The University of Florida scientist breed dozens of ornamental . For example , David Clark , a UF / IFAS prof of environmental horticulture , breed gobs of flame nettle flora . Among those that he thinks could make for a good Valentine ’s Day giving is foretell , ironically , ‘ Heartbreaker . ’
It ’s easy to originate , with good , multi - dark-skinned foliage , pinkish centers , and bold color that lasts a foresighted time in the landscape , say Clark .
“ After give or savour it as a gift , hoi polloi can plant the coleus in their spring gardens – in the sun or tincture — and it will last all year until hoarfrost . It ’s a good bang for the buck and a great plant because it was cover and pick out under harsh environmental conditions in North Florida , ” he said .
Another research worker , Zhanao Deng , spawn several ornamental plants – include caladiums — at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Hillsborough County .
“ We are work with growers to bring on potted caladium plants for Valentine ’s Day , ” Deng said . “ For example , ‘ Fairytale Princess ’ caladium can be rise in containers for this holiday . We are working on another cultivar called ‘ White Butterfly . ’ In the future , we will accommodate other caladium cultivar for effect like Valentine ’s Day . ”
Deng also breed genus Gerbera daisies , which are pop in the garden . Their daisy - corresponding efflorescence make for long - lasting cut flowers .
At the UF / IFAS Mid - Florida Research and Education Center , Alfred Huo spawn several works , include snapdragon . They tolerate heat and drouth and come in a multifariousness of size and colors .
“ Snapdragons are beautiful garden plants with distinctive spike of flowers , ” read Huo , an assistant professor of horticultural sciences . “ They can be used for border gardens , flower loge , and patio container . They make a great addition to any garden , particularly in the winter time of year in Florida . Snapdragon flush resemble the snout of a flying dragon , and their heyday come in almost all strike color : red , chicken , purple , pinkish , deep red and salmon , white . ”
“ The scent and color of some varieties also pull in butterfly and honeybees , ” Huo said , making them an excellent addition to a pollinator garden .
address of flavor , other UF / IFAS scientists function to enhance the aroma of certain ornamental , any one of which could be gifted for Valentine ’s Day .
For instance , Thomas Colquhoun , an associate professor of environmental gardening , work with lilies , daylilies , violas , petunias , and caladiums .
“ We keep apart a cool feature in caladium flower and introduced it to another species to attempt to increase floral fragrance , ” Colquhoun tell . “ To our surprisal , it worked in the science lab . We are in the process of validate and creating a static product . ”
“ If you want a strong - scented cut flush , lilies are the best , ” he said . Some may say lilies are too inviolable , so I would pick rose or Hyacinths in a pot . ”
Source : https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu / news/2025-05-12 / uf - ifas - plant - breeders - can - play - Amor - for - valentines - day/
