If you want a plant that’ll laugh at the drought, consider the humble gazania.
Plant details
Common name: Gazania
Botanic name: Gazania hybrids
Description: Low growing perennials from South Africa. Their silvery-green leaves are usually long and narrow, and are often lobed. They have bright, colourful flowers in white, cream, yellow, red and brown, often with contrasting bands or spots. The main flowering period is spring and early summer, but they flower at other times of the year as well.
Best climate: Gazanias grow in most areas of Australia.
Uses:
coastal landscaping
erosion control on sloping land
urban landscaping
low maintenance gardens
water-wise gardens
Good points:
colourful, cheery flowers
easy to grow
drought tolerant
pollution tolerant
salt tolerant
Downside:
Not suitable as cut flowers (flowers close at night).
Care:
Gazanias love full sun and well-drained soil that is not too rich. Water occasionally during dry spells and mulch annually with compost.
Getting started:
Gazanias can be propagated by soft-tip cuttings all year round, or in the cooler months by division of established plants.
Gazanias are readily available at nurseries and garden centres, and cost about $4 for 100mm (4″) pots, and $10 for 150mm (6″) pots.
