Eucalyptus papuana

Gained its common name from its beautiful, smooth, white bark. Drought tolerant, low water use once established. Adapted well to urban conditions. The leaves have a high phenolic acid content and make it difficult to grow other plants beneath the Ghost Gum. The eucalyptus beetle poses greatest threat, with oval-shaped holes being one of the […]

Read More… from Eucalyptus papuana

Fouquieria splendens

Habit of distinctive vertical lines providing a stark texture. Withstand long periods of drought. Leaves fall off when water is scarce, but can reappear within a few days after rain. This cycle of leaf drop and re-growth can reoccur several times a season. Foliage typically last about one month. Water twice a month to retain […]

Read More… from Fouquieria splendens

Magnolia grandiflora

A majestic, upright, heavily branched tree and a favorite in the south. Can get scale and bacterial leaf spot. Leaves fall but never seem to decompose. Fruits can be a little messy. Takes 15 to 20 years from seed to flower. Mostly seed propagated so morphological variability between seed grown plants is great. […]

Read More… from Magnolia grandiflora

Nandina domestica

The beautiful red fruits are so prolific they can even bend down branches. Tolerates full sun or shade, even fruits well in shade. Prune by cutting canes back to ground. Develops iron chlorosis on Southwestern US due to high soil pH. ‘Atropurpurea Nana’ stays 2′ high with reddish-green color throughout summer, turning dark red in […]

Read More… from Nandina domestica

Agave americana

Can take as few as 10 years to flower in warm climates, to 60 years in colder climates. Once it flowers, it dies and offsets around the base of the original plant eventually form a group of new plants. Suckers produced from the main plant may take only 10-15 years to flower. Beware of thick […]

Read More… from Agave americana

Allamanda cathartica

Can be grown as a small shrub if pruned regularly. Quite tolerant of many soil types. Full sun needed for maximum flower show. All Allamandas are poisonous. Caterpillars and mites can be problematic. Not salt tolerant. 'Hendersonii' is most often planted, while 'Yellow Butterflies' is compact with many large yellow flowers. […]

Read More… from Allamanda cathartica

Bougainvillea spectabilis

Generally seen as a vine, but is also grown as a shrub, or even trained into a small tree. Can become a nice house plant as it survives house climates. Usually evergreen, but can be deciduous, especially in drier conditions. Drought tolerant. The root system of the Bougainvillea is very fragile and doesn't form a […]

Read More… from Bougainvillea spectabilis

Carnegiea gigantea

Arms form only after the plant reaches 50 or 60 years old. Plants may live 200 years. The ribs expand or contract depending on the amount of water being stored. Found mostly on gravelly slopes. Gila woodpeckers make their homes in the trunk. Young plants need protection from sun. Transplant readily but more difficult with […]

Read More… from Carnegiea gigantea

The Purdue Arboretum is a collaboration between the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture and Physical Facilities Grounds Department

Purdue Arboretum, 625 Agriculture Mall Dr, West Lafayette, IN, 47907
© 2025 Purdue University | An equal access/equal opportunity university | Integrity Statement | Copyright Complaints | Maintained by the Purdue Arboretum
Contact Purdue Arboretum at arboretum@purdue.edu for accessibility issues with this page | Accessibility Resources | Contact Us