Summer in Sorrento - or Missouri! Quiz

Answer: Mandevilla

Native to South and Central America, as well as the southwestern U.S., the mandevilla comes in a variety of colors, including white, maroon, pink, and red. Also called a rocktrumpet, because of its trumpet-shaped flower, it likes to climb on a trellis or will making a beautiful hanging plant. A tropical plant, the mandevilla will obviously thrive in Sorrento's year-round warm climate, but with proper care will grow during the Missouri summer as well.

Answer: Lantana

Lantana is native to tropical areas in Africa and the Americas, and has such a nice variety of sizes - 1.6-6.6 feet tall - that it can fit well into many different settings. The plant contains umbels, which are clusters of flowers that spread from a common point - kind of like parts of an umbrella.

As long as the temperature is warm, lantana will continue to grow and bloom. The plant comes in a variety of colors which are attractive to butterflies.

Answer: Hydrangea

Native to eastern Asia and the Americas, hydrangeas grow as shrubs or trees. The flowerheads typically produce two kinds of flowers; in the center the flowers are small and frankly look like something went wrong in the blooming process. The blooms on the exterior ring of the flowerhead are large and colorful in shades of white, pink, blue, and purple.

In some species the color is determined by the acidity of the soil, or soil pH. In other species the color change is caused by the presence of aluminium ions which interact with the soil pH.

This ability to change colors has led to the hydrangea's nickname, change rose.

Answer: Agave

The agave plants growing in the region around Sorrento were absolutely spectacular. Originally found in the southwestern United States and Mexico, the agave also thrives in the Mediterranean Basin. Why is it called a century plant? It is not because it lives a hundred years.

It takes quite some time, however, for the plant to bloom as it grows very slowly. After it blooms the plant dies, but it does leave behind shoots that will continue to grow in its place. The blue agave is used in the production of the alcoholic beverage tequila.

Answer: Hibiscus

Found throughout the world in warm temperate, tropical, and subtropical climates, the less common names for a hibiscus are rose mallow or wild cotton. Used to attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, the beautiful flowers come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and dark red.

Interestingly, the hibiscus is viewed world-wide as a plant with medicinal purposes; it is especially valued for making a tea, served hot or cold, which is high in vitamin C.

Answer: Geranium

There are over 400 species of geraniums, also known as cranesbills, which grow throughout the world in temperate regions and are especially popular in the eastern Mediterranean. Some of the species produce a fruit capsule resembling the bill of a crane that distributes seeds.

There are other species that are considered to be "hardy", as they are able to withstand cold winter temperatures.

Answer: Star Jasmine

Originating in east and southern Asia, the star jasmine is beautiful as a hanging plant, wall cover, or ground cover. Its popularity in the southern United States has given it the name Confederate jessamine, but it is called trader's compass because in Uzbekistan it was believed that it pointed traders in the right direction - but only if they were honest.

Other than its apparent beauty, there are two other great attributes to this plant. First, it will bloom in both total shade and full sunlight, making it relatively easy to place in a garden.

In addition, the flowers produce the most wonderful smell as the plant grows and can be processed into perfume oil.

Answer: Vinca

Indigenous to Europe, parts of northern Africa, and southwest Asia, vinca will grow year-round in warm climates. Valued as a quickly-growing ground cover, vinca grows so fast that it is considered to be an invasive species in some of the areas where it has been introduced. Scientists have extracted 86 alkaloids from members of the genus, which have been used in the treatment of different types of cancers.

Answer: Lavender

Preferring to live somewhere with dry soil and full sun, lavender is native to the Mediterranean area, southwest Asia, and southwest India. The most common form of lavender that is grown is called English lavender. It is said that lavender was brought to England in the 1600s, and Queen Elizabeth I preferred to have lavender jam on her table! Included in many recipes, such as herbal tea and sweets, the lavender plant also produces highly prized oil, used as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.

Answer: Begonia

With over 1800 species, begonias grow best in wet tropical and subtropical climates and are found all over the world. They typically do not, however, grow best in the direct sun. They will grow year-round in warm locations, such as Sorrento, while in Missouri they are used as annuals. The leaves of the plant, which are described as tasting tangy, sweet, or bitter, are used by some on sandwiches or in salads. The flower is a popular plate garnish. If you prefer larger flowers and leaves, look for the Dragonwing hybrid.