Don looked at a new flowering cherry, Prunus ‘Millennium Sunset’, which has been developed at the University of Western Sydney. This is the first release in what is hoped will be a whole series of early flowering and low chill stone fruit, suitable for...
Don looked at Cupressus sempervirens ‘Glauca’, one of the very best pencil pine varieties. Plant details Common name: Pencil pine Botanic name: Cupressus sempervirens ‘Glauca’ Description: Very tight habit Best climate: Sydney, Perth and areas...
The decorative ponytail plant is native to dry, desert regions of Mexico and the southern United States. Plant details Common name: Ponytail palm, elephant’s foot tree Botanic name: Beaucarnea recurvata (also known as Nolina recurvata and N. tuberculata)...
Don looked at the upright, narrow-growing form of the western red cedar. Thuja plicata ‘Fastigiata’ is a small tree to about 10m (30-40′) tall and 2m (6′) wide. It has a narrow, columnar growth habit, short branches and attractive deep green...
Autumn foliage plants are a great investment around the home. They provide shade in summer, put on a fabulous colour display in autumn, then lose their leaves allowing the warming, winter sun to shine through. Now is the perfect time to go for a walk or a drive, and...
The popular ‘Swane’s Golden’ is a fabulous conifer for use in narrow areas, but until recently there hasn’t been a good alternative for people wanting a pencil-shaped conifer with blue foliage. In our segment Don looked at ‘Blue...
Don showed an evergreen magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) in flower. The evergreen magnolia, or Bull Bay magnolia as it is commonly known, grows to around 20m (60′) in cultivation. It has dark, glossy green leaves with a rusty reverse, and large white, lemon...
Recently introduced into cultivation, Agonis flexuosa ‘After Dark’, is a variety of the West Australian willow myrtle. It has burgundy to purple coloured foliage all year round, with tiny white flowers in spring. It grows around 6m (18′) high and...
All about Frangipanis Frangipanis (known by their botanic name Plumeria in America) bring a heady, romantic fragrance to the garden, as well as a wide choice of warm, tropical colours. In Australia, frangipanis are sold by colour, rather than variety, and the further...