Beautiful Letter B Plants

• Barleria - Philippine Violet - A group of 250 species of evergreen shrubs that are native to tropical Asia, the Americas, and Africa.
  
  This family will do well in zones ten through twelve in the United States. All of these species are frost sensitive, but can be an indoor plant in cooler climates. They do need ample light to survive indoors.
  
  In warmer climates the Barleria loves full sun and humid conditions. The leaves are simple in nature and the flowers range from a beautiful mauve, purple, pink, and white.
  
  The Philippines variety is actually not a native of the Philippines, but grows naturally in eastern India. This variety prefers a sheltered location and partial shade. The Barleria looks stunning in mass plantings and accents well as a shrub border.



• Berberis - Barberry - There are over 400 species of the Berberis family. They are either hardy evergreens or deciduous. They are native to East Asia, some from South America and Europe, and do well in zones five through eight in the United States. They can be propagated from seeds or cuttings and will do well in full sun and adapts to a variety of soil conditions.
  
  The Barberry is a beautiful specimen throughout the growing seasons. The Berberis family is known for its sharp leaves and also brilliant fall colors. Some varieties have yellow, cream, and reddish-orange tone flowers. The Darwinvariety is native to Chile and Argentina. The julianae is native to western China.



• Betula - Birch - A large family of beautiful deciduous trees that thrive in northern regions throughout the world. In the United States, many varieties of Birches grow well in zones one through seven. This family will do well in cool climates. They grow best in full sun and need watering, especially during dry conditions. The soil should be well drained. The River Birch is one of the popular trees to use as a focal point in a landscape. The beautiful multi - trunk sets it apart from other trees and shrubs.
  
  The Dwarf Birch is native to the Arctic Circle. The Silver Birch is native to northern Europe. The Paper Birch is native to America, and the Japanese White Birch is native to Korea, northern China, Japan, Mongolia, and eastern Siberia.



• Bixa - Lipstick Tree - contains one specie and is native and cultivated in tropical climates all over the world. The Bixa does well in zones nine through twelve in the United States. Propagation is done by cuttings. This specie should be grown in a protected environment The plant can mature to ten feet in height, but also can be pruned back.
  
  The plant has large heart shaped leaves and small clusters of pink tone flowers. This plant also produces coarse fruit that is covered in red bristles. The Lipstick tree is considered an ornamental tree and the seeds produce a orange dye. A great small tree for any tropical garden.



• Boronia - around 100 species of compact evergreen shrubs that are native to Australia. This family of shrubs have aromatic foliage and dominant pink four petal flowers. A few varieties have an off white and red tone flower. The Boronia does well in a sheltered area, full sun to partial shade, and well- drained soil. It can tolerate a light frost. It is considered a sub-tropical to tropical plant in the United States, and well thrive in zones nine and ten. I have never seen this plant before, and would love to have someone share a photograph of the beautiful foliage and flowers.



• Brachyglottis - around thirty species makes up this attractive shrub or tree. The Brachyglottis is native to New Zealand. It will survive in zones nine through ten in the United States. This plant family does well in a cool and mild environment that provides ample rainfall. It will grow in a well drained soil with full sun. The beautiful yellow flowers reveal this plants beauty and can be a focal point in the right garden setting. The Brachyglottis should be pruned back as some varieties can mature to twenty feet tall. This plant also has attractive foliage.



• Brugmansia - Angel Trumpet - A wonderful tropical plant that is native to South America and does well in zones nine through twelve. The Angel Trumpet will do well outside in zones seven and eight in the United States if brought indoors during the cooler winter months.
  
  The Brugmansia has beautiful, large and fragrant trumpet shaped flowers. They are propagated from tips cuttings in spring and summer. The Angel Trumpet loves being in some shelter and light and well drained soil. This specimen is great for a variety of gardens and also looks brilliant in a container garden. You can grow them as small trees and kept shaped. The Angel Trumpet needs a good amount of watering during dry conditions. Flowers range in color from pink, yellow and orange.



• Brunfelsia - Yesterday- Today - And Tomorrow - this family is native to south and central America and does well in zones nine through twelve. They are evergreen shrubs or small trees with fragrant flowers.
  
  The unique aspect of this family is the flowers will change colors throughout the growing season. They are slow growers and love full sun, but some afternoon shade. This is also a specie that will do well in containers but needs watering during the hot and dry months.
  
  The flowers produce a bluish- purple tone and create a wonderful look in a mass planting setting. The Brunfelsia can mature up to eight feet tall.



• Buddleja - Butterfly Bush - this family is native to China, Africa, Madagascar, southern Asia, South America and will grow well in zones six through nine in the United States. The Butterfly bush is one of the most popular species in many garden settings, and especially a butterfly garden. They love full sun and good drainage, but will adapt to a variety of soil conditions. You can propagate from cuttings in the summer and a pruning should be done in fall or early spring. You can trim back the butterfly bush to create a full look for the next year.
  
  Flower colors range from pinks, mauves, reddish purples, orange, and yellow. This is a great specimen for accents throughout a landscape. Of course butterflies are attracted to this family, as well as bees and some varieties of birds.



• Buxus - Boxwood - The Boxwood is a traditional plant in many places throughout the world. Native to many countries in Europe and also Japan and Korea. The Buxus is a very traditional shrub in the southern United States and will grow well in zones five through eight. It will survive in some areas of zone nine.
  
  The Boxwood is common as a hedge row, along a foundation, or intermingling with other evergreen shrubs. It is known for its different green tone foliage throughout the year.

Some of these species are native to the tropics. These beautiful ten shrubs and trees are on a small number of available plant specimens starting with the letter B. I hope this has given you a little more knowledge of some of the varieties of trees and shrubs available in many locations.