBIA
Euphorbia also called Spurges, come in over 2000 different species bearing a myriad of colours. These plants flourish best in well watered soils exposed to adequate sunlight.
Fertilizer should be added but not too regular, as too much fertilizer tends to retard their proper growth and development.
One concern about the Euphorbia plant is the milky latex which is given off from its stem when cut or broken. This latex can be harmful when it comes into direct contact with the human body and so handlers of this plant are advised to wear gloves.
The Foxtail Palm is a native Australian plant. These palms like to grow in a warm tropical climate and can reach heights of up to 30 feet tall.
The fox Tail Palm grows very fast and has a high tolerance for different soil types; however they must be regularly fertilized in order to get the best growth from them.
The Foxtail Palm is particularly strong against diseases and pests and is resistant to the lethal yellowing disease. They are very low maintenance plants and once established are worry free to handle. Do allow space to accommodate the size of the trunk and the spread of the fronds when growing multiple trees in a linear pattern.
BOUGAINVILLEA
Bougainvilleas can grow up to 39 feet and their high drought tolerance makes them ideal for Jamaica’s warm tropical climate.
They flourish best in dry, fertile soils with a lot of sunlight. They are usually evergreen all year round but can become deciduous if there is a prolonged dry season.
Bougainvilleas are generally insect free and can be grown along walls, fence lines or within hanging baskets; or typically anywhere as long as they have access to adequate sunlight. They also come in orange, purple and white varieties.
The common name for this plant was primarily derived from its blooming patterns. Each flower lasts for three days at a time and change colour with each day. The first day they are purple (yesterday), the second day they change to lilac (today) and on the third day they change to an almost white (tomorrow).
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow like to grow in fertile soils that are well watered and well drained. They thrive in the sunlight; but they also need some amount of shade to regulate their effective growth and development. They can grow up to 6 feet tall and can spread over a wide area, as such regular pruning is important for their maintenance. One caution is that the seeds contain alkaloids which are poisonous.
This year long flowering plant is a member of the Euphorbia family and is also called Christ Plant and Christ Thorn; in likeness to the crown of thorns that Jesus was forced to wear during his crucifixion.
This plant does not like too much water and grows particularly well in the shade; although some amount of sunlight is also required daily.
Crown of Thorn can grow to over 5 feet in height and matures best in fertile soils that drains well. Please be aware that the latex from this plant is poisonous and may produce rashes on susceptible individuals.
Rose of Sharon grows best in well drained soils with access to a lot of sunlight. These plants are reasonably drought tolerant and do not require a lot of water.
One sign that your Rose of Sharon is receiving too much water is yellowing leaves.
Normally, Rose of Sharon can grow to a height of 10 feet with a spread of 6 feet in width, consisting of multiple stems and branches.
If you prefer however to have your plant consisting of one main trunk, Rose of Sharon can be trained to grow this way. The blooms are usually white, red, lavender or light blue; some may also have double blooms.
DESERT ROSE
Desert Rose is quite easy to grow and once established requires very little attention. They thrive best in a large amount of sunlight; requiring very little water.
In fact too much watering will rot the roots of Desert Rose and so care must be taken not to apply too much water.
Desert Rose can grow to reach heights of 3 feet in a pot and up to 12 feet if planted in the ground.
Please note that the sap of the Desert Rose is poisonous and should never come into contact with children or pets. If you get sap onto yourself while handling this plant, your hands should be washed immediately.
Of course those are just a few of the many plants available at GWP Plant Nursery; open Monday to Saturday 8am to 5pm. We also have several varieties of orchids, sunflower and a host of others growing in our greenhouse. We look forward to having you over, where you can be assured that you will certainly get to find your Peace of Mind.