People tend to think of azaleas as being small plants, with small leaves and clusters of only two or three flowers, whereas the general concept of a rhododendron is of a large shrub with big leaves and large heads of many flowers. But, alas, it isn’t that...
Flowering Plants & Shrubs
Rhodohypoxis
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...
Silk Tassel Bush
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...
Smaller Native Plants
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
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...
Native Annuals
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...
Native Hibiscus
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...
Grevillea decora
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...
Grevillea ‘Golden Lyre’
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...

Growing Gardenias
[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...
