Solve a problem, find a plant or look for a design inspiration
She-oak At certain times of the year and particularly in winter many she-oaks go reddish brown and look as if they are dying. Well, they aren’t necessarily dying indeed it is quite the opposite. The tree is actually flowering. She-oaks have separate...
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...
Banksia Serrata Banksia Banksia spinulosa Banksias are the ultimate natural food tree for native wildlife, especially in winter when other food is scarce. Their flowers are honey-scented spikes of gold, yellow, orange or red. They provide nectar for insects, birds and...
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...
Mexican Tree Daisy Don looks at one of the largest daisy bushes in the world! Plant details Common name: Mexican tree daisy Botanic name: Montanoa bipinnatifida Description Tree daisies grow to around 5m (15′) tall. They are evergreen plants with large, divided...
This Australian rainforest tree is commonly called the native frangipani, because it produces creamy yellow, frangipani-like flowers with a strong, heady fragrance. It is not related to the exotic frangipani (Plumeria). Plant details Common name: Native frangipani...