Harris Horticulture

Call Contact the business

Harris Horticulture Benjamin Harris owner/operator of Harris Horticulture. Three years experience in the Horticulture Industry in Victoria BC.

Benjamin has his Level 3 Landscape Horticulturist on his way to his Red Seal at the Horticulture College of the Pacific.

TaroColocasia esculentaPlant Type: HerbLifespan: Perennial, AnnualHeight: 1m to 2mSpread: 90 cm to1.8 mClimateTemperatur...
09/22/2026

Taro
Colocasia esculenta

Plant Type: Herb
Lifespan: Perennial, Annual

Height: 1m to 2m
Spread: 90 cm to1.8 m

Climate
Temperature: 0-43°C
Hardiness Zones: 8-12
Sunlight: Fullsun
Soil: Clay, Loam

Uses
A lesser-known aspect of taro is its role in purifying wastewater due to its phytoremediation capabilities.Ii's efficient in removing harmful substances to help refresh water sources. Moreover, it's a source of valuable phytochemicals. Historically, oil was extracted from taro for "lamps, and its stalk fibers were woven into rough fabrics and ropes. In Asia, warming taro leaves are traditionally applied to reduce pain from swelling, sprains, and boils.

Adaptation Strategies
Taro thrives in warm environments with moist, well-drained soil and loves humidity. Remarkably, it can grow submerged and withstand dry spells, showing its aquatic adaptability. The plant's sizeable heart-like leaves serve to shield it from harsh sun, assisting in temperature control - a testament to its remarkable adaptive strategies.

Ecological Application
Taro also has an impressive ecological value. With their significant biomass production, taro varieties can act as efficient carbon sinks that absorb and store atmospheric C02, and thus greatly contribute to climate change mitigation. Additionally, due to its extensive root system, taro is effective at soil erosion control, preventing mudslides and conserving valuable topsoil.

History & Legends
Taro boasts a rich tapestry of historical and cultural tales. In Hawaiian lore, it's believed to emerge from the gods' earth-and-sky lineage, symbolizing a profound spiritual connection. Central to Hawaiian gastronomy, it's integral in poi preparation, reflecting not only its culinary importance but also its embodiment of tradition and heritage.

Name Story
Taro's scientific name is steeped in history and geography. 'Esculenta' refers to its edible nature, highlighting the corm as a staple in many tropical climates. Colocasia' traces back to Colchis, its likely place of origin, present-day Western Georgia - thus, indicating its long- standing significance as a food source.

Symbolism
Sanctity, connection with one's ancestors

American white water-lilyNymphaea odorataHeight 2.5mSpread 60 cm to 1.2mClimateTemperature: -25 - 43°CHardiness Zones: 4...
09/17/2026

American white water-lily
Nymphaea odorata

Height 2.5m
Spread 60 cm to 1.2m

Climate
Temperature: -25 - 43°C
Hardiness Zones: 4 - 11

Sunlight: Full sun

Adaptation Strategies
American white water-lily has evolved several adaptations to thrive in freshwater environments. Its broad, waxy leaves are designed to float, thus maximizing sunlight absorption and gas exchange. Additionally, american white water-lily employs a dual pollination strategy. The flowers are fragrant and open during the day to attract bees and during the night to entice nocturnal pollinators such as beetles. This nocturnal pollination is uniquely significant because american white water-lily is a member of an ancient lineage of flowering plants, providing insight into early angiosperm reproduction strategies.

History & Legends
Throughout history, american white water-lily has been imbued with cultural significance and is often featured in Native American lore, symbolizing peace and purity. Stories depict american white water-lily as a spiritual element, with some tribes believing that the spirit of a star resides within the flower. Additionally, american white water-lily has been used in traditional wedding ceremonies, representing unity and the sacred bond of marriage. These legends showcase the plant not only as a biological entity but as a vessel for human imagination and tradition.

Name Story
The scientific name 'Nymphaea odorata' is derived from the Greek nymph, suggesting a plant of exceptional beauty and purity, often related to water in mythological stories. The species name 'odorata' translates to fragrant, alluding to the plant's sweet-smelling flowers. his common name, 'American white water-lily', reflects its dominion in North American waterways, with 'white water-lily ` describing the plant's distinctive blooming habit and habitat.

Symbolism
Purity, chastity

PaperflowerBougainvillea glabraSize Height 3m to 5m Spread 1m to 5mClimateTemperature: 5 - 43°CHardiness Zones: 9 -11Sun...
09/12/2026

Paperflower
Bougainvillea glabra

Size
Height 3m to 5m
Spread 1m to 5m

Climate
Temperature: 5 - 43°C
Hardiness Zones: 9 -11
Sunlight: Full sun
Soil: Loam, Sandy loam

Uses
Beyond its widespread admiration as an ornamental plant, paperflower has shown potential in combating urban air pollution due to it's ability to absorb pollutants. It's vibrant, extensive bracts and adaptability make it a fitting choice for urban greening projects aiming to reduce environmental pollutants.

Adaptation Strategies
Paperflower thrives through graceful dance with nature's rhythms, flourishing year-round in equatorial climes due to photoperiodism, which syncs flowering to day length. Resilient amidst adversity, paperflower's waxy foliage conserves water efficiently. A spectacle of collaboration unfolds as hummingbirds and butterflies, drawn to paperflower's vivid bracts, are vital for its a pollination, illustrating a symbiotic survival tale.

Ecological Application
Paperflower isn't just a joy to our senses, it serves the environment too. It's known to be a butterfly friendly plant, attracting species like the Green-striped Brush-footed butterfly, which significantly aid in pollination. Not only does this accelerate the plant's own reproduction, but also encourages biodiversity, creating micro-habitats brimming with life. More butterflies indicate a healthy environment. So the more paperflower blossoming in the area, the more butterflies you are likely to see fluttering around.

History & Legends
Paperflower has made a significant mark on landscapes around the globe with its vibrant flowers and hardy nature. The journey of the paperflower began in Europe in the late 1700s, later reaching Asia and North America. Today, its dazzling display has made it a favorite for decorating outdoor spaces worldwide, showcasing a meteoric rise from obscurity to international fame.

Name Story
Paperflower, often evoking visions of a historic voyage, carries the tale of French Admiral Louis Antoine de Bougainville, who brought the species from Brazil to Europe ir in the 1700s. It's species title 'glabra' means "hairless, pointing to its smooth-leaved nature. Interestingly, it's popularly called 'Paperflower' for its vivid, paper- like floral bracts.

Symbolism
Welcome, encouragement of free trade, peace, desire

Address

Victoria, BC
V8Z5K2

Telephone

+12508570279

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Harris Horticulture posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Harris Horticulture:

Shortcuts

Share

Category