Year in review: Mark Leichty, 'Flora Exotica' columnist

Six columns that explore rare and unique plants.

‘Flora Exotica’ takes our readers inside the mind of Mark Leichty, Director of Business Development at Little Prince of Oregon Nursery near Portland. He is a certified plant geek who enjoys visiting beautiful gardens and garden centers searching for rare and unique plants. His column provides a professional’s opinion on several plant genera.

Here are his 2023 columns for Nursery Management, all in one place for your convenience.

1. Moon rising – Pilea mollis ‘Moon Valley’ offers unusual texture reminiscent of a lunar landscape.
2. Stapelia gigantea – The carrion flower is known for its stench but has stunning starfish flowers.
3. Tradescantia fluminensis 'Nanouk' – This Dutch introduction provides a bright pop of color with leaf color and attractive flowers.
4. Begonia solimutata – The sun-changing begonia is known for its foliage, which changes colors based on the available light.
5. Sinocrassula yunnanensis – The dark foliage of this spooky succulent makes for a ghoulish container.
6. Coniogramme emeiensis ‘Golden Zebra’ – The variegation of the striped bamboo fern will turn heads whether in a garden or as a houseplant.