This Brazilian native has blossoms like old-timey portraits

Long before the dawn of photography, European gentry away from home used miniature portraits to gaze upon images of their loved ones. The best of these vest-pocket renderings were detailed and exquisite works of art.

To me, those tiny paintings bring to mind the gemlike blossoms of apostle plant (Trimezia caerulea), a Brazilian iris that grows three to four feet tall. Like jewels, each four-inch flower is unique and should be viewed up close to appreciate its subtle markings in shades of blue.

Plants bloom from mid-spring to early winter. Apostle plant grows best in filtered light but tolerates full sun. Mulch and irrigation during dry periods are beneficial. Propagate this rhizomatous clumper by division.

Succulent sesame a rare sight in Florida

The succulent sesame is a large shrub or small tree native to Southern Madagascar, where it slowly grows 10 to 14 feet tall.

The species – Uncaria grandidieri – is notable for its flared, bright-yellow flowers highlighted by maroon throats. The gray-brown trunk and branches thicken with age and are a remarkable sight, especially in winter when plants are leafless.

Succulent sesame’s leaves are shaped like those of cotton plants and have a velvety texture. The fruit, which are green, are prickly and contain a single seed. Though more common in regions with Mediterranean climates, specimens flourish in Florida on sandy, well-drained sites in full sun.

Propagate with seeds and root cuttings. Seeds, root cuttings and small plants are available online.

Prickly poppy is a pretty Mexican weed

"It just showed up in the yard," said an acquaintance after she noticed the prickly poppy plant . She wondered if she could enjoy the yellow blossoms and gray-green foliage with a clear conscience, or if the plant — which was clearly a weed — should be pulled  up.

I told her to leave it be . The species (Argemone mexicana) is a two-foot-tall perennial that has naturalized far from its homeland. Its blossoms — usually yellow but occasionally white — are produced throughout the warm season. Numerous medicinal applications have been reported for this species.

Despite prickly poppy’s status as a weed, seeds are widely available online.

Isn't this thing supposed to smell good? Fragrant plants don’t always deliver

Prune these plants with care

Most of our woody landscape plants flower on new growth, but some – like firethorn, edible fig, hydrangea and hoya vines – bloom on the previous year’s growth.

Plant to ponder: Sea Grape

The native sea grape, generally seen as a sprawling shrub or small tree with a spreading canopy, can actually grow 50 feet tall. Sea grape (Coccoloba uvifera) displays fragrant white flowers in the warm season. Female specimens bear abundant edible, grape-like fruit. Juvenile foliage is mahogany colored and extremely glossy. Provide full sun on well-drained sites.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: This Brazilian native has blossoms like old-timey portraits