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I have put all the perennial Salvias together on one page. Click here to read. 

I have put all the Salvia together on one page. Click here to read. 

Salvia 'Victoria' Picture courtesy www.steyns-nursery.co.zaCondensed Version:

There are hundreds of different types of salvias available to gardeners, and they all have beautiful tall flower spikes, and attractive green or grey-green leaves which are often aromatic. They will flower almost all summer and autumn, and new selections come out almost every season, which are valued for their extended blooming season and spires of dense or loose flowers in shades of red and pink, or bright blue, violet, cream and white. Tall and dwarf varieties are available, varying in height and spread from +-15 to 90cm tall.

Although the summer flowering annual salvias (Salvia splendens) are well known and loved by gardeners, perennial salvias have become mainstays of the summer garden, providing season long colour at very little expense. The taller varieties of sage will add accent to flowerbeds and the dwarf varieties make excellent border plants and work well in containers, mixed with other summer flowering annuals. Butterflies as well as nectar eating birds are drawn like magnets to salvias.

Salvias do well in most of our growing regions and perform extremely well in hot gardens. Although they are drought tolerant, to look at their best they should be watered moderately during long hot and dry spells. They thrive in full sun but will take light shade; and in regions which experience extremely hot weather, the plants will appreciate some shade during the hottest time of the day.

Although there are salvias suitable for almost all climates, take care when choosing them because not all salvias are hardy in all regions, and extreme frost is fatal to them. Moderate frost may damage them but they usually recover quickly with the onset of warmer weather. For this reason, with the exception of those frost-free and humid regions, salvias are often grown as summer annuals.

Salvias grow well in sandy loam soils with perfect drainage, but will adapt to most garden soils, but it is vital that the soil drains well to prevent root rot. Salvias are not hungry plants and overly fertile soils, or too much fertiliser will actually reduce flowering, so feed only once a season in spring, and mulch the roots with fresh compost. If you cut back your plants back lightly after each flush of flowers, new growth will soon emerge, and your plants will bloom almost continually. Just before winter sets in is the best time to prune them back sharply and to renew the organic mulch around their root systems if you want to protect them from the cold.

Mexican Bush Sage, Velvet Sage (Salvia leucantha)

Mexican Bush Sage is a spreading shrub with soft, narrow, wrinkled leaves that are pale green on top and woolly and silver-white underneath. In spring long sprays of white flowers appear, contrasting beautifully with the velvety purple calyces. This salvia blooms abundantly in spring, intermittently in summer, and then again with renewed vigour in autumn. Use Mexican bush sage in mixed borders along with rosemary, buddleia, and other salvias like blue anise sage or autumn sage.

Autumn Sage, Cherry Sage (Salvia greggii hybrids)

Autumn Sage is a highly variable plant, with numerous named cultivars, and varying in height from +-30cm to 1.22m, and less in width. Its growth habit can be either upright or mounding; and it’s mid-green leaves have a minty fragrance. Contrary to its common name, it blooms throughout the summer and autumn, until the first frosts. Flower size and colour range have been enhanced by breeding, resulting in many cultivars which include many shades of scarlet and red, which is the most common colour found in the wild; as well as rose, pink, salmon, lavender, pale yellow, apricot, violet and white. Autumn sage is a popular water-wise plant for hot, dry areas because it blooms for so long and is delightful to use as a small, ornamental, flowering shrub in a perennial bed or even as a low hedge.

Mealy Blue Sage, Mealy Sage, Mealycup Sage, Blue Sage (Salvia farinacea)

There are several garden cultivars of Mealy Sage that differ in size and flower colour. Cultivars vary in size from +-30cm to 1.2m tall.

Blue Salvia 'Victoria' (Salvia farinacea)

'Victoria' produces beautifully showy deep blue flowers from spring until autumn if the dying flowers are kept trimmed off.

Salvia Mystic 'Spires Blue' (Salvia longispicata x farinacea)

'Spires Blue' blooms from spring all the way through to autumn; and the dark grey-green leaves are a perfect foil for the showy purple-blue flowers.

Anise Sage 'Black and Blue' (Salvia guaranitica)

'Black and Blue' has startlingly bright, cobalt-blue flower spikes which are framed by black calyces and stems; appearing from mid-summer and continuing deep into autumn. This salvia is a wonderful background plant, creating a brilliant display in landscapes and flower borders.

Pineapple Sage, Pynappelsalie (Salvia elegans)

Pineapple Sage is spectacular when in full bloom with its masses of tubular, blood red flower spikes that contrast perfectly against the bright green leaves. The leaves have a wonderful fresh pineapple scent when crushed.  Mass plantings of Pineapple Sage will create a striking splash of colour, but even single specimens look great in the shrub or perennial border. It also grows well in larger pots if it is clipped regularly and the soil is very well drained.

Salvia greggii 'Coral' Picture courtesy www.steyns-nursery.co.zaFull Version:

Description, History & Interesting Facts:

Salvia is commonly referred to as sage, and is the largest genus in the mint family (Lamiaceae); and includes annuals, perennials and soft-wooded evergreen shrubs; as well as culinary and medicinal herbs and garden ornamentals. The genus has approximately 900 species and is distributed throughout the Old World and the Americas, with three distinct regions of diversity: Central and South America has about 500 species; Central Asia and the Mediterranean 250 species, and Eastern Asia with about 90 species. More than half of the species of Salvia are native to the Americas, occurring in a wide range of habitats, from coastal to alpine. There are hundreds of different types of salvias available to gardeners, and they all have beautiful tall flower spikes, and attractive green or grey-green leaves which are often aromatic. They will flower almost all summer and autumn, and new selections come out almost every season, which are valued for their extended blooming season and spires of dense or loose flowers in shades of red and pink, or bright blue, violet, cream and white. Tall and dwarf varieties are available, varying in height and spread from +-15 to 90cm tall. Although the summer flowering annual salvias (Salvia splendens) are well known and loved by gardeners, perennial salvias have become mainstays of the summer garden, providing season long colour at very little expense. The taller varieties of sage will add accent to flowerbeds and the dwarf varieties make excellent border plants and work well in containers, mixed with other summer flowering annuals. Butterflies as well as nectar eating birds are drawn like magnets to salvias.

Salvia leucantha. Picture courtesy www.steyns-nursery.co.zaMexican Bush Sage, Velvet Sage (Salvia leucantha)

Mexican Bush Sage is a semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial which is native to Central America and Mexico. It is a spreading shrub with soft, narrow, wrinkled leaves that are pale green on top and woolly and silver-white underneath. In early winter it becomes totally deciduous for a few months, but new growth appears again in midwinter. In spring, long sprays of white flowers appear, contrasting beautifully with the velvety purple calyces. This salvia blooms abundantly in spring, intermittently in summer, and then again with renewed vigour in autumn.

Use Mexican bush sage in mixed borders along with rosemary, buddleia, and other salvias like blue anise sage or autumn sage. The flowers of this sage can also be used as a cut-flower and the flowers are very long lasting. Its soft greyish foliage is attractive all summer long as an accent to the other shrubs that are blooming; then in the autumn when most of the other shrubs are getting tired, Mexican bush sage comes into its own.

This sage thrives in hot and dry Mediterranean and subtropical gardens; performing well in sandy soils, and tolerating periods of drought with ease. Although it is considered tender to frost it will take light frost if planted in a protected place in the garden. It loves full sun but will take some shade, and generally grows +-1m tall and 1m wide, but can reach 1.3m tall with a 2m spread if left unpruned. Although this plant tolerates some drought, it will look at its best in the garden if watered moderately during very dry, hot spells. As it flowers, the plant spreads outward and is subject to fall over and break off stems. Remove flower clusters as they age to reduce the weight on the stems. The best time to cut it back into shape would be right after it has finished blooming in autumn and before it becomes dormant in winter, but it can also be pruned in early summer.

Salvia 'Lady in Red' Picture courtesy www.steyns-nursery.co.zaAutumn Sage, Cherry Sage (Salvia greggii hybrids)

Autumn Sage is an evergreen herbaceous perennial which is native to a long, narrow area from southwest Texas, through the Chihuahuan Desert and into the Mexican state of San Luis Potosi, typically growing in rocky soils at elevations from 1,500 to 2,700m. This salvia is a highly variable plant, with numerous named cultivars, and varying in height from +-30cm to 1.2m, and less in width. Its growth habit can be either upright or mounding; and it’s mid-green leaves have a minty fragrance.

Contrary to its common name, it blooms throughout the summer and autumn, until the first frosts. Flower size and colour range have been enhanced by breeding, resulting in many cultivars which include many shades of scarlet and red, which is the most common colour found in the wild; as well as rose, pink, salmon, lavender, pale yellow, apricot, violet and white.

Autumn sage is a popular water-wise plant for hot, dry areas because it blooms for so long, and is delightful to use as a small, ornamental, flowering shrub in a perennial bed or even as a low hedge. It is valued for its adaptability to most garden soils and its tolerance to moderate frost, as long as the roots are mulched in winter and it is planted in a protected position in the garden.

(Salvia greggii 'Hot Lips')

'Hot Lips' has two-toned red and white flowers, and grows approximately 50cm tall and 50cm wide..

(Salvia greggii 'Neon Pink')

'Neon Pink' has bright pink flowers, and grows approximately 50cm tall and 50cm wide.

(Salvia greggii 'Red Surprise')

'Red Surprise' had cerise-pink flowers, and grows approximately 50cm tall and 50cm wide.

(Salvia greggii 'Sierra Pink')

'Sierra Pink' has pink flowers, and grows approximately 50cm tall and 50cm wide.

(Salvia greggii 'Salmon Smoothy')

'Salmon Smoothy' has soft salmon-pink flowers, and grows approximately 50cm tall and 50cm wide.

(Salvia greggii 'Sweet Lips')

'Sweet Lips' has pink flowers, and grows approximately 50cm tall and 50cm wide.

Salvia guaranitica 'Black and 'Blue'Mealy Blue Sage, Mealy Sage, Mealycup Sage, Blue Sage (Salvia farinacea)

Salvia farinacea is a much branched perennial herb native to Mexico, New Mexico and Texas. There are several garden cultivars that differ in size and flower colour. Cultivars can be as small as +-30cm to as tall as 1.2m.

Blue Sage 'Victoria' (Salvia farinacea)

'Victoria' is a small evergreen perennial with long green leaves, which may, or may not have teeth. It produces beautifully showy deep blue flowers on +-50 to 60cm tall spikes, and +-30 to 40cm wide plants. This salvia will bloom from spring until autumn if the dying flowers are kept trimmed off. It is hardy to moderate frost but is grown as an annual in very cold regions.

Salvia Mystic 'Spires Blue' (Salvia longispicata x farinacea)

'Spires Blue' is a small evergreen perennial with a compact, upright growth habit. It blooms from spring all the way through to autumn; and the dark grey-green leaves are a perfect foil for the showy purple-blue flowers. This sage grows +-40cm tall and +-30cm wide, and is hardy to moderate frost.    

Anise Sage 'Black and Blue' (Salvia guaranitica)

'Spires Blue' is a lovely evergreen perennial which is native to Brazil, Paraguay and northern Argentina. It has an open habit, growing about 1 to 1.5m tall and can spread as wide; and the common name anise sage refers to the sweetly scented leaves, which release their aroma with even the slightest touch. The startlingly bright, cobalt-blue flower spikes are framed by black calyces and stems; and appear from mid-summer and continue deep into autumn.

This salvia is a wonderful background plant, creating a brilliant display in landscapes and flower borders. It is easily cultivated as a summer annual and is hardy to moderate frost, as long as the roots are mulched in winter and it is planted in a protected position in the garden.

Pineapple SagePineapple Sage, Pynappelsalie (Salvia elegans)

Pineapple Sage is a perennial shrub that is native to the highlands of Mexico and Guatemala. In late summer when it is in full bloom it is simply spectacular, with its masses of tubular, blood red flower spikes that contrast perfectly against the bright green leaves. The leaves have a wonderful fresh pineapple scent when crushed.

It is also known for its healing properties and its name means 'to save or heal'. Its fragrant, pineapple flavoured leaves and edible flowers are added to fruit salads, cakes, vinegars and herb butters. Pineapple Sage is delicious if used with Citrus fruits and is included in fruit or wine cocktails. It is also excellent with fatty meats like pork, pasta, stuffing, gravies, stocks and cheese sauces.

Mass plantings of Pineapple Sage will create a striking splash of colour, but even single specimens look great in the shrub or perennial border. It also grows well in larger pots if it is clipped regularly and the soil is very well drained.

Pineapple sage is an evergreen perennial plant that is tender to frost, but will tolerate moderate frost if planted in a protected position in the garden. In severe frost regions it will die down completely in winter and grow back the following spring, as long as the roots are mulched in winter to keep the soil from freezing. It loves full sun and grows best in fairly rich, light, dry, well drained alkaline soil, but will adapt to most garden soils with good drainage. It grows  +-90cm tall and 1m wide.

Read more about pineapple and culinary sage (Salvia officinalis) in our herb section.

Salvia greggii 'Coral Pink' Picture courtesy www.steyns-nursery.co.zaCultivation:

Salvias do well in most of our growing regions and perform extremely well in hot gardens. Although they are drought tolerant, to look at their best they should be watered moderately during long hot and dry spells. They thrive in full sun but will take light shade; and in regions which experience extremely hot weather, the plants will appreciate some shade during the hottest time of the day.

Although there are salvias suitable for almost all climates, take care when choosing them because not all salvias are hardy in all regions, and extreme frost is fatal to them. Moderate frost may damage them but they usually recover quickly with the onset of warmer weather, as long as they are planted in a protected position in the garden and their roots are mulched in winter. For this reason, with the exception of those frost-free and humid regions, salvias are often grown as summer annuals.

Salvias can usually tolerate brackish (salty) water and grow well in sandy loam soils with perfect drainage, but will adapt to most garden soils, but it is vital that the soil drains well to prevent root rot. For this reason they are difficult to cultivate in heavy clay soils.

Salvias are not hungry plants and overly fertile soils, or too much fertiliser will actually reduce flowering, so feed only once a season in spring, and mulch the roots with fresh compost; this will be sufficient fertilisation to see your plants through the season.

If you cut back your plants back lightly after each flush of flowers, new growth will soon emerge, and your plants will bloom almost continually. Just before winter sets in is the best time to prune them back sharply and to renew the organic mulch around their root systems if you want to protect them from the cold.

Propagation:

Annual salvia's are very easy-to-grow and can be sown directly into well-prepared garden beds or seedling trays in spring and summer. Cuttings also root easily and can even be rooted in water.

Perennial salvias set seed readily and sometimes surprises occur in the garden, with volunteer plants popping up if you failed to deadhead the blossoms before seed formation occurred, and you may discover hybrid offspring that look different from the parent plants, due to cross-pollination.

Perennial salvias are also easy to propagate from, stem cuttings taken in summer or root cuttings. Stems which fall down and touch the ground will also root where they touch the ground.  

Problems, Pests & Diseases:

If grown correctly sage suffers from few pests and diseases, but in waterlogged soil it is susceptible to root rot and wilt. Watch out for snails and slugs, as well as red spiders during hot dry spells.

Caution:

Garden salvias are all considered to be non-toxic to pets and humans, which isn't to say that some dogs (or people, for that matter) won't have an allergic reaction or get sick if they eat sufficient leaves. Salvia divinorum is known for its hallucinogenic properties, but this salvia is a Mexican native that isn't very ornamental and is not sold in the gardening trade.

See under Trees

Dombeya rotundifolia Picture courtesy Merryl Joyce LeveringtonTake time to do some research before purchasing and planting a tree because, when it comes to trees, a hasty decision may lead to a lifetime of regret. Most trees grow more beautiful by the year, providing welcome shade for generations to come; but more often than not, because the wrong tree was selected for the site, a tree can create decades of trouble for the gardener, either because it is very messy, has outgrown the site, or poses a problem to the foundations of buildings, water and sewerage pipes etc.



 

Syzygium paniculatum berriesAustralian Brush Cherry (Syzygium paniculatum) has glossy green leaves, attractive flowers and ornamental fruits. If left un-pruned it can grow very large; but because it responds well to trimming, does well in a large container, and is available as a standard plant; this plant can easily be kept within bounds with regular clippings. In fact, the more you trim the plant the more it will produce its attractive bronzy-red new foliage, but unfortunately it will not bear flowers and fruit. In small gardens this may be a blessing because the brush cherry can seed itself all over the garden. This evergreen thrives in the warm, moist, frost free regions, and coastal areas of the country, tolerating salt laden winds. It also tolerates moderate frost once established.

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Hymenosporum flavum Picture courtesy Peter RichardsonAustralian Frangipani (Hymenosporum flavum) is evergreen with deep green glossy leaves and masses of sweetly fragrant, creamy yellow flowers in spring. In tropical areas it can reach over 10m tall, but has a trunk diameter of only +-30cm. In cultivation it generally remains much smaller, and because it is easily pruned and grows well in pots, is a good choice for small gardens. It thrives in the frost-free subtropical regions of the country which receive good summer rainfall; but is hardy to moderate frost once established. It grows well at the coast if protected from strong winds; but needs regular watering in dry summer rainfall regions.

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Callistemon 'Pink Perth'Bottlebrush, Bottelborsel (Callistemon) are tough evergreens with showy flowers, and ornamental woody fruits. Many cultivars are available and the taller varieties, especially the weeping bottlebrush, can be trained into lovely small trees. Bottlebrushes are well suited to many of South Africa's growing regions; doing exceptionally well in the southern, south-western and western Cape. They will grow in dry regions if watered regularly and will tolerate windy conditions, both inland and on the coast; tolerating some salt spray but performing best in a more sheltered position. They are also hardy to moderate frost, but it would be wise to protect young plants in colder regions until they are established.

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Acer negundo 'aureum'Box Elder Maple (Acer negundo) Acers are grown for their beautiful foliage, and drooping sprays of green flowers which appear in late winter and spring, displaying beautifully on the bare twigs. There are several cultivars including green and white variegations, yellow to lime green, as well as green and gold. These deciduous trees provide welcome shade in summer and allow the sunshine through, in winter. Cultivars vary in size but they all are very tolerant of winter pruning. Acers grow well in the cooler summer rainfall regions, thriving on the Highveld, the Drakensberg regions and the KwaZulu-Natal mist belt. They are not suited to very hot or dry gardens and intolerant of salty maritime winds, but will grow in the southern and south-western Cape if watered regularly in summer.

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Camellia sasanqua 'Lucinda'Camellia (Camellia sasanqua) can be trained to grow as a little tree or as a bushy shrub and is available as a standard plant. Their voluptuous flowers come in many shapes and sizes and in shades of red, pink and white; flowering from mid-autumn to mid-spring, depending on the variety. Their glossy evergreen leaves also look attractive all year. They grow well throughout the country, except those very hot, dry or humid regions and are hardy to all but severe frost. Sasanqua camellias will grow in a lot more sun than the camellia japonica and will even grow in full sun in temperate climates, if they are watered regularly.

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Camellia japonica 'Black Lace'Camellia (Camellia japonica) can be trained to grow as a little tree or as a bushy shrub and is available as a standard. This camellia likes semi-shade and its voluptuous flowers come in many shapes and sizes from single, to semi-double and very formal doubles. Thousands of varieties have been bred over the years and they are available in shades of red, pink, white and cream. The Camellia japonica flowers in autumn, winter or spring, depending on the variety; and their glossy evergreen leaves look attractive all year. They grow well throughout the country, except those very hot, dry or humid regions and are hardy to all but severe frost.

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Pittosporum virridiflorumCheesewood, Kasuur, kgalagangwe (Pittosporum viridiflorum) is a handsome small to medium-sized evergreen tree or large shrub which is widely distributed in the eastern half of South Africa , occurring from the Western and Eastern Cape to KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Gauteng, North West, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. It has a dense crown and attractive, glossy dark green leaves, and small scented flowers in summer. This plant is an absolute 'must have' for all wildlife gardens, and especially bird gardens; and because it responds well to pruning and has a non-invasive root system, is ideal for a small, town house garden. The cheesewood is hardy to moderate frost once established but young plants need to be covered in winter.

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Pittosporum eugenioidesCheesewood, Lemonwood (Pittosporum) are evergreens popular for their showy green or variegated foliage. Some species have attractive black stems and silver-green foliage which shimmers beautifully in the sunshine. Pittosporums are always neat and tidy and respond well to pruning, making them perfect for small gardens. They also grow well in large containers. These trees grow well in all South Africa's growing regions except for those areas which experience severe frost. Pittosporum tenuifolium is the hardiest species, and in areas with moderate frost they are remarkably hardy if planted in a protected position and young plants are covered until they are established.

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Acer buergerianum seedsChinese Maple, Chinese Esdoring (Acer buergerianum) is an attractive small to medium-sized, deciduous tree, often with multiple-trunks. Spring growth is coppery-red, maturing to dark green, and then turning red to yellow and copper-orange in autumn; colours are best in regions with warm autumn days and cold nights.  It can be trimmed to keep it smaller and is good in confined spaces; making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens; providing welcome shade in summer and allowing the sunlight through in winter. Acers grow well in the cooler summer rainfall regions, thriving on the Highveld, the Drakensberg regions and the KwaZulu-Natal mist belt. They are not suited to very hot or dry gardens and intolerant of salty maritime winds, but will grow in the southern and south-western Cape if watered regularly in summer.

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LemonCitrus trees can be so pretty, with their shiny green leaves and sweet-smelling flowers; making them a perfect evergreen garden tree in even the smallest of gardens. Any variety can be grown in a tub, providing the container is a decent size, but the 'Meyer'lemon has got a really nice tight bunching habit and produces plenty of fruit. The first step toward successfully growing citrus trees is to take the time to find out which varieties grow best in your area and to purchase them from a reputable nursery. Citrus trees are subtropical to tropical in nature and they suffer severe damage or even death because of freezing temperatures. However, several types of citrus have sufficient cold-hardiness to sustain some freezing conditions, particularly as mature trees.

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Brachylaena discolor Coast Silver Oak, Kusvaalbos, Phahla (Brachylaena) grows along stream banks from Clanwilliam to the Peninsula, and Caledon to Knysna. It is an excellent evergreen coastal shrub or small tree which is easily distinguishable from a distance by its silvery-blue appearance. During winter and spring the bush is entirely covered with large panicles of creamy, thistle-like flowers. Because it grows quickly, has a non-invasive root system, and responds well to pruning, this plant is ideal for small gardens. In the wild it has a natural tendency to form a dense bushy shrub or a multi-stemmed tree that branches low down. Prune off the lower branches to form a shade tree; and if space is limited, grow it in a large pot. Once established it is drought and frost resistant.

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Syagrus romanzoffianaCocos Palm, Queen Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana) remains popular as an ornamental tree for gardens large and small; but the dead fronds and large fruit clusters on large specimens are hard to reach and can look untidy if not removed, so in small gardens it may be prudent to plant it into large pots. The Cocos palm grows throughout South Africa but thrives in tropical and sub-tropical regions with good rainfall, and has a moderate salt tolerance. It is also remarkably hardy to moderate frost and temperatures as low as -5°C once established; in cold regions plant it in a sheltered part of the garden and cover for the first few seasons. If the soil pH is not correct it will show nutritional deficiencies, and this palm is not recommended for alkaline soils.

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Cordyline australis Picture courtesy Jon Ander Orue Cordyline, New Zealand Cabbage Tree (Cordyline australis) will add light shade and a tropical touch to any garden. It is grown for its long slender trunk, topped by gracefully arching heads of long sword-like leaves; giving it a palm-like appearance.  Although it is often used to create height in small gardens where space is limited, it can, however, be very messy with quite invasive roots; so for smaller gardens, rather plant it into large containers. New cultivars with pretty red, pink, or green and cream striped foliage remain smaller and flourish in pots. Cordylines grows best in areas that receive good rainfall and do well in coastal areas. They are also hardy to moderate frost and will grow in dry regions if watered regularly.

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GrewiaCross-berry, Kruisbessie, Mokukutu (Grewia occidentalis) is an attractive branching, woody shrub or small tree which can be found in all the provinces, growing in a variety of habitats; from the arid Karroo to coastal dune bush, as well as in evergreen high altitude forests and wooded grasslands. Although it grows beautifully in warm, moist, temperate to subtropical regions, it is both frost and drought hardy. This very decorative evergreen garden subject has starry mauve or pink flowers in summer, followed by shiny reddish-brown to light purple berries. It does not have an aggressive root system, making it perfect for small gardens; but will need shaping to form an attractive small tree.

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Phoenix roebeleniiDwarf Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii) is a graceful little palm which is grown for its elegant single trunk and arching, emerald green leaves; and the lower leaflets are modified into sharp pointed spines. In gardens it can eventually provide height and light shade, but in small gardens it may be advisable to plant it in tall containers, because it will take some time to produce its long thin stem, and the sharp spines on the lower leaflets are quite vicious. This palm grows best in warm, moist regions, but is semi-hardy to moderate frost if planted in a protected position, and is kept on the dry side in winter.

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Plumeria Picture courtesy Peter RichardsonFrangipani (Plumeria)are exotic tropical shrubs or small trees which bear heavenly perfumed flowers all summer long. Many cultivars are available which vary in height and spread. They are good for small gardens, provided they have sufficient space to spread; and also grow well in large pots. These plants thrive in the warm, moist, sub-tropical regions of the country and are tender to all but light frost. They require regular watering in summer and extremely well-drained soil. Frangipani is deciduous and in autumn you must reduce the amount you water; stopping altogether when the plant is totally dormant in winter. Resume watering in spring when the new leaves appear. In the winter rainfall regions they must be protected from winter rainfall by planting in extremely well-drained soil, or in a pot.

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Searsia lucidaGlossy Currant, Blinktaaibos, inHlokoshiyane (Searsia lucida) is a small indigenous tree or shrub which grows well in the warm, frost-free regions of the country. It has a wide distribution, extending from Saldanha Bay in the West, around the Cape and all the way up the East Coast; including the whole of Kwazulu-Natal, almost to Mozambique. Its distribution also includes the Lowveld areas of Mpumalanga, extending into Limpopo Province. This decorative garden subject has a naturally low branching habit, somewhat drooping branches, and very glossy, dark olive-green leaves. The sprays of pale creamy -white flowers are followed by brown fruits. The glossy currant is semi-deciduous with the leaves turning orange-yellow before falling.

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Hibiscus syriacus 'Red Heart'Hibiscus, Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) will help bring a bit of tropical beauty to cold gardens and welcome colour to the garden in late summer and autumn, when the plants produce masses of showy flowers. Varieties include single, semi-double and double blooms. Although it is naturally a multi-stemmed shrub, this hibiscus can be trained to have a single trunk and is available as a standard plant, making it an excellent small tree for even tiny gardens. Although it grows well throughout most of South Africa, it prefers regions with cold, frosty winters and hot summers, tolerating temperatures well below zero with no problem. It does not like high humidity. Regular pruning in winter or early spring will keep the plant more compact.

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Hibiscus rosa sinensis 'Flame Thrower' Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is a rounded shrub or small tree with glossy dark green leaves. Hybrids are available, with single flower colours and combinations of colours, in single, ruffled and double sets of petals. Hybrids vary in height, depending on the cultivar, and they respond well to pruning, making a most charming patio tree when trained. They also grows exceptionally well in large pots. Hibiscus grows best in the warm, moist, humid, frost-free areas of the country which receive good rainfall. They are great coastal plants but need protection from salt-laden winds. In the winter rainfall regions they require regular watering in summer. Tropical Hibiscus are tender to frost; but tolerate light to moderate frost, if planted in a warm, protected position.

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Acer palmatumJapanese Maple (Acer palmatum) includes hundreds of named cultivars with countless forms, colours, leaf types, sizes, and preferred growing conditions. Some cultivars are sturdy trees, while others are small shrubs, with heights of mature specimens ranging from 50cm to 25m, depending on type.  Acer palmatum is a beautiful small tree which is frequently used as an accent tree in Japan, providing gentle shade next to the house in the summer and beautiful colours in autumn before the leaves drop. Many cultivars grow easily in pots, and because they are slow growers and their root systems are compact and non-invasive, they are perfect in a smaller garden and excellent accent plants for city gardens, courtyards and patios.

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Searsia lanceaKaree, Rooikaree, mokalabata (Searsia lancea) is an indigenous tree which occurs in all the provinces except for KwaZulu-Natal. It naturally has a low branching habit, producing multiple stems from ground level, but can be pruned into a single stemmed little tree. This tree has a graceful, weeping form, with a softly rounded crown. Because it does not have an aggressive root system and can be trained with a single stem, it is good for smaller gardens.

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Virgillia divericataKeurboom, Blossom Tree (Virgilia) grows quickly and will be create shade in only two or three years. Two popular garden species; V. divaricata and V. oroboides are very similar. They provide light shade and are small to medium sized trees with feathery leaves and a rounded growth habit; branching close to the ground. Both produce sprays of sweetly scented pink flowers and are suitable for small gardens, but in very tiny gardens plant Virgilia divaricata because it is more compact. They thrive in the winter rainfall regions, but can be grown inland in frost-free regions. 

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Carissa macrocarpa Picture courtesy Peter Richardson Large Num-num, Grootnoemnoem, Amatungulu (Carissa macrocarpa) is a highly ornamental, evergreen shrub or small tree which grows wild along the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape coastlines, enduring wind, heat and salt spray. It will tolerate moderate frost if planted in a protected position in the garden. It has beautiful dark green waxy leaves, and white, sweetly scented, star-shaped flowers. The flowers are followed by delicious edible, bright red fruits the size of a small plum. The large num-num is extremely easy-to-grow, is hardy, and adapts to a wide variety of garden conditions. Because it can be easily clipped and trained into a lovely small tree, it is suitable for small gardens; despite its thorns and the sticky sap it exudes when cut.

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Heteropyxis natalensisLavender Tree, Laventelboom, iNkunzi (Heteropyxis natalensis) grows on the coastal and inland regions of KwaZulu-Natal; and also in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, but will take moderate frost once established. This small to medium-sized tree is neat and well-shaped, and deciduous to semi-deciduous with a slender upright growth habit and a small rounded crown. The dark green glossy leaves are born on pendant branches. In spring the growth is flushed red and in autumn they provide good seasonal colour by turning yellow to russet-red. Because it has non-invasive roots, it is suitable for smaller gardens as well as large landscapes. Its tidy growth habit makes it a good feature tree but it is also ideal for planting in groups. It can also be planted in large containers.

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Magnolia soulengianaMagnolia, Saucer Magnolia, Persmagnolia (Magnolia x soulangiana) is a deciduous tree which produces magnificent blooms in late winter to early spring before the leaves, creating a spectacular display. It is typically a multi-stemmed small tree, or large shrub, whose growth is upright when young, developing a spreading rounded crown with maturity. It makes a wonderful specimen flowering tree and can be pruned up if planted close to a walkway or patio to allow for pedestrian clearance. It grows best in cool areas with good rainfall and mild winters. The plant itself is fully hardy, but the flowers are tender and often reduced to sad rags by late frosts and winter winds.

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Datura yellowMoonflower (Brugmansia) is a breath-taking sight in summer when in full bloom and the entire plant is weighed down with large, drooping, trumpet-shaped flowers, which are beautifully scented at night. Double flowering cultivars are also available. This popular evergreen grows quickly and can be trained to grow as a small tree or large shrub. It also grows well in large pots. It takes heat and humidity, growing best in warm, moist, frost-free regions. It is also a good coastal plant if protected from strong winds. In hot, dry summer rainfall regions and in the winter rainfall regions it will need regular watering in summer. This plant is semi-hardy to moderate frost if planted in a protected position in the garden.

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Eleagnus x ebbingeiOleaster (Elaeagnus x ebbingei 'Gilt Edge') is renowned for its toughness and adaptability and can be trained into a large shrub or small tree.  The long leaves are a dark silvery green with a brilliant gold edging of variable width, with lovely silver coloured undersides. Small but highly scented flowers are followed by small orange fruits. Because they can be clipped into almost any shape it is ideal for small gardens. This evergreen grows well in the summer rainfall regions and is very cold hardy. It also does well in the winter rainfall regions, withstanding the dry summers and wet winters. Water it regularly in hot, dry regions. In seaside gardens it tolerates wind and humidity.

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Olives Picture courtesy localchoices.comOlive, Oliewenhout (Olea europaea) The name Olea europaea applies to both the wild and domestic Olive; and this attractive evergreen, ornamental shade tree with its silvery green leaves is becoming very popular with gardeners for the light shade it provides. New fruiting varieties do not grow as large, making them more suited to home gardens. In small gardens olives look wonderful planted in large pots. Olives will tolerate strong winds, hail, frost and icy winters but produce the best fruit in temperate regions where the summers are long and hot and the winters are moderately cold. They are resistant to sea wind and will survive dry conditions that would be fatal to most other fruits.

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Murraya exoticaOrange Jasmine (Murraya exotica ) is a handsome evergreen which can develop into a large multi-stemmed shrub or small tree. Its gorgeous glossy leaves emit a citrusy aroma when crushed, and its clusters of sweetly scented white flowers smell like orange blossoms. This plant produces taproots with lateral roots and abundant fine roots, so it won't damage your paving. Because it responds well to pruning, is available as a standard plant, and grows well in a large pot, this plant is ideal for small gardens. Orange jasmine grows best in tropical, sub-tropical and temperate, frost-free areas, and is not suited to very hot, dry regions. It grows well in coastal gardens if it is protected from strong winds, and is semi-hardy to frost if it is planted in a protected position in the garden.

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Ochna pulchraPeeling Plane, Lekkerbreek (Ochna pulchra) is one of our most attractive indigenous trees and makes an ideal garden subject for gardens small and large. It has a narrow, rounded crown and in spring or early summer produces masses of sweetly scented, lemon-yellow flowers. When the flowers drop the sepals enlarge and turn crimson, making a colourful background to the green fruits that ripen to black.  This tree loses its leaves in winter and the new spring leaves are a lovely russet-red, turning green in summer. It grows best in regions with warm winters but will take moderate frost if planted in a protected position. It will tolerate long periods of drought but grows faster in regions with good summer rainfall.

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Dias cotonifoliaPompom-tree, Kannabas, inTozani (Dias cotinifolia) blooms beautifully, can be single or multi-stemmed, with a round crown of attractive bluish-green leaves. It has non-invasive roots and can be pruned to keep it smaller, making it perfect for small gardens. It can also be grown in large containers. Its natural habitat is the eastern parts of the country, from the Eastern Cape, through the Transkei and into Kwa-Zulu Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. Although it thrives in warmer regions, it will grow in most parts of the country; even surviving fairly severe frost if protected in winter.

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Lagerstroemia pinkPride of India (Lagerstroemia indica) is a spectacular little tree which is smothered with softly ruffled, white, pink or mauve flowers in summer.  The trunk is beautifully mottled with silver, grey and pink and the leaves turn orange-red in autumn. This deciduous tree grows well throughout the country except for those very humid regions and is hardy to severe frost once established. It can easily be pruned into shape in late winter.

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Searsia chirendensisRed Currant, Bos-taaibos, muvhadela-phanga (Searsia chirindensis) occurs from Swellendam in the Western Cape and along the coastal belt of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal through the Natal midlands and up the escarpment into Mpumalanga and the eastern part of Limpopo. It is a graceful deciduous indigenous tree that can be trained as a small tree or large shrub, and is grown for its neat, rounded crown of large, soft green leaves that are divided in three. Large sprays of minute yellow-green flowers appear in spring to mid-summer and are followed by long, heavy bunches of shiny, dark reddish-brown berries in late summer and autumn. Although it grows best in warm, moist coastal areas, it is semi-hardy to moderate frost if planted in a protected position.

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Photinia 'Red Robin'Red Robin (Photinea x fraseri) is grown specifically for its colourful young foliage, and clusters of creamy flowers. If you clip it lightly as soon as the colour in the young growth begins to fade away in spring, the plant will produce more red growth, and if you keep clipping you can get red growth right through summer and autumn. By pruning out the lower branches, individual shrubs can be trained into lovely small trees. This plant does best in regions that receive good summer rainfall, but will grow in drier regions if watered regularly. It withstands intense heat and grows well in coastal regions, but because it needs some chilling in winter, does not thrive in tropical conditions. It is hardy to frost, but the young growth can sometimes be caught by late frosts.

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Melaleuca bracteata 'Gold' Picture courtesy www.steyns-nursery.co.za Revolution Gold (Melaleuca bracteata) grows very quickly and has beautiful golden-yellow to lime-green foliage. It can be pruned into a lovely dense shrub or small tree, but will require regular clipping to keep it small and neat. In very tiny gardens it would be prudent to plant it in a large container. This tree is adaptable to most environments, growing well throughout most regions of South Africa. It will grow in humid regions and in sandy soils near the coast; and although it tolerates reasonably salty winds will look at its best if planted in a more protected position. It will also tolerate frost and low temperatures once established, but in very cold regions will need to be sited in a protected spot and covered every winter until the plants are well-established.

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Indigofera jucunda River Indigo (Indigofera jucunda) grows wild in the Eastern Cape and southern coastal areas of Kwazulu-Natal. It is a much branched large shrub or graceful tiny little tree, varying in height from 2 to 4m tall. For a long time in mid-summer dainty spikes of small sweetly scented, pink and white sweet-pea like flowers adorn the plant, creating a wonderful show against the dark green leaves. It does not have aggressive roots and is especially useful in small gardens, and ideal to provide a bit of height in narrow spaces. If planted closely together it can also make a lovely screening plant. The river indigo thrives in warm, frost-free regions of the country, but mature plants are semi-hardy to moderate frost.

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Buddleia salvifoliaSagewood, Saliehout, molalathau (Buddleja salviifolia) is a semi-evergreen bushy indigenous shrub which can be trained to grow as a small tree. It is common from the Western Cape through the Eastern Cape, to the Free State, Lesotho, Kwazulu-Natal, Northern Province and Mpumalanga, but will take frost once established. It grows quickly and produces numerous branches from the main stem, and as these lengthen they droop gracefully downwards. It can reach up to 4m tall, but is easily pruned to keep it smaller. Large panicles of small flowers appear from August to October, varying in colour from white, to lilac and purple.

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Dodonaea viscosa. Picture courtesy Roger HootonSand Olive, Sandolien (Dodonaea viscosa angustifolia) grows wild along both the east and west coasts of South Africa and is known for its resiliency and tenacity, tolerating a wide range of growing conditions throughout the country. It is highly variable in growth habit, depending on climate, and occurs as a small to large, multi-stemmed shrub; or a small tree with a single stem. Because it can be grown as a shrub or small tree, it is ideal for small gardens. The summer flowers are insignificant but the papery, three-winged seed pods are extremely attractive, starting off green and shading to a reddish-burgundy and then to brown and tan. It has shiny, bright green, sticky leaves and a blackish bark.

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Rothmannia globosa Picture courtesy www.lifeisagarden.co.zaSeptember Bells, Valskatjiepiering, umGubhe (Rothmannia globosa) is a highly decorative, small indigenous tree with sweetly fragrant, creamy white, bell-shaped flowers. The shiny green leaves are usually evergreen but may be briefly deciduous. It can be found growing in coastal regions and in evergreen forests, from the Eastern Cape and north to Limpopo Province and Swaziland. This tree is ideal for small gardens because it has a non-aggressive root system and can be trained to grow as a large shrub or small tree. It also grows well in large pots. It is fairly fast growing and thrives in warm regions with good rainfall, but will tolerate occasional light frost if planted in a sheltered position.

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Betula pendulaSilver Birch (Betula pendula) is a well-shaped, small to medium-sized deciduous tree which is ideal for smaller gardens. Best known for its characteristic silvery-white bark and slender trunk which seldom exceeds 40cm in diameter; the silver birch produces a crown of arched branches with pendulous twigs of bright green leaves. It is a popular specimen tree for the lawn, letting the sunshine through in winter and providing light shade in summer. Therefore, the lawn will grow well underneath the canopy. Planted in groups of 3 to 5 a lovely forest effect can be created. In South Africa birches thrive in moist cool regions, and are fully hardy to frost and snow. They are not ideally suited to very hot dry summer regions.

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Arbutus unedoStrawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo) is a beautiful evergreen which grows fairly slowly, producing an unusual dome-shape and glossy dark green leaves with serrated margins. The hanging clusters of urn-shaped flowers appear in late summer and are usually white. The flowers are followed in winter by edible yet tasteless, strawberry-like fruits.  This tree grows well in all parts of the country and is extremely frost hardy.  It is an excellent tree for coastal gardens and a superb plant to grow as a specimen in the middle of a lawn; and although it naturally makes a multi-stemmed plant, a single stem can be selected to become the main trunk, making it an excellent tree for a small garden.

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Loxostylis alata Tarwood, Teerhout (Loxostylis alata) is a beautiful indigenous, small evergreen tree which is fast growing and will not become too large, making it a good choice for small gardens. It has a compact shape and is usually single-stemmed but branches low down on the trunk. The new growth produced throughout the season, is an attractive red, turning to a deep, glossy green when mature; and attractive flowers and fruit are produced in summer. Although it thrives in the warmer coastal regions of the southern and eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal;  it can be cultivated in a wide range of habitats, and will tolerate mild frost if planted in a protected position.

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Tibouchina Picture courtesy Michele RoelofsenTibouchina are trees, shrubs or subshrubs which vary in height and produce a profusion of spectacular, bright saucer-shaped flowers with conspicuous stamens. Larger growing species like Tibouchina granulosa can be shaped into lovely small trees, with some early pruning providing strong, upright trunks. The canopy will also need to be pruned regularly to keep the lower branches from drooping to the ground. Tibouchinas do not have aggressive roots and can be planted fairly close to foundations, but allow them space to spread. They thrive in moist, humid, tropical, subtropical and warmly temperate regions, and are rather sensitive to cold.

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Cyathea australisAustralian Tree Fern, Australiese Boomvaring (Cyathea australis) is a medium to large tree fern which is particularly attractive with its robust black trunk and long, striking open canopy of bright green fronds. When it is fully grown, it makes an attractive shade tree, where dappled shade is needed. Remember, however, although they eventually form a stem, this could take many years, and the crown has a wide spread. In small gardens it may be prudent to plant it in tall containers. This tree fern is deciduous even in warmer climates, losing most of its fronds by the end of winter. It grows well at the coast and is extremely cold hardy once established.

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Dicksonia antarticaTasmanian Tree Fern (Dicksonia antartica) is an attractive slow growing evergreen tree fern. It makes a great accent plant, and when fully grown can make an attractive shade tree where dappled shade is needed. Remember, however, although they eventually form a stem, this could take many years, and the crown has a wide spread. In small gardens it may be prudent to plant it in tall containers. Tree ferns will add a lush tropical ambiance to your garden and also make robust container plants. This tree fern is an extremely cold hardy species once established, and one of the more heat-tolerant tree ferns, although in very hot climates it does not always look at its best.

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Halleria lucidaTree Fuchsia, Witolyf, umBinza (Halleria lucida) is an evergreen indigenous tree or large shrub which grows in many parts of the country and in is hardy to frost once established. It makes a good specimen tree for the smaller garden because it does not have invasive roots. In larger gardens it looks lovely if planted in groups. It also grows beautifully in large containers. Most often this plant is multi-stemmed, with a dense, spreading crown of bright green, glossy leaves on lovely drooping branches. Fuchsia-like flowers are produced in the axils of the leaves and on short shoots on the old wood and even on the main trunk; and the flowers are followed by black, berries.

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Bolusanthus speciosus. Picture courtesy www.lifeisagarden.co.zaTree Wisteria (Bolusanthus speciosus) is certainly one of the most spectacular of our indigenous trees when in bloom, and its graceful weeping habit and glistening leaves make it an attractive tree all year round. This tree never grows too big and is usually multi-stemmed, but can be trained to grow with a single stem. This, together with its non-invasive root system, makes it ideal for small to medium-sized gardens. In larger gardens it can be grouped together to create a forest effect. It also grows well in large pots. This tree thrives in a variety of environments and is ideal for summer rainfall areas, where it is hardy to moderate frost once established.

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Pavetta lanceolataWeeping Bride's Bush, Treurbruidsbos, umdleza (Pavetta lanceolata) is a beautiful indigenous evergreen with pleasing, glossy, dark green leaves and a slightly weeping habit. It produces masses of sweetly scented, starry white flowers, followed by dense clusters of black fruits. It is fairly common in the moist summer rainfall regions; occurring from the Eastern Cape to KwaZulu-Natal and Swaziland, as well as Limpopo and Mpumalanga. It grows well in coastal gardens and takes humidity. Although it is tender to frost, it grows surprisingly well in regions with moderate frost if planted in a sheltered position where it is protected, and is covered every winter, until well established.

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Vepris lanceolataWhite Ironwood, Witysterhout, Muruvula (Vepris lanceolata) is a truly beautiful evergreen tree or shrub; varying greatly in height, depending on climate. It is one of the best choices for small gardens with its lovely shiny evergreen leaves which shimmer in even the slightest breeze. It does not have a very aggressive root system, grows well in containers; and because it responds well to pruning, can be kept to any size. It grows all along the coastline from the Western Cape through to the Eastern Cape and into Kwazulu-Natal. It can also be found in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, northern Gauteng, and the north-eastern section of the North-West Province. This tree is semi-hardy to frost if planted in a sheltered position away from freezing winter winds, and is covered in winter until established.

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Searsia pendulinaWhite Karee, Witkaree, mosilabele (Searsia pendulina) If you need a fast growing, small evergreen South African shade tree, you can't go wrong with the white karee which will give shade in about four years.  It grows on the banks of rivers and vleis and is confined to a narrow strip that follows the Orange River, from the Free State through the Northern Cape, to southern Namibia.  This tree does not have an aggressive root system and is grown for its pleasing drooping habit and its fresh green willow-like leaves. Although it naturally has a low branching habit, it can be pruned into a small single stemmed tree. It grows well throughout the country and is hardy to all but severe frost once established. It is also drought tolerant.

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Rothmania Capensis. Picture courtesy www.lifeisagarden.co.zaWild Gardenia, Wildekatjiepiering, modulatshwene (Rothmannia capensis) is one of our loveliest evergreen indigenous trees for the garden with its abundance of large, cup-shaped flowers and their sweet, gardenia-like scent. It occurs in the warmer regions of the country, from the south-western Cape, and inland to Limpopo. Although it thrives in regions with good rainfall, it is hardy to moderate frost if planted in a sheltered position. This tree is suitable for small gardens because it does not have an aggressive root system and can be trained to grow as a large shrub or small to medium sized tree. It looks lovely planted as a specimen tree, or in a small grove, and does well in large pots.

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Calpurnea aurea Wild Laburnum (Calpurnia aurea) is perfect for small suburban gardens and townhouses because it has a non-aggressive root system. It makes a wonderful specimen if planted on its own in the lawn, but is also most effective planted in groups. It also grows easily in large containers. This decorative evergreen varies in growth habit from a multi-stemmed shrub to a slender, graceful small tree; with a light open crown and drooping, light green leaflets. The bright yellow flowers hang in large, showy bunches. This tree occurs from the Eastern Cape, through KwaZulu-Natal and Swaziland to Mpumalanga, Gauteng and Limpopo. It is hardy to moderate frost once established, and responds well to pruning.

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Dombeya rotundifolia Picture courtesy Merryl Joyce LeveringtonWild Pear, Drolpeer (Dombeya rotundifolia) can be pruned into a small tree or large shrub and puts on spectacular show in spring when masses of white flower clusters cover the entire tree. There is also a pink form. This tree usually has a single stem with many branches and a rounded crown, but in very dry areas it often grows as a multi-stemmed tree or large shrub. Because it does not have an aggressive root system, it makes an excellent single specimen tree for gardens small and large. Although it prefers hot summer regions that receive moderate rainfall, it can be grown in other regions but may not flower as well. It is hardy to all but severe frost.

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Trachycarpus fortunei Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) is a compact palm with a rather slender single stem +-20 to 30cm in diameter; and large fan-shaped leaves. It remains popular as an ornamental tree for gardens large and small and is often used to create height in small or narrow spaces, but the dead fronds of large specimens are hard to reach and can look untidy if not removed. This palm is most effective planted in very large containers, so in small gardens it may be prudent to plant it into containers instead of in the ground. Its tolerance of cool summers and cold winters makes it highly valued by palm enthusiasts, but unfortunately it does not like high humidity.

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Trees provide the bones or framework of well-designed gardens; and small trees have become more important in today’s shrinking residential landscape. There are many trees suitable for smaller gardens, in all shapes and sizes, evergreen and deciduous; but several factors should be considered when selecting suitable trees for your garden. This should be a planned process and you should be able to visualise the end result before you even start planting.

In large gardens you may still get away with planting an unsuitable tree, but if space is limited, it becomes imperative that any trees chosen are right for their surroundings, in terms of proportion as well as for their decorative value. Take time to do some research before purchasing and planting a tree, because, when it comes to trees, a hasty decision may lead to a lifetime of regret. Most trees grow more beautiful by the year, providing welcome shade for generations to come; but more often than not, because the wrong tree was selected for the site, a tree can create decades of trouble for the gardener, either because it is very messy, has outgrown the site, or poses a problem to the foundations of buildings, water and sewerage pipes etc.

Many factors need to be taken into consideration when choosing a tree for a small garden, but to start the selection process you need to ask yourself "why do I want a tree?" Is it mainly for shade, or do you need privacy? Perhaps you just need to add some height to the garden, or simply want something pretty to frame a view or look out on?

The next question you need to ask yourself is “Do I want an evergreen or deciduous tree? “ Evergreens are most gardeners’ first choice, but remember that evergreens generally drop leaves all year round, whilst deciduous trees generally drop their leaves all at once. Also, deciduous trees can provide spectacular autumn foliage and allow the sunlight through in cold winter regions. Most trees grow in full sun but you may have an area already in shade, but which requires some height. In this case, select a shrub or tree which will tolerate shade. Other considerations also need to be noted like, are you keen to attract wildlife to your garden? Do you want an indigenous garden or do you want to mix exotics with indigenous plants? Maybe you are planning an edible garden, or perhaps you want to design a garden mainly around the needs of your children and pets? If space is extremely limited, consider training a large shrub into a small tree. Many large shrubs and small trees also grow well in large containers; making them excellent choices for very small gardens.

Climate, together with the eventual height and spread of your plant at maturity are probably the most important factors to consider when selecting a tree, because even a small ornamental tree may, with time, grow much larger than anticipated. Growth rate and the eventual height and spread of plants may vary considerably due to climatic conditions, and especially precipitation. For example, a tree which thrives in warmer areas with good rainfall may grow very large there, but remain a stunted dwarf in very hot and dry regions. For this reason, it is important to get advice from an accredited garden centre in your area before making your final decision. You may also get good advice from friendly neighbours. Take a trip to a local botanical garden or a long walk or drive around your neighbourhood, and take note of how large mature specimens actually grow in your region.

Your soil type will also need to be taken into account, and although most plants will adapt to normal fertile, well-drained garden soils, if you have challenging conditions, like brak (salty) soil, heavy clay or very sandy soil; unless you are prepared to go to the expense of amending your soil, it is prudent to select plants which are adapted to these conditions. In short, choose trees that will accept your local climate, including both winter lows and any extremes of summer, such as baking heat, dryness, or high humidity; as well as the type of soil you have. Most importantly, they should be able to cope for most of the year with the amount of natural rainfall they will receive, or that which you can afford to provide them with.

For most new gardeners, their first concern is normally how fast the tree will grow, but selecting a tree just for its growth rate can be disastrous, and more often than not the tree selected will quickly outgrow the garden and become more of a nightmare than a pleasure. Fast-growing trees generally have soft wood and don’t live as long as slower growers. Slower growers not only live longer, but will provide shade and shelter for both people and wildlife for many generations to come.

Another very important factor to consider is whether the tree you have selected has invasive roots or not. For this reason, your selection will be limited for smaller gardens. Tree roots easily gain entry into terracotta drainage pipes, causing blockage or leakages, but PVC drainage pipes are resistant to root penetration and therefore recommended as a preferable alternative to clay pipes. In larger areas it is best to plant larger trees further away from foundations and walls. Take into account telephone and power lines, as well as water pipes and drainage lines. Most important, consider your neighbours, as it may cause conflict if your cute little sapling eventually grows into a monster tree which encroaches into their garden or damages boundary walls etc. Standard shrubs or small trees which can easily be pruned into shape or planted into containers are more suitable in such instances.

When selecting a tree for a small garden, think about adding seasonal interest. Many trees are absolutely stunning when in full bloom, but once the flowers fade, the tree has little interest and may even be untidy. Others may not have such spectacular flowers, or very tiny and insignificant ones, but add year-round interest with their beautiful foliage, or by producing colourful berries. The bark of many trees like the silver birch may be one of their best selling points, and most importantly, the form of a tree can make or break a landscape, with the beauty of many trees being in their natural shapes; weeping, columnar, conical or broadly spreading. Consider all these factors carefully before deciding on a tree.

Picture courtesy www.gardenworld.co.zaIn small gardens a very messy tree, no matter how beautiful, can become a bane, so consider this when selecting trees for your garden. All plants make a mess, either when the flowers or fruit drops, or when deciduous and evergreen trees drop their leaves, or in the case of tall palms, when their sheaths die off and are difficult to cut off. Also, plants with sharp spines or thorns may not be suitable for gardens with small children. All these factors will narrow down your ideal choice in a tree.

Once you have made your selection, the next most important thing is to plant your tree correctly. Water the tree thoroughly a day before planting out so that it can drain. Dig a large square hole, larger than the nursery bag it is growing in. To encourage good root development and growth, mix compost into the soil, together with a dressing of bone-meal or superphosphate. Plant firmly and add a sturdy stake when planting to support the trunk while your tree is still young and vulnerable to breakage in strong winds. Never plant trees too deep as this may cause stem rot, ensure that the tree is planted in the ground at the same depth as it was when growing in its nursery bag.  Some plants may have special growing conditions like preferring alkaline soils, while others may thrive in acid soils, so always enquire of your garden centre on any special requirements your plant may need.

Zantedeschia 'Red'All Regions

It's the height of summer and your garden should be flourishing and overflowing with shrubs, annuals and perennials in full bloom. Gardenias fill the air with their heady scent, and roses are having their second flush of blooms. Agapanthus, Hydrangeas, Fuchsias, Day Lilies, Dahlias, Liliums and New Guinea Impatiens will also be looking at their best.

If you planted the new generation of gorgeous Zantedeschia hybrids, bred from our original indigenous species for their sheer flower power, you can pick them for the vase. They come in fashionable shades of pink, yellow, white, cream, apricot, peach, orange, purple (almost black) and red. If you have them in pots, move them to where their beauty can be admired by your guests. 

Whether you are going away or staying at home, December can be a very busy month in the garden, but if you get stuck-in early you can sit back and relax over the festive season with family and friends. Because it remains light for so much longer, late afternoon and early evening are perfect times to potter in the garden, or just to relax and enjoy. 

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Read my November article for some great ideas on how to spruce up your garden for Christmas.

Image by Alexa from PixabayIf you are going away in December

If you are going away, if possible, arrange for a family member or friend to water, mow your lawn, and if necessary, harvest your vegetables and fruit. And, if you still have a post box, remind them to empty it, as an overflowing post box is a sure indicator to intruders that you are away.

If you have no help and don’t want to come back to an overgrown jungle of rampant growth, do not fertilise your lawn or garden beds before you leave; and if you are concerned about watering and have to rely on rainfall, renew the mulch in your beds and water deeply before you leave.

If you are lucky enough to have an irrigation system complete with a timer, and there are no water restrictions in your region, make sure it is set correctly and all the sprays heads are working efficiently. A drip irrigation system can be invaluable as it uses less water and is able to reach groupings of garden pots as well. 

If possible, group all your smaller outdoor pot plants together in a shady spot where natural rain and your watering system will reach them. If you don’t have irrigation, mulch the pots with potting soil to which water retentive granules have been added, then mulch with bark chips. If possible, stand them in drip trays, and water thoroughly before you leave, leaving the drip trays full.

Mulch your roses deeply to keep the soil cool and moist, and pinch out the growing tips from young branches and remove all flower buds. This will help the bushes to conserve energy until you get home. Spray preventatively against black spot and other fungal diseases, and also with a general purpose insecticide before leaving. Roses in containers that are easy to move can be placed in a more shady area where your irrigation system and rainfall will reach them. If they cannot be irrigated, before you leave place the pots in saucers and water well, leaving the saucers full of water.

Clean your garden really well, removing all weeds and spent flowers, and trim your hedges etc. If you have a vegetable garden, or fruit trees that are bearing, harvest and store as much as you can, or give it away to family and friends before you leave. A well-groomed garden will leave no obvious indicators to would-be burglars that you are not at home.

Members can click here to read about common rose pests and diseases

Just before you leave mow your lawn for the last time, but do not be tempted to cut it too short or it could get scorched by the sun, especially if rainfall is erratic and the days are very hot.

Group your indoor pot plants together on a sink rack with a bidum liner or an old blanket underneath. Part of the liner is immersed into a sink of water, allowing your plants to draw water as they need it, without them standing in water. Never allow your potted plants to stand in trays of water for long as this is sure to drown them. Leave the curtains or blinds open to allow the natural light to reach your plants.

Before you say goodbye to the swimming pool, some preparations beforehand can help prevent a host of problems. Firstly take a water sample to the professionals for a water analysis. They will advise you concerning the balance of your water and provide any chemicals you may need to add, like a shock treatment. Brush all the walls thoroughly and clean the weir and pump baskets. Backwash the filter well, before topping up with water to the highest level. Set the time clock to run your pump and filer for about 12 hours per day. Check and adjust your pH if necessary, the correct pH should be in the range of 7.4 to 7.6; and the free chlorine should be a minimum of 2 to 3ppm. Add a monthly chlorine floater to the pool, and for added protection from algae, apply a dose of algae inhibitor.

Now that all is taken care of relax and enjoy the holidays, but please travel safely.

Image by Alex from PixabayIf you are staying at home in December

If you are staying at home and are expecting guests, the holiday rush before Christmas can leave one overwhelmed and exhausted. So put aside time early in the month to give your garden a good clean and clip. You will then only need to tidy up a bit before your guests arrive, leaving you feeling more relaxed and able to enjoy the garden with family and friends.

Feed your beds with an organic 3:1:5 fertiliser, and deadhead roses and summer flowering plants regularly to ensure a continuous supply of blooms.

Continue to feed and water your Hydrangeas and Fuchsias regularly for a spectacular show in December. Don't forget to water your Azaleas and Camellias well now as they are already forming their new buds for next season.

Ensure that your garden is well-mulched to conserve moisture, and when watering established shrubs and trees, remember, it is more beneficial to give them a deep watering once a week, rather than daily sprinklings. Watering deeply will encourage deeper roots which are hardier to drought.

Cut your Hydrangeas for the vase, they are fantastic cut flowers and also dry well, but need to be picked when they are fully open. The woody stems cannot absorb water well, so remove the bark completely up to about 5cm from the bottom, before placing the stems in bucket deep enough to cover the entire length of the stems with water; leave in a cool place overnight before arranging.

If you are staying at home and want a lush green lawn, feed with a high nitrogen fertiliser. Raise the blades on your lawnmower and mow more frequently - this will produce lovely fine blades. In our dry, semi-arid and continental regions it is vital that you do now mow to short and that you water well once a week.

Watch out for fungal diseases as these are more evident in warm, wet and humid weather. Brown patch causes irregular brown or dead patches; dollar spot shows as yellow patches which merge and darken with age leaving fungal cobwebs on the blades that are very visible when wet; fairy rings show as dark green rings that slowly grow larger and sometimes host clusters of slender toadstools.

Click here to see Google images of brown patch on lawns

Click here to see Google images of dollar spot on lawns

Click here to see Google images of fairy rings on lawns

Brighten up prominent garden beds, patios and pool areas by planting out 'instant colour' seedlings and flowering perennials into garden beds, pots and hanging baskets. At this time of the year garden centres offer a good range of “instant colour seedlings” which are perfect to dolly-up your garden for the festive season. Here are some popular summer annuals you could try.

New Guinea ImpatiensImpatiens, New Guinea Impatiens, Sunpatiens

The old-fashioned shade-loving Impatiens, (Impatiens walleriana) will flower all summer long, and are available in colours from white through every shade of pink and magenta to oranges and reds; as well as those with starry centres and swirls, and lovely selections of double-flowered varieties. Most modern varieties are dwarf and compact; growing 15 to 30cm tall and 10 to 15cm wide. These are perfect in borders and in pots, hanging baskets, window boxes, and in massed beds and underneath trees, for a dazzling display.

Because New Guinea Impatiens can take a lot more sun than the ordinary impatiens they are even more versatile in the garden. Their flowers are also a lot larger than ordinary impatiens and come in a vast colour range, covering every shade of red, orange, pink, lavender and white. They are also a lot taller, growing from 30 to 70cm in height. Many varieties also have interestingly coloured foliage in tones of green, together with plum and bronze, or golden to clear yellow. Their bright leaves and big, showy flowers will liven up any spot in the garden, and they are stunning in hanging baskets, window boxes and containers of all kinds.

Sunpatiens are used in the same way as New Guinea Impatiens, but thrive in full sun and hot, humid weather, as well as in semi-shade. They come in an excellent colour range, making them perfect container and bedding plants for long lasting colour. Sunpatiens come in compact, and spreading forms - the compact ones can fill in gaps in the garden or in pots and are easy to combine with other annuals; while a single spreading one will fill out a hanging basket or pot spectacularly, and in garden beds it is also a wonderful filler plant.

Members can click here to read more about Impatiens

Dianthus Dianthus

You can always rely on Dianthus as they are tough, long-blooming little annuals which cope well with heat and rain. New compact hybrids vary in height from 15 to 25cm, and often have frilled or zigzag edges to their petals. They are available in outstanding hues of salmon, pink, red, violet and white, and in lovely clear colours as well as bi-colours.

Members can click here to read more about Dianthus

Salvia, Scarlet Sage

Salvia, or Scarlet Sage in its original scarlet colour is perfect to liven-up garden beds for the festive season. It loves the summer heat and can be planted in full sun or light shade, and hybrids are available in vibrant shades of pink, purple, cream and white.  

Members can click here to read more about Salvia

Vinca Vinca

Vinca is called Kanniedood for good reasons. It is very hard to kill, and one of the most reliable plants to grow in the blazing sun. And because it does not like to be overwatered it’s a perfect choice for water-wise gardens. It produces its charming phlox-like flowers in many shades of pink, carmine, blush, coral, peach, mauve burgundy and white all summer long.

Members can click here to read more about Vinca

Verbena

Verbena is another summer stunner that loves the heat and is water-wise. There are hundreds of cultivars and several series of cultivars that vary in flower colour and growth habit.  Some are erect and bushy, others trailing and mat forming, some are dense and compact, while others have a more open and spreading growth habit. The small individual flowers are borne profusely in dense clusters all summer and come in shades which include white, pink, crimson, scarlet, vermilion, purple, blue, and yellow. Some are bi-coloured, and some have a central white eye. Trailing varieties may extend 30 to 60cm, and the largest erect forms may reach 45cm tall.

Members can click here to read more about Verbena

Begonias

Begonias are truly the backbone of the flower garden and very free-flowering. They are available as small compact plants, like the ever popular bedding varieties that are perfect for flower borders, and the taller growing types like Begonia 'Big' that are great in the middle of the flower border. The large upright or trailing types like 'Dragon Wings' and 'Bossa Nova' are stunning in containers and hanging baskets. Although begonias will grow in quite a lot of shade they flower best in positions where they receive dappled or bright shade.

Members can click here to read more about the various types of Begonias

ColeusColeus, Painted Nettles

Coleus or Painted Nettles are favourites for shady gardens because they are good-natured plants that are pretty hard to kill. Coleus is listed amongst the most magnificent foliage plants the plant kingdom has to offer, and hybridization has produced an almost infinite number of leaf shapes and colour combinations, which include most colours of the spectrum, except true blue. New introductions have also been selected for increased sun and heat tolerance. Most varieties prefer bright semi-shade and good, moist, well-drained soil.

Members can click here to read more about Coleus

Potted Plants

Splash out on a few colourful pot plants to add cheer to your indoor space this Christmas. Potted plants also make perfect gifts for the festive season.

The ever popular Poinsettia (Euphorbia) always looks festive, and Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) is also popular for the Christmas holiday season as its magnificent trumpet-shaped blooms demand attention, and it comes in fabulous shades of pink and magenta, to salmon, orange, red, and white.

AnthuriumIf you want to add some tropical flair, you can’t go wrong with the Flamingo Flower (Anthurium) with its deep green foliage, and heart-shaped flowers in many sizzling colours like bright red, pink, purple, orange, and white. In spite of its exotic appearance the flamingo flower is not hard to care for, as long as you understand its needs.

Another tropical beauty is the exquisite Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis) which remains popular among novice and experienced growers alike because it is easy to grow and adaptable to many different types of environments. The Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes) has tons of personality, and its brightly spotted leaves stand out in the crowd. It grows just as easily in bright light indoors as it does outdoors. 

To cool down all these bright colours you can’t go wrong with the fresh, crisp green leaves of the Boston Fern, and the Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) is another leafy tropical plant that is easy to care for indoors. Some varieties have solid green leaves, but most have interesting variegations in shades of silver, grey, or light green. The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is a decorators dream because its fresh, lush green foliage compliments most styles, and its striking white flowers will liven up any colour scheme.

Members can click on highlighted text to read more about the plants mentioned

Click here to read my article "Festive Flowers & Foliage"

Summer Bulbs:

AmaryllisYou can still plant summer bulbs like Amaryllis, Arum lily, Canna Cultivars, Dahlia, Pineapple Lily (Eucomis), Berg Lily (Galtonia), and Liliums.

December is the last month to plant out bulbs of the beautiful Nerine fillifolia with its dainty pink blooms that are perfect for adding a subtle touch of elegance to the garden, and for cutting for the vase. If you plant nerine bulbs now they will flower in autumn. Feed them regularly to encourage flowering, adding some wood ash to the soil will also encourage good blooms.

Make sure your Dahlias are securely staked and do not dig around them as they have surface roots. If you did not divide your Bearded Irises last month and they are overcrowded, you can still divide them now (Read last month’s article). 

Roses:

When your roses have had their second flush of flowers feed them with a fertiliser that is high in nitrogen like 8:1:5, this will encourage lush leaf growth and another flush of blooms at Christmas.  Water deeply about twice a week during hot, dry spells; ensuring that the water gets right down to the roots of the plants. If your soil is a bit hard water won’t penetrate properly and you need to dig it over lightly and put down a good layer of mulch. Continue to spray regularly with organic fungicides and insecticides to keep pests and diseases at bay. Floribunda roses and some Hybrid Teas produce clusters of flowers, and if you remove the centre bud, it will allow the clusters to develop stronger stems and spread out the flowering time. Hybrid tea roses are often also disbudded, leaving only one bloom per stem; this produces very beautiful large blooms for the vase.

Prune:

Prune climbers like Jasmine and Petrea to maintain a compact shape. Prune your wisteria, cutting back any side shoots that have developed to 15cm from their base. Trim Lemon-scented Verbena after flowering, and tidy up spring and early summer flowering groundcovers and perennials and mulch them thickly with compost to conserve moisture. To look at their best, hedges and topiary need to be trimmed regularly in summer, and if your variegated plants produce green branches, cut these out immediately or they will eventually overtake the slower growing variegated branches.

Check the water level of your ponds regularly and ensure that your water plants are not growing too thickly, blocking sunlight from reaching the bottom of the pond.

Check that your garden birds always have fresh water available.

Take Cuttings:

December is a good month to take semi-hardwood cuttings of Begonias and your favourite shrubs like Lavender, Hydrangeas, Fuchsias, Pentas, Hypericum and Pelargonium. It is also a good month to take cuttings of the common garden Azalea (Rhododendron indicum).

Semi-hardwood cuttings are taken from young growth that is just starting to harden off. These are normally side shoots which can be tugged off the plant, leaving a ‘heel’ attached to the bottom of the stem. Leave this little ‘heel’ of bark on the cutting as it will hasten rooting. Remove all the bottom leaves from your cutting and cut all large leaves in half with a scissors.

Dip the cutting into rooting powder no 2 and gently shake off any excess powder before planting into a rooting mix like washed river sand, vermiculite or palm peat. Water and place in a cool, bright place and mist spray daily, or tie a plastic bag over the cuttings to help conserve moisture. If the bag produces too much condensation, remove it for a while.

Flowering Annuals:

Red Hot Sally Salvia. picture courtesy Ball Horticultural CompamyDecember is an awkward time of the year to sow flowering annuals, as many of them will be at their best just when the cold winter weather hits, so check the ‘weeks to flowering’ on the back of your seed packet before sowing.

For example, fast growing varieties like Alyssum germinate in about 3 days and take up to 9 weeks to flower. Nasturtiums germinate quickly, within 2 to 5 days and the plants will start blooming 8 to 9 weeks after sowing. Marigolds will germinate within 4 to 7 days and bloom about 10 to 12 weeks after sowing. Salvias germinate within 10 to 14 days and will bloom about 13 to 15 weeks after sowing. Portulaca takes 2 to 4 days to germinate in ideal temperatures but will take longer in cooler soil. The plants will flower about 12 to 14 weeks after sowing. Cosmos grows quickly, and modern hybrids can start blooming within 10 to 12 weeks after sowing, but in some climates, cosmos sown in spring may not come into full bloom until the days become shorter in late summer. 

At this time of the year garden centres are brimming with 'instant colour' seedlings, and they will probably have some of the annuals mentioned above. If cared for correctly they will continue to flower for many months, and are often the better choice. 

During the heat of mid-summer, always plant during the cool of the late afternoon and water well afterwards. This will give your plants a chance to recover before the next hot day. Regular deadheading of your flowering annuals not only keeps the plants neat but encourages more blooms, as instead of putting energy into producing seeds the plants will utilise their energy to produce more blooms.

“Growing Bedding Plants in South Africa”

This e-book covers everything you really need to know about growing annuals, plus a lot more! It includes useful information on the best planting and sowing times for each variety, as well as the ideal germination temperatures and days to flowering. Read more or order here..

New Potatoes Vegetable Garden:

Your vegetable garden should be flourishing, so harvest regularly. Remember that some crops like Tomatoes, Eggplants, Peppers and Pumpkins need a long growing season and if sown too late will not have sufficient time to set fruit; so if you live in a cold frosty region, check your days to harvesting before sowing or planting out seedlings of these slow maturing crops.

Baby Potatoes will be ready to harvest once the plants have finished flowering. Loosen the soil lightly with a fork to check on their development before lifting gently. Do not leave the tender-skinned tubers to lie in the sun for too long before storing.

If your Onions are ready to harvest, lift them with a fork and shake off excess soil before laying them out to dry in a cool, well-ventilated, place. Once they are totally dry, clean them by brushing with a soft brush or cloth and store them in paper bags; or plait the leaves together in bunches and hang them up in a dry cool place that is well ventilated.

In the cooler Highveld regions, the eastern Free State, the KwaZulu-Natal midlands, parts of the North West Province, as well as in the western, eastern and southern Cape, late December and January are traditionally the months when the first sowings of slow maturing winter vegetables like Cauliflower, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts and Cabbage are done. In these regions Carrots, and Summer Lettuce Varieties can also be sown now. Try sowing Nasturtiums between your rows of carrots as they grow well together.

In the warmer inland regions like Pretoria, Brits and parts of Johannesburg, wait until January to sow these winter vegetable varieties; and in the frost-free subtropical regions like the KwaZulu-Natal coast, the Lowveld and parts of Limpopo sowing is only done in February.

In sub-tropical regions remember that Okra, Sweet Potatoes, Eggplants, Peppers, and Chillies will grow well no matter how hot it gets, so will Sweetcorn and Green Mealies.

Generally, gardeners can still sow or plant seedlings of Patty Pans and Gem Squash, Baby Marrow, Cucumber, Radish, Sweetcorn and Maize, Carrots, Beetroot, and Bush Beans. If you want to sow Lettuce in the heat of summer, choose heat tolerant varieties, water them very well, and plant them where they are shaded during the hottest time of the day. Potatoes can be planted, except in very hot regions.

In regions with long summers you can plant out your last Tomato plants for this season, but remember to spray them weekly with an organic fungicide to prevent infections; this is especially important to do during wet and hot, humid weather.

Members can click here to find my spraying programme for tomatoes, which can also be used on squashes and cucumbers

For vegetables that are susceptible to blight and fungal diseases, like tomatoes, squash, pumpkins and cucumbers; water early in the morning so that the leaves are totally dry by sunset. To hasten the ripening of tomatoes, cover well-developed clusters with a brown paper bag.

“Growing Vegetables in South Africa”

This e-book will soon have you growing your own veggies with a minimum of fuss. Click here to order or read more.

Herbs:

Feed and prune your herbs lightly if they are becoming straggly and cut back your rocket to encourage it to produce fresh new leaves. Always feed herbs with organic fertilisers.

Plant out more Celery and Parsley to see you through to the end of summer; and you can still sow and plant Caraway, Coriander, Basil, Dill, Sage and Thyme.

Pennyroyal is great for keeping mosquitoes at bay but can become invasive in garden beds, so plant it in tubs near the patio. Rubbing or bruising the leaves will release its strong mentha scent and send the mozzies packing.

Planting catmint or catnip underneath roses will help to keep insects at bay.

"Growing Culinary Herbs in South Africa"

This e-book covers everything you need to know about growing and using culinary herbs, including their health benefits and a whole lot more. Click here to order or read more.

Fruit:

Strawberries are producing the last of their fruits and need to be fed with a liquid fertiliser once all the crop has been harvested. Grapes need to be watered well as the fruit begins to swell. When your berries like Blueberries have finished fruiting, prune out all sickly or damaged canes; leaving only young healthy canes. Tie these young shoots to a sturdy support, and train them to grow out into a fan shape. As melons start to swell it is best to reduce watering, as too much water will result in tasteless fruit.

Continue spraying your late bearing deciduous fruit trees against Fruit Fly and coddling moth, with an eco-friendly insecticide like Eco Fruit Fly. Remove any fallen fruit that may be infested with fruit fly larvae. Remove or cut back excessive water shoots.

Members can click here to find my detailed spraying programme for decidious fruit trees. 

Feed your Citrus trees with an organic fertiliser; 8:1:6 or 6:1:5 are good but if you don’t have them, use 3:1:5 or 2:3:2.  Each mature citrus tree needs 2kg of fertiliser spread over the root area, starting at least 10cm away from the trunk and ending at the drip line.

In sub-tropical regions you can sow Paw-paw seed this month. Sow them directly into the soil (5 seeds per hole) and once they have flowered, remove all male plants; leaving only one male plant for every 6 to 8 females. Male flowers hang on long stems and female flowers are tight against the stem. Feed and water your avocados and litchis regularly.

Damage from red spiderPests & Diseases:

During hot and dry weather Red Spiders are most active. They inhabit the undersides of plant leaves, where it is nice and dry, and seem to prefer plants with soft leaves like roses, impatiens etc. Visible signs are a mottled yellow look on the upper side of the leaves, a fine web over the leaves, and sometimes leaf curl. Severe infestations cause yellowing and bronzing of the leaves, followed by leaf drop. This will adversely affect flower and fruit production but will rarely kill the plant. If you look with a magnifying glass you will see them. Alternatively, pick a leaf and press it down on a sheet of white paper; if there are tiny red dots left behind on the paper, you have red spider.

To control them you must spray regularly, as recommended. Try Ludwig’s Rose Spider Mite, it has no adverse affect on the natural predators of red spider mite. Other organic formulations containing Canola oil, with or without garlic extract work well but can cause harm to natural mite predators. Rape or grape seed oil is also effective. To help prevent red spider, ensure that ventilation is good amongst your plants and do not over feed with nitrogen. Red spider is very difficult to control and will require regular spraying.

Members can click here to find in depth information on red spiders, plus the best commercially available sprays to use as well as DIY sprays that can easily be made at home

Black spotWatch out for fungal diseases like Powdery Mildew and Black Spot, and spray your roses and other susceptible plants regularly with an organic fungicide. Add a sticker or wetting agent like G-49; or a ½ teaspoon of dishwashing liquid to the mixture. This helps the spray to stick to the plant longer, especially during rainy weather.  Watering very early in the morning will help prevent fungal diseases.

Homemade natural sprays for fungal diseases:

Spray with compost tea made from a container filled to a third of its volume with mature compost and topped up with rainwater. Allow to soak for 1 to 3 days and stain through a very fine mesh strainer or a nylon stocking. Dilute until it looks like weak black tea before spraying on the affected plants. Another anti-fungal spray is low-fat milk diluted with an equal volume of rainwater.

Gardenias are susceptible to black sooty mould; a fungus which lives on the honeydew that is secreted by aphids. The aphids are ‘farmed’ by ants for this honeydew and are also protected from their natural predators by them. Get rid of the aphids and the ants and the mould will disappear.

If the brown chafer beetles, also called Christmas beetles, are chewing your roses and other plants, spray regularly with Ludwigs Insect Spray. Spray in the late afternoon as these beetles hide in the soil during the day and come out at night to feed.

Click here to see Google Images of Brown Chafer Beetles

To protect against beetle attacks:

Tobasco sauce will keep flying insects at bay. Mix two teaspoons of Tobasco sauce with one litre of water and a ½ teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Spray your plants thoroughly at least once a week and repeat after rain. Very hot fresh chillies can also be used.

Take two handfuls of chopped comfrey leaves and 250 grams of chopped garlic.  Add them to 2 litres of cold water and leave overnight. Bring the mixture to the boil and simmer for 20 minutes with the lid on. When the mixture cools down dilute it with water 1:10 (one part mixture to 10 parts water). Spray at least once a week when beetles are active. Comfrey is rich in nitrogen, protein, potash, trace elements and minerals and promotes healthy plants and strong cell structure, while the smell of garlic repels beetles. This recipe is also used to control the cucumber beetle.

Dry, semi-arid and continental regions

December and January are very hot months in these regions, so water regularly and deeply. A wide variety of container plants, annuals, herbs and vegetables can be grown using rainwater, so consider putting up a rainwater tank. Rainwater tanks are essential if you live in an area with brackish water. Brackish water, sometimes termed ‘brack’ water, is water occurring in a natural environment that has more salinity than freshwater, but not as much as seawater.  

Many annuals die in hot summer regions if the water is brackish because they require regular watering, and using brackish water regularly deposits many harmful salts into the already saline soil. Many small seedlings are also killed by very hot winds. In these very arid regions, forget about a summer garden, dig the soil over, enrich it with lots of compost; and if your soil is clay, dig in lots of compost and washed river sand into the soil as often as you can.  This prevents a hard crust forming on the top of the soil that water can’t penetrate. Winter and spring gardens are very successful in these areas, so wait until autumn to plant again. 

In the hot areas of this region seed sown this month will also struggle to survive the warm winds and intense heat, but if you want to add some colour to your garden beds for Christmas plant instant colour seedlings of Portulaca - they can take the heat and if planted out now they will provide colour over December and late summer. Petunias and Vincas are also great for instant colour - they thrive in the heat and despise too much water. 

In cooler parts you can still plant summer annuals like Alyssum, Marigold, Vinca and Zinnia. Salvia farinacea, Lobelia, Celosia, the Cone Clower (Rudbeckia hirta), and our gorgeous Falling Stars (Crocosmia aurea), look stunning planted together in a sea of White Alyssum.

The beautiful Butterfly Bush (Gaura) is another good candidate for these regions as it is a hardy perennial which thrives on poor soils, and is also wind and drought resistant. It flowers all summer and looks lovely planted singly or in groups. The indigenous daisy Euryops pectinatus with its masses of golden yellow flowers and attractive grey-green leaves is also highly recommended as it flourishes in brackish water. 

If you live in a very hot region, unlike other parts of the country where roses are having their second flush of flowers, do not expect too much from your roses this month as the buds often get scorched by the sun before they even open. Use lucerne, or hay mulch around the bushes, water them regularly and don’t over fertilise.

Winter rainfall regions (Mediterranean)

December days can be very hot and most gardeners prefer to do light garden chores during this month, and when the spring and early summer displays fade, heat-loving flower varieties like Cosmos, Petunias, Gazania, Marigolds, Phlox, Salvia and Zinnias come into their own.

In the very hot areas of this region seed sown this month will struggle to survive the warm winds and intense heat, but if you want to add some colour to your garden beds for Christmas plant instant colour seedlings of Portulaca - they can take the heat and if planted out now they will provide colour over December and late summer. Petunias and Vincas are also great for instant colour - they thrive in the heat and despise too much water. 

Continue to deadhead your flowering annuals and perennials regularly, and if you wish you can also still plant out  Ageratum, Aquilegia, Begonia, Coleus, Dianthus, Lobelia and Nasturtium.

The beautiful Butterfly Bush (Gaura) is a good garden candidate for these regions as it is a hardy perennial which thrives on poor soils, and is also wind and drought resistant. It flowers all summer and looks lovely planted singly or in groups. The indigenous daisy Euryops pectinatus with its masses of golden yellow flowers and attractive grey-green leaves is also highly recommended as it flourishes in brackish water.

Mulch your garden beds to keep the soil moist and cool, and do this before the weather becomes very hot and dry in January and February. Water regularly during hot weather and continue feeding your flowers, bulbs and vegetables regularly.

Continue feeding and watering your Kikuyu and Buffalo lawns and try to water in the morning. Do not cut your lawn too short during hot and dry weather; and especially Buffalo lawn, as it prefers to be thick.  Watch out for Lawn Caterpillars that make bare patches in the lawn.

When your Blueberries, boysenberries, youngberries and raspberries have finished cropping, cut out the old fruiting canes right down to the ground and tie the new canes up on supports.

Vegetables can still be sown, but check your days to harvest, as slower maturing types may not have sufficient time produce much of a harvest before the end of the season. 

Summer rainfall (Temperate or Highveld Regions)

December days can be very hot and most gardeners prefer to do light garden chores during this month, and when the spring and early summer displays fade, heat-loving flower varieties like Cosmos, Petunias, Gazania, Marigolds, Phlox, Salvia and Zinnias come into their own. Continue to deadhead your flowering annuals and perennials regularly, and if you wish you can also still plant out  Ageratum, Aquilegia, Begonia, Coleus, Dianthus, Lobelia and Nasturtium.

In the very hot areas of this region seed sown this month will struggle to survive the  intense heat, but if you want to add some colour to your garden beds for Christmas plant instant colour seedlings of Portulaca - they can take the heat and if planted out now they will provide colour over December and late summer. Petunias and Vincas are also great for instant colour - they thrive in the heat and despise too much water. In cooler regions you can plant any of the 'instant colour' seedlings recommended above for all regions.

The beautiful Butterfly Bush (Gaura) is a good garden candidate for these regions as it is a hardy perennial which thrives on poor soils, and is also wind and drought resistant. It flowers all summer and looks lovely planted singly or in groups. Daisy Bushes are also useful for filling in gaps in the garden at this time of the year and are still reasonably inexpensive. The indigenous daisy Euryops pectinatus with its masses of golden yellow flowers and attractive grey-green leaves is also highly recommended.

Mulch your garden beds to keep the soil moist and cool, and do this before the weather becomes very hot and dry in January and February. Water regularly during hot weather and continue feeding your flowers, bulbs and vegetables regularly.

Rain quickly leaches out nutrients from the soil, so continue to feed your garden beds and lawn regularly with a balanced organic fertiliser. Rainy weather also encourages fungal growth, so watch out for mildew, rust etc. and implement a preventative spraying programme for susceptible plants like roses and tomatoes. Click here to find my spraying programme for tomatoes.

Continue feeding and watering your lawn and try to water in the morning. Do not mow too short during hot and dry weather, and watch out for Lawn Caterpillars that make bare patches in the lawn.

In cold frosty regions, slow-maturing winter flowering annuals are sown in December or January. Sow Fairy Primroses (primula malacoides), Iceland Poppies, and Pansies and Violas. It is also time to sow slow maturing perennials and biennials like Foxgloves and Columbine (Aquilegia) to flower next spring and summer.

Summer vegetables can still be sown, but check your days to harvest, as slower maturing types may not have sufficient time produce much of a harvest before the end of the season. In cold frosty regions, slow-maturing winter vegetable crops like Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli, Cabbage, and Cauliflower are sown in December or January. 

Subtropical summer rainfall regions

In these regions you can still sow or plant flowering seedlings like Ageratum, Aster, Balsam, Celosia, Coleus, New Guinea Impatiens, Marigold, Salvia, Sunflower, Torenia, Vinca and Zinnia.

In the edible range you can plant herbs like Basil, Chives, Coriander, Fennel, Lemongrass, Mint, Parsley, Tarragon, Winter Savoury. Its too hot for all but tropical vegetables like Jerusalem Artichokes, Peppers and Chilli Peppers, Eggplant, Okra, Sweet Corn, and Sweet Potato.

Gardens in these regions are renowned for their colourful tropical gardens, but sometimes less is more, especially concerning colour. Cooler shades of green, white, pale yellow and grey will add balance to any garden, be it bright or pastel shades. These cooler colours are also most soothing in hot climates, so remember to include them in your design.

Eye-catching foliage plants with interesting and unusual markings will add year round interest to the subtropical garden and provide a beautiful backdrop for tropical flowers. 

The foliage of Begonia 'Gryphon' makes it a wonderful contrast plant for the tropical shade garden, combining well with other shade lovers like, Coleus, Dragon Wing Begonias, and New Guinea Impatiens. Be creative and group it with shrubs and perennials like the Mirror Bush (Coprosma), Arum Lily (Zantedeschia), Fuchsia and Hydrangea, or ornamental grasses like Liriope, and small trees like Camellia japonica and Gardenia.

The Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) is another good contrast plant worth growing for its lush, foliage, and in its natural environment it flourishes beneath the shade of tropical trees. Some varieties have solid green leaves, but most cultivars have interesting variegation in shades of silver, grey, or light green. They range in size from compact 20 to 25cm tall plants to larger varieties that will grow 45 to 60cm tall

Do not cut your lawn too short, and during dry spells set your sprinkler system to water at 4am in the morning. Rain quickly leaches out nutrients from the soil, so continue to feed your garden beds and lawn regularly with a balanced organic fertiliser. Don’t forget to water and feed your orchids regularly. 

Rainy weather encourages fungal growth, so watch out for diseases like Powdery Mildew, Black Spot etc. and implement a preventative spraying programme for susceptible plants. Check all your shrubs and trees regularly for scale insects and spray in the late afternoon with a white oil like Oleum, or make your own. Spray damp, wet areas with Margaret Roberts biological mosquito spray and make sure your gutters are clean and that there are no stagnant pools of water where larvae can breed.

In sub-tropical regions you can sow Paw-paw seed this month. Sow them directly into the soil (5 seeds per hole) and once they have flowered, remove all male plants; leaving only one male plant for every 6 to 8 females. Male flowers hang on long stems and female flowers are tight against the stem. Feed and water your Avocados and Litchis regularly.

Flower or Fruit Chafer Beetle. Picture courtesy Ruslou KoortsChafer beetles are easy to identify by their striking black and yellow patterns and the buzzing sound they make. Because they feed on nectar and plant juices they can cause severe damage to many flowering ornamental plants like roses, and fruit, especially grapes. Infestations can start in spring but peak during the very hot months from December to March.

Adults can be sprayed when they are actively feeding with a full cover spray containing natural pyrethrins. Because they are attracted to the colour yellow traps can easily be made to catch them. Make a trap by cutting a small window in the top half of a 2 litre plastic cool drink bottle. Paint a yellow band above and below the window and fill with 2 tablespoons of sugar dissolved into 200ml of water.  Rather than let the poor beetles drown, check the traps often and put them out of their misery; sugar traps will also unfortunately attract bees.

Lawn catterpillarLook out for lawn caterpillars, which attack kikuyu, Berea (LM) and Cynodon (e.g. golf green) lawns as well as evergreen grass mixes. Your lawn will show dead patches in spots.

In severe cases the patches will turn brown and the grass will die down completely. These caterpillars hide below the grass during the day and come out at night to feed. If you are not sure whether you have lawn caterpillars or not, put a damp towel on your lawn at night and check underneath the towel for them in the morning.  The larvae are a pale green, becoming darker with broken longitudinal stripes along their length as they mature. Any Eco Insect Control, which contains spinosad as the active ingredient can be used to control them.

Mole Cricket. Picture courtesy Elissa MalcohnWatch out for mole crickets, they cause dead patches in your lawn and make it feel mushy underfoot. Organic formulations containing natural pyrethrins will only work if the pesticide comes into direct contact with the cricket, which burrows deep down into the soil and comes up at night to feed. Spray heavily in the late afternoon or early evening and irrigate heavily afterwards. Other products include insecticides like Zero, Koinor and Merit.

Hadedas are ideal predators for crickets, so if you have them you probably won’t suffer from crickets in your lawn. Centipedes and spiders like the wolf spider also help to control crickets.