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Abutilons or Chinese lanterns are closely related to hibiscus, and most of the hundred or so species have pendulous, hibiscus-like flowers. Cultivars produced by hybridising some of the South American abutilons have all been placed in one group known as Abutilon x...
Mother’s Day is when traditionally Australians present their mums with a bunch of chrysanthemums. Chrysanthemums are naturally in season in Australia in autumn, so are cheap and plentiful in time for Mother’s Day. Plant details Common name: Chrysanthemum...
The latest trend when it comes to roses is a move away from the cottage garden towards free flowering, fragrant roses which can be used for privacy and screening. These types of roses often have climbing or semi-climbing growth habits, and they add a wonderful,...
Cosmos ‘Bright Eyes’ Cosmos ‘Bright Eyes’ is a beautiful summer annual in the Yates packet seed range. The semi-double flowers are all in warm colours, from scarlet through to orange and yellow. The seeds can be started in trays of seed raising...
Cuphea Cupheas are native to Mexico and Brazil. There are around two hundred and sixty species and they are mostly low growing annuals, perennials or shrubs with tubular flowers and small leaves. Don looked at two new varieties, ‘Starfire’ and ‘Tiny...
Evergreen foliage plants are wonderful in the garden, because they give you stunning colour all year round. Many plants with brilliantly coloured leaves belong to the family Amaranthaceae. They include the popular bloodleaf (Iresine herbstii) with its bright red...
Coordinating the colours in your garden can sometimes be difficult. Don looked at a soft blue and apricot colour combination that works beautifully: the small perennial wallflower ‘Apricot Twist’ planted with a plumbago called ‘Royal Cape’....
Lawn is very difficult to grow in a damp, shady, position. One solution is to do away with the lawn and pave the area. An even better idea is to plant a groundcover such as the Australian native violet (Viola hederacea), which thrives in moist areas and will still...
Bedding or fibrous rooted begonias are trusty old timers which deserve greater recognition, particularly as useful elements in garden design. They are among the most hardy and dependable of plants, and they will flourish despite almost total neglect. Plant details...
There are over 400 species of clerodendrums, including climbers, shrubs, herbaceous plants and trees, and they are mostly from warm climates. Many, like the Bleeding Heart Vine, have very showy flowers. Plant details Common name: Bleeding Heart Vine Botanic name:...