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Peonies with their large blowsy, rose-like, fragrant flowers are among the most romantic plants in the world. There are two forms, tree and herbaceous species. Peter Valder, who has a special interest in Chinese plants, recently looked at herbaceous peonies. At around...
When you first experience the heady scent of philadelphus you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve gone to heaven. The only mystery is why this wonderful shrub isn’t more popular, because it deserves to be. This super shrub really does deserve wider...
Pieris, also known as lily of the valley shrub, is a charming and versatile plant for the cooler districts of Australia. There are many different varieties of pieris around with different combinations of flower and leaf colour. Some have variegated leaves while others...
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...
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...
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...