Strawberry Hill Gardens

The Western Slopes

Facing the setting sun and capturing an extra 2 hrs of full sunlight and heat, the Western Slopes provided a challenge. Initially part of the coffee plantation with banana plants for shade, it was decided to stay with the "Ginger" family as the main storey to help prevent excessive moisture loss from the shaley soil.

The library & the Jade Terrace from the Western Slopes

Oncidium lucidum

A giant endemic orchid that produces hundreds of 1/2" blooms on 5'-7' spikes. At this altitude it can flower up to three times a year.

Combretum speciosum

A free flowering creeper producing 4" umbels of deep red blooms. Only in bloom from March to May, Combretum is an untidy grower, but necessary as the flowering occurs without leaves.

Heliconia caribea 'lutea'

A robust perennial producing 8'-10' high stems from "eyes" annually. The leaves are decorated with a silver underside and the flowers are born year round, up to 18" high and weighing a hefty 5 lbs.

Calathea ignis

One of the many brilliantly colored species of the Calathea genus. Tough and capable of withstanding moisture deprivation, this houseplant is used as a prolific groundcover in deep shade.

Heliconia wagneriana

A very popular Heliconia used for cut flowers as the plants flowers regularly and the 12' blooms last for a very long time without deterioating. In addition the colors do not vary that much between intense light and deep shade

Alpinia purpurata

The pink variety of the ever-popular red Alpinia. A very hardy and drought tolerant plant that flowers all year. Though common, it is a mistake to leave these plants out of any tropical garden design as it is a very decorative species.

Delonix regina

The famous "flambouyant tree". This vast, spreading symmetrical tree is found all over Jamaica and can reach as high as 100 feet with a spread of 200ft. Flowering in July, it produces huge bean pods for seed by December.

Dichorisandra spp

A remarkable perennial that assumes the habit of a "ginger" but is in fact a member of the Commelinaceae family that is predominantly groundcovers. Deep blue 6" terminal racemes are born throughout the year.

Episcea repens

A beautiful groundcover flowering virtually all year round. Preferring shade, this 6" high plant is useful for both it's flowering as well as it's foliage.