Rhodohypoxis are small but colourful alpine perennials which make an unusual addition to many gardens. Peter Valder took a closer look at these small plants which are native to high altitude regions of East Africa. Plant details Common name: Red star, rosy posy...
Some native plants that have been promoted by nurseries in the past have not proved to be good garden plants – either being short-lived or, in the case of trees such as Eucalyptus nicholii, out-growing their promised size and so becoming too big for a garden....
May bush is one of the most spectacular white flowering shrubs you can have in the garden, but it is even more so when used as a hedge. The name can be confusing as it flowers profusely in September and October in the southern hemisphere but flowers in May in the...
There has been a tremendous renewal of interest in recent years in Australian native plants. However, most people think of shrubs like grevilleas, wattles and banksias when they think of native plants. There are a whole range of Australian native annuals from...
The native hibiscus is an Australian native plant which has a beautiful mauve purple hibiscus-like flower and forms a medium sized shrub. Plant Details Common Name: Native Hibiscus, Lilac Hibiscus Botanical name : Alyogyne huegelii Best Climate: It will grow...
A wonderful Australian native is the native iris which has beautiful, tiny flowers and soft foliage that would be suitable in a cottage garden. Plant details Common name: Native Iris, Purple Flag Botanic name: Patersonia occidentalis Climate: Will grow in all areas of...
Autumn colour is a wonderful sight, yet many associate this season’s colour with changes in tree foliage. Flowering plants do make an impact with autumn colour and Peter Valder recently looked at some autumn flowering bulbs which were named after Nereis, a sea...
Many gardeners enjoy collecting obscure and unusual plants and a new native which is not a common sight in nurseries is a grevillea – Grevillea decora. It is a particularly showy shrub or small tree with a mass display of flowers in early autumn. Don recently...
A new subtropical grevillea variety has just become available. It is a hybrid between Grevillea ‘Honey Gem’ and the species Grevillea formosa. It is called Grevillea ‘Golden Lyre’. Of its parents, ‘Honey Gem’ is one of the...
[metaslider id=31329] Gardenias are an outstanding flowering shrub with an exquisite perfume that creates a magical, romantic atmosphere in the garden. They flower at their best in the warmer months of the year usually from November to May. Their large creamy...