Redland Nursery

Dioon edule — A Living Piece of Ancient History 🌿

One of the oldest plant lineages on Earth, Dioon edule has remained virtually unchanged for millions of years, tracing its roots back to the age of the dinosaurs. Native to the limestone hills and dry forests of eastern Mexico, this remarkable cycad is prized for its incredible durability, architectural form, and timeless beauty.

With its symmetrical crown of stiff, dark green leaves and slow-growing, sculptural trunk, Dioon edule brings a refined tropical and desert-like elegance to South Florida landscapes. Exceptionally tolerant of heat, drought, and coastal conditions once established, it thrives in both modern and traditional designs and makes an outstanding specimen plant for entryways, courtyards, and luxury gardens.

A true collector’s plant that only becomes more impressive with age.

Was so proud to be advocating for our industry this past week. We met with several legislators to discuss much needed changes to the H-2A and H-2B Visa programs, funding with regards to the devastating and unprecedented $200mm in cold damage our industry had this past season, and many other issues while highlighting our amazing organization, its members, and the $41.9 billion industry we represent.

🌴✨ Butia capitata, commonly known as the Jelly Palm, is a palm native to South America. It is known for its graceful blue-green, arching fronds and its sweet fruits, which are often used to make jelly, jams, and wine.

In addition to its distinctive appearance, Butia capitata is relatively hardy, tolerating drought and occasional cold temperatures better than many tropical palms. Its silvery foliage makes it a notable feature in landscapes and gardens, where it adds texture and year-round interest.

A fascinating example of both beauty and adaptability in the plant world. 🌿💙

In observance of the holiday, our offices will be closed this Monday on Memorial Day. We will resume normal business hours the following day, Tuesday 5/26.

We wish you and your family a safe and meaningful Memorial Day as we reflect on those who gave so much for our freedoms. 🇺🇸

Dioon spinulosum — a true living fossil. 🌿🦖

This ancient cycad lineage dates back over 250 million years, surviving since the age of the dinosaurs and making it one of the oldest plant groups still living on Earth today. Native to Mexico, Dioon spinulosum combines prehistoric beauty with a bold tropical appearance, featuring massive glossy green fronds and a dramatic architectural form.

Perfect for luxury landscapes, tropical gardens, poolside plantings, and statement entrances, this rare species brings texture, structure, and timeless character to any design.

A prehistoric plant with modern landscape appeal. 🌴✨

Trachycarpus fortunei 🌴❄️

Native to the misty mountain regions of central China, the Windmill Palm was introduced into European cultivation in the 1800s by famed Scottish botanist Robert Fortune — the same explorer who secretly transported tea plants out of China. Its species name, fortunei, honors him.

Unlike most palms associated with tropical beaches, Trachycarpus fortunei evolved in cooler high-elevation climates, giving it a rare superpower: serious cold tolerance. Mature specimens can survive temperatures down to around 5°F (-15°C), and sometimes even lower with protection. That makes it one of the hardiest trunking palms on Earth.

Its beauty is equally unique:
• A shaggy fiber-covered trunk that looks ancient and rugged
• Elegant fan-shaped leaves that move dramatically in the wind
• A silhouette that brings a tropical feel to places where snow actually falls

Today, Windmill Palms grow everywhere from English gardens to mountain towns in the American South, proving that “tropical” and “cold hardy” can exist together.

A palm tree that can handle snowstorms? Nature really outdid itself with this one. 🌨️🌴

Known as the “Queen Victoria Agave,” Agave victoriae-reginae is one of the most architectural and elegant agaves in the world. Native to the rocky desert mountains of northeastern Mexico, this slow-growing beauty is prized for its deep green leaves outlined with striking white markings that look almost hand-painted. Its perfectly symmetrical form gives it a sculptural, living-art appearance that instantly elevates any South Florida landscape. Drought tolerant, timeless, and unforgettable.

Yucca rigida — the incredible “Blue Yucca” native to the Chihuahuan Desert regions of northern Mexico 🇲🇽 Known for its rigid powder-blue leaves and perfectly symmetrical form, this species brings bold desert character and architectural beauty to the landscape.

🔬 Yucca rigida thrives in intense sun, heat, and dry conditions with excellent drainage. Over time it develops a stout trunk topped by a dense blue crown that becomes even more striking in full desert sun.

🌿 Ideal for xeriscapes, desert gardens, and modern landscapes, it pairs beautifully with agaves, cacti, and other drought-tolerant plants while requiring very little water once established.

The Red Latania Palm (Latania lontaroides) is a standout in any tropical landscape, prized for its bold structure and unique coloration. Native to Réunion, it produces large, fan-shaped leaves that emerge with a subtle reddish hue before aging into a stunning silvery-blue-green.

This palm is slow to moderate growing, thrives in full sun, and becomes quite drought-tolerant once established. Its strong, symmetrical form makes it an ideal focal point, especially when contrasted with softer, greener plantings.

Fun facts:
• The reddish tint is most noticeable on new growth
• It’s one of only a few species in its genus, making it a collector favorite
• Mature specimens develop a thick trunk and a near-perfect crown

🌴

Psychotria nervosa (Wild Coffee):

If you’ve ever walked through a shaded hammock in South Florida, you may have passed right by one of our most fascinating native plants without even realizing it—Psychotria nervosa, commonly known as wild coffee.

Despite the name, this isn’t your morning brew from coffee—but it is a close relative of Coffea arabica. Native to Florida and the Caribbean, wild coffee thrives in shady understories, bringing a lush, tropical feel with its glossy green leaves and striking red berries.

🌿 Why it stands out:

* The leaves are deep green with elegant veining, almost giving off a “quilted” texture
* Small white flowers bloom in clusters, lightly fragrant and pollinator-friendly
* Bright red berries follow, creating a bold contrast that birds absolutely love

🐦 A wildlife magnet:
Those berries aren’t just for looks—wild coffee is a key food source for native birds, making it a fantastic choice if you’re trying to support local ecosystems.

🌱 Landscape bonus:
It’s shade-tolerant, low-maintenance, and perfect for naturalistic or native gardens—especially under oak canopies or alongside other Florida natives.

💡 Fun fact:
The species name nervosa actually refers to the prominent “nerves” (veins) in the leaves—not anything to do with caffeine jitters.

Whether you’re a plant collector, a native landscaping enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates subtle beauty, Psychotria nervosa is one of those plants that quietly steals the show.