Dwarf Poinsettia Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are native to southern Mexico. They have erect, succulent stems and large, scarlet floral leaves or bracts, which look like flamboyant flowers. In the centre of the bracts are the true flowers, an insignificant...
Epping Road Azaleas Don looked at a fabulous floral display along the side of Epping Road, Lane Cove in Sydney. The display is made up of four hardy varieties of azalea: ‘Alba Magna’ or ‘Alba Magnifica’ (large white flowers), ‘Alphonse...
ESP Jonquils Autumn is bulb planting time and few bulbs are easier to grow than jonquils and narcissus. Yates has released a collection of jonquils for 2001. The ESP Collection is a combination of three all-time favourite fragrant jonquils and narcissus: cream...
There are around 60 species of amaranthus, including weeds, leaf vegetables, grain crops and ornamentals. Many have large, colourful leaves and tassel-like flower spikes. Jackie French thinks amaranthus is the most spectacularly beautiful and useful plant that...
Although there has been a long history of rose breeding in Australia, most of the new roses released in this country have been brought in from overseas. Maureen Ross, of Ross Roses at Willunga in South Australia, said that the reason we have not had good Australian...
[metaslider id=31327] Many people love growing plants in pots, but potted gardens can be a lot of work. Choosing the right plants is half the battle. Some plants (such as roses, most Australian natives, most fruit trees and most vegetables) hate growing in pots....
[metaslider id=31335] The lilly pilly is one of the most popular plants in Australia today, particularly for hedging and topiary. Lilly pillies are evergreen rainforest plants with glossy green leaves. Many varieties have flushes of colourful new growth, ranging from...
In Don’s view, Callistemon ‘Harkness’ is the best of the Australian bottlebrushes. Plant details Common name: Bottlebrush Botanic name: Callistemon ‘Harkness’ (used to be known and sold as ‘Gawler’ or ‘Gawler...
This vigorous and attractive flowering vine is native to the West Indies. Plant details: Common name: Cardinal creeper Botanic name: Ipomoea horsfalliae The genus name, Ipomoea, is from the Greek, meaning ‘worm like’. It is interesting that both parts of...
Most people think of oxalis as a serious garden weed, which must be eradicated at all cost. However, Peter Valder explained that there are many beautiful, ornamental species of oxalis that can be planted safely, without any fear of them taking over the garden. Peter...