Apricot Twist and Plumbago

Coordinating the colours in your garden can sometimes be difficult. Don looked at a soft blue and apricot colour combination that works beautifully: the small perennial wallflower 'Apricot Twist' planted with a plumbago called 'Royal Cape'.

Erysimum 'Apricot Twist' (also sold as Erysimum 'Apricot Delight')

A wallflower with vibrant, apricot/orange perfumed blooms and lush green foliage. It grows to about 60cm tall with a spread of around 80cm. Flowering starts in late winter, with the main flowering flush in spring and spot flowers through summer. It will grow in most areas of Australia, except for the tropics.

'Apricot Twist' can be used for:

borders perfumed gardens cut flowers mixing with cool colours (blue, purple or lilac) mixing with hot colours (reds, yellows, orange or burgundy)

Wallflowers like a position in full sun, with good drainage. Prune after the main flower flush to shape the plant and promote vigour.

Plumbago auriculata 'Royal Cape'

This variety of plumbago was bred in California by retired teacher and journalist, Paul Scott. His aim was to produce a drought tolerant plant with deep blue flowers, which wouldn't fade in the heat of the summer sun. 'Royal Cape' grows to around 2m (6') tall and has clusters of clear, deep blue flowers. Flowering time is from spring to autumn. This plant will grow in all parts of Australia, except for inland and mountainous areas.

It can be used for:

shrub borders cottage gardens informal hedges low maintenance areas cool colour planting schemes

'Royal Cape' is frost tolerant, hardy, and well suited to Australian conditions.

Getting started:

Both Erysimum 'Apricot Twist' and Plumbago auriculata 'Royal Cape' are readily available at nurseries around Australia.

Copyright CTC Productions 2000