Is sweet almond a sweet-smelling butterfly magnet? Eh. But it sure is a robust bloomer

Sweet almond (Aloysia virgata) is a large shrub that can be groomed into a handsome miniature tree.

It has a reputation for the delightful fragrance of its charming white blossoms. But if that’s a real thing, it’s totally escaped me, despite spending hours among branches in full blooms.

Sweet almond, from South America, is also touted as a butterfly nectar plant, but – again – it seems to attract few of those wondrous insects. This warm-season bloomer is a fast-growing, sun-loving plant that’s cold hardy and drought tolerant once it’s established.

In addition, pests aren’t a problem; neither is poor soil, though a heavy organic mulch is recommended. Propagate with seeds and warm-season stem cuttings. Plants are available online.

Pygmy date palms are usually sold three per pot

A reader wanted to know why his dwarf date palm (Phoenix roebelinii) wasn’t forming a clump.

My response was this graceful little palm is a single-trunk species that nurseries typically grow as three plants per pot. In fact, it’s difficult to find a single-trunked dwarf date (aka pygmy date) for sale. This multi-plant presentation from growers is also common with majesty palm (Ravena rivularis) and even Chinese fan palm (Livistona chinensis).

Returning to the query regarding pygmy date palm, the plants we purchase and cultivate are impostors — likely the result of a series of serendipitous hybridizations with other species of Phoenix palms. The true pygmy date grows along the rivers of Laos, Vietnam and Southern China, forming clusters of thin, springy stems able to withstand occasional raging waters.

If you’re wondering how many palms are naturally multi-trunked, my guess would be at least a third of the world’s 2200 or so species. Of Florida’s 11 species, these five form clumps: needle palm, paurotis palm and saw, dwarf and scrub palmetto.

Mandarin hat: This Himalayan shrub is easy to grow and its flowers are irresistible to butterflies

Identifying plants has become much easier

Not so long ago, identifying an obscure plant could be frustrating and futile. That ordeal has largely disappeared, thanks to plant identification services.

I was recently able to identify two mysterious plants – widow’s thrill kalanchoe and twin leaf nightshade – in just a few minutes. My favorite plant identification tool is Pl@ntNet at identify.plantnet.org. You can download the free app or go directly to the website (also free) to search.

Although you can use up to four pictures, I’ve had excellent results after uploading just one.

Plant to ponder: Peace Lily

Approximately 60 species of peace lily (Spathophyllum) range from Central America to the Philippines. In addition, numerous named varieties are available in assorted sizes – and there are variegated kinds as well. All thrive in moist soil and bright, filtered light. Peace lilies can sometimes be grown successfully in sheltered locations outdoors, but most are used as houseplants. Propagate by division.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Rumor has it sweet almond is a sweet-smelling butterfly magnet. Eh