Clivia in Deep Shade Don discovered a clivia growing underneath a camellia in a shady part of a garden. Although this plant probably doesn’t flower very well in such a dark position, it still looks lush and healthy. Clivias (Clivia miniata) are being more widely...
Cordylines in Hawaii Last year the Burke’s Backyard team visited Hawaii, and filmed some spectacular foliage plants which the locals call ti. In Australia we know them as cordylines. The starchy roots (or rhizomes) of these plants were highly valued as food by...
Daylilies Modern daylily hybrids have bright, cheerful flowers which come in a wide range of colours, including yellows, buffs, oranges, reds and other shades towards plum-purple and deep reddish violet. They are called daylilies because individual flowers come out in...
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...