Welcome to Gardening in South Africa!

Virgillia oroboidesBlossom Tree, Keurboom (Virgilia oroboides)

There are two popular garden species; Virgilia divaricata and Virgillia oroboides. Both species are small to medium sized trees with feathery leaves and a rounded to broadly conical growth habit. They are very fast growing when young; V. divaricata grows from 6 to 10m in height, while V. oroboides can reach 10 to 15m tall. Both trees produce sprays of sweetly scented pea shaped flowers. V. divaricata has violet-pink flowers in spring and early summer while the blooms of V. oroboides are pinkish-white to white and generally appear in mid to late summer.

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Pavetta lanceolataWeeping Bride's Bush, Treurbruidsbos, umdleza, tshituku, umhleza (Pavetta lanceolata)

This  plant is loved for its masses of sweetly scented, starry white flowers with ivory styles. The flowers can appear as early as September to January, but peak flowering time is November and December, and dense clusters of black fruits follow the flowers. Under optimal conditions it can grow between 4 and 7m tall; but in the average garden it will vary between 2 to 4m tall.

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Dodonaea viscosa. Picture courtesy Roger HootonSand Olive, Hop Bush, Sandolien, Ysterhout (Dodonaea viscosa angustifolia)

This plant is highly variable in growth habit, depending on climate, and occurs as a small to large, multi-stemmed shrub; or small tree with a single stem. In the garden it generally grows +-5m tall and 2.5m wide. The insignificant summer flowers are followed by showy three-winged seed pods which turn from green to a reddish-burgundy, then to brown and tan. It is perfect for small gardens and can be grown as a shrub or small tree. Plant in the mixed border or as an informal screen or hedge. 

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Calpurnia aurea Wild Laburnum, Geelkeurboom, inDloli, umKhiphampethu, umLalandlovana (Calpurnia aurea)

The wild laburnum is perfect for small suburban gardens and townhouses because it has a non-aggressive root system. It makes a wonderful specimen plant if planted on its own in the lawn, but is also most effective if planted in groups. It also works well in a mixed shrub border, makes a great informal hedge or screen, and grows easily in large containers. It generally grows +-2 to 4m tall and 1.5 to 2.5m wide.

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Dias cotonifoliaPompom-Tree, Kannabas, inTozani, inTozwane emnyama (Dias cotinifolia)

This tree is a breathtaking sight when in full bloom, and smothered in a cloud of pink to pale lilac flower heads; flowers can appear from spring to mid-summer. It can be single or multi-stemmed, develops a dense round crown, and varies from +-4 to 6m tall, with an equal spread. It has non-invasive roots, making it perfect for small townhouse gardens and pot culture. It is a tough street tree; an excellent specimen tree on a lawn; and is great in the back of a large border.

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Rothmannia globosa. Picture courtesy www.lifeisagarden.co.zaSeptember Bells, Valskatjiepiering, umGubhe, umPhazane, thudwane, siKoba, siSwati (Rothmannia globosa)

September bells produces sweetly scented, creamy white flowers from August to November; which are more fragrant than the Gardenia. It is ideal for small gardens because it has a non-aggressive root system and can be planted near foundations etc. It can be trained to grow as a large shrub or small tree and does well in large pots. It looks lovely planted as a specimen tree, or in a small grove. This slender tree, usually grows from 3 to 4m tall in the garden.

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Cussonia paniculata. Picture courtesy James GaitherMountain Cabbage Tree, Bergkiepersol, umSenge, mNgqokhwe (Cussonia paniculata)

This small tree has large, deeply indented grey-green leaflets, borne on top of a stout stem. No two cabbage trees grow exactly the same; some are tall with a straight trunk and others branch low down; therefore ultimate height varies from +-4 to 7m. The trunk is often crooked or curving; making it a particularly fine accent plant for small gardens. In large gardens it can be planted in groups for a dramatic effect. Do not plant close to buildings, walls and paving as the fleshy roots are invasive.

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Ilex mitis Cape Holly, Waterboom, monamane, iPhuphuma, umDuma, phukgile, mutanzwa-khamelo (Ilex mitis)

The Cape Holly has a straight trunk and a dense, rounded crown of dark green leaves; it seldom grows taller than 8m. The small, sweetly-scented white flowers appear in spring or early summer. In autumn and winter the female plants bear heavy crops of small red berries. It loves growing near water and looks lovely if planted in groves. This plant needs to be shaped into a good shade tree. It makes a good hedging plant and can be clipped into almost any shape and size.

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Dovyalis caffra fruit. Picture cortesy Tatiana GerusKei Apple, Keiappel, umkokola, amaqokolo (Dovyalis caffra)

This dense, spreading plant varies in growth habit from a shrub +-3 m tall, to an 8m tall tree with a thick crown. Bright orange-yellow fruits follow the flowers putting on quite a show in late summer. The fruit is edible and makes a great tasting jelly or jam. The stems and branches are armed with long spines, making it a perfect barrier plant for farms and large properties. It varies in height from +-3 to 8m tall and 2.5 to 3.5m wide.

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Rhus pendulinaWhite Karee, Witkaree, mosilabele, Garas (Searsia pendulina)

An excellent shade tree for small gardens with a low branching habit, but can be pruned into a single stemmed tree. It has fresh green willow-like leaves; and does not have an aggressive root system. Plant it as a specimen in the lawn or in groups. It thrives near water and because of its dense growth habit it makes a most effective windbreak or barrier for large properties. It can be clipped into a formal hedge. Un-pruned it will usually grow +-4 to 6m tall, and can spread almost as wide.   

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Searsia chirendensisRed Currant, Bos-taaibos, muvhadela-phanga, inhlokoshiyane enkulu, umhlakothi, motha-thaa (Searsia chirindensis)

This graceful tree can be trained to grow as a small tree or large shrub. It is grown for its neat, rounded crown of large, soft green leaves which turn orange in autumn, and its coppery-red new growth. It does not have invasive roots and makes an excellent windbreak for farms and game farms. In the garden it normally grows about 7m tall and can spread almost as wide.

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Calodendrum capense Wild Chestnut, Wildekastaiing, Molalakgwedi, Mbhovha, Muvhaha, umBhaba (Calodendrum capense)

The Cape Chestnut is a large handsome tree with a single trunk and a dense canopy of glossy, dark green leaves. In mid-summer the entire tree is completely covered with large sprays of spectacular white to pink orchid-like flowers. It has a non-aggressive root system, making it an excellent choice for large gardens or for street planting. In the garden it generally grows +-7 to 12m tall and 3 to 5m wide.

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(Acacia erioloba) Camel Thorn. Picture courtesy Ruth PalssonCamel Thorn, Kameeldoring, Mogohlo (Acacia erioloba)

This is a valuable shade tree in semi-desert areas of the country. It varies greatly in height and spread, from a diminutive spiny shrub to a tall tree; in gardens it usually grows about 6 to 8m tall. It has the sharpest thorns of all the Acacias and produces a sweetly scented bright yellow flower balls in late winter and early spring. It is not suitable for small gardens but is an excellent choice for medium to large gardens.

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(Acacia xanthaphloe) Fever Tree. Picture courtesy DN MaguireFever Tree, Koorsboom (Acacia xanthophloea)

This tree has a beautiful form, unusual sulphur-yellow bark, small straight thorns, and sweetly-scented bright yellow flowers from September to November. It has a single, straight trunk and a roundish, spreading canopy. Because the shade it gives is sparse it makes a perfect specimen tree for the lawn. It is also an unforgettable avenue tree and is lovely planted in groups. This tree, varies in height and spread, depending on where it is grown, and can reach +-10 to 15m tall and 10m wide under optimal conditions.  

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Protorhus longifolia Picture courtesy www.kloofconservancy.org.za Red Beech, Rooiboekenhout, Isifice, Ikhubalo, Mutu-musolde (Protorhus longifolia)

This is a handsome medium to large, evergreen tree grows quickly to 6 to 10m tall, but can occasionally reach 15m or more. It produces an attractive dense rounded crown of long, glossy dark green leaves, with the occasional bright red or yellow leaves dotted conspicuously throughout. It is is a wonderful specimen tree for gardens and parks; and is great to plant in dry gardens and also for attracting wildlife. It does not have aggressive roots but should be planted where it has room to develop.

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Heteropyxis natalensisLavender Tree, Laventelboom, iNkunzi, masepha, thathasani, mudedede, inkhuzwa (Heteropyxis natalensis)

This neat and well-shaped deciduous to semi-deciduous tree has a slender upright growth habit and a small rounded crown. The roots are non-invasive and the tree grows +-5 to 10 metres tall and 4 to 5m wide. The long, dark green glossy leaves have a subtle lavender scent when crushed. In spring new growth is flushed red and in autumn the foliage turns yellow to russet-red. In late summer inconspicuous but sweetly fragrant cream to pale yellow flowers appear in summer, followed by tiny brown seed capsules. The single main stem is crooked with bark, maturing to creamy-tan, with a contorted and flaky appearance.This tree is most useful where space is limited, or in beds where sun-loving smaller plants can still grow happily underneath. It is suitable for small gardens as well as large landscapes and is ideal planted in groups and groves.

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Picture courtesy www.wildflowernursery.co.zaForest Bushwillow, Bosvaderlandswilg, modubu, imbondvo lemhlophe, muvuvhu-thavha, ulandile, umdubu wehlathi (Combretum kraussii)

The forest bushwillow, with its attractive shape and dense canopy, is one of our most decorative garden trees. It varies in size from 5 to 15m tall with a 4 to 8m spread, depending on climate and  has a well-shaped crown and a single trunk about 80cm in diameter, with a smooth grey to dark grey bark which becomes flaky with age. This tree is classified as mostly evergreen or semi-deciduous, as the spring leaves only partially replace the old foliage. Its beautiful spring and summer foliage, white flowers and eye-catching winged fruits, together with the rich hues of its autumn and winter foliage, make it a good all year round tree. It will grow in sun and shade, is low maintenance, fast-growing, and tolerates moderate drought and frost. The forest bushwillow makes an excellent specimen shade tree and is suitable for small gardens. Because it can be planted in groves it is also useful when adding background foliage to large garden beds.

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Picture courtesy www.kumbulanursery.co.zaBurke's Fig, Common Wild Fig, Gewone Wildevye, Umthombe, Mmadintana, Moumo, Muumo, Umtende (Ficus burkei)

Burke’s fig is a medium to large sized tree, 10 to 18m tall, with a well-shaped crown that can spread twice as wide as it is tall. In wetter habitats it remains evergreen but may be briefly deciduous in drier climates. Like others in the Ficus genus, it shares a common "strangling" growth habit that is found in many tropical forest species. Ficus species are highly recommended shade trees, often used on farms, large estates, schools and recreational areas. If truncheons are planted closely together, they can stabilise the soil on slopes and prevent soil erosion. Because they have aggressive root systems, they should not be planted in a small garden or near buildings, swimming pools or pathways. The fruits ooze latex when broken off, so they are also not suitable for car parks, and should not be planted near dams or fish ponds, as the latex clogs the gills of fish. If your garden is too small for a Ficus, why not grow it in a large container on the patio or train it into a bonsai.

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 Fever Tree, Koorsboom (Acacia xanthophloea)All indigenous Acacias are perfect canopy plants for the bird exclusion area. They make ideal nesting sites because of the protection their thorns provide, and when they are in full bloom will attract a myriad of insects, and therefore insect eating birds. The fever tree is excellent for wetland areas where it will provide valuable nesting sites for birds like weavers. Its straight white thorns are carried in pairs and its sweetly-scented bright yellow flowers appear from September to November. The beautiful form of this striking indigenous tree and its unusual sulphur-yellow bark, make it easily identifiable in the wild. It is a medium to large growing tree, varying in height and spread, depending on where it is grown. It has a single, straight, smooth trunk with a sparse, roundish, spreading canopy. As the shade it gives is sparse many plants will grow underneath it, making it a perfect specimen to plant in a lawn. It also makes an unforgettable avenue tree and looks lovely if planted in groups.

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Camel Thorn, Kameeldoring, Mogohlo (Acacia erioloba)
This tree produces a profusion of sweetly scented bright yellow flower balls in late winter and early spring; and has the sharpest thorns of all the Acacias. All indigenous Acacias are perfect canopy plants for the bird exclusion area; making ideal nesting sites because of the protection the thorns provide. The blooms attract   insects, and therefore insect eating birds. It is a valuable shade tree in semi-desert areas; and the pods are used as fodder for cattle; and favoured by many wild animals. Giraffe browse on the leaves; elephants chew the pods, dispersing the seed in their dung. Trees vary greatly in height and spread, from a diminutive spiny shrub to a tall tree, with a rounded to flattened crown, but in gardens it usually grows about 6 to 8m tall. This tree is not suitable for small gardens but is an excellent choice for medium to large gardens.

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White Stinkwood (Celtis africana)
This popular, fast growing South African shade tree is grown for its graceful shape, rich green leaves and silvery bark. This tree is perfect to plant in the middle of a large lawn and is recommended for farms, game farms, schools, parks and parking lots. It will attract birds and butterflies to your garden. A grove of young stinkwood trees provides welcome shade in summer while allowing the sun through in winter.

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Wild Chestnut, Wildekastaiing, Molalakgwedi, Mbhovha, Muvhaha, umBhaba (Calodendrum capense)
The large woody fruits of this tree have a knobbly texture and the fruit bursts open to expose black, oily seeds, which are relished by samango and vervet monkeys; Cape parrots, rameron and olive pigeons, and cinnamon doves. It is also a host plant for several butterfly species, including the orange dog and some swallowtail butterflies like the citrus swallowtail, emperor swallowtail and the green banded swallowtail. It is a large handsome indigenous tree with a non-aggressive root system, making it an excellent choice for large gardens or for street planting. It takes about 4 to 6 years to flower but is well worth the wait because when it does bloom in mid-summer the entire tree is completely covered with large sprays of spectacular white to pink orchid-like flowers.

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Weeping Boer-bean, Huilboerboon (Schotia brachypetala)
The abundance of rich deep red flowers are produced straight after the new leaves during September and October, but exact flowering times will vary from tree to tree. This irregularity in blooming times is of value to the nectar feeding birds, and ensures a longer feeding season. The flowers produce such copious amounts of nectar that it literally 'weeps' from them, so do not plant it near paved areas or car parks etc, where the dripping nectar could become a problem. When in bloom it will attract a wide variety of birds, animals and insects. The nectar will attract nectar-feeding birds like sunbirds, and will also attract many insects, and therefore insect-eating birds. Monkeys and baboons eat the flowers and seeds and the leaves are browsed by game. In game reserves black rhino is known to eat the bark.

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Olive, Oliewenhout (Olea europaea)
The name Olea europaea applies to both the wild and domestic Olive. Olives make attractive evergreen, ornamental shade trees which are becoming very popular with gardeners for their fruits and the light shade they provide. New fruiting varieties do not grow as large, making them more suited to home gardens and for planting into large pots. Small white flowers appear in early summer which will attract pollinators, and the fruits will develop in late summer, providing fruit for berry-eating birds like louries, mousebirds and thrushes. Olives are highly recommended for the exclusion and canopy habitat.

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Renoster Arctotis, Renostergousblom  (Arctotis acaulis)
A fast growing, spreading plant that is excellent to control soil erosion. The plants produce a dazzling display of flowers from late winter and spring to early summer (July to November), but can bloom for most of the year in mild climates. Many hybrids are available and the brightly coloured daisy flowers come in all shades of orange, yellow and red as well as plum, pink and cream. This plant makes a most effective ground cover and looks wonderful spilling over walls or a dry bank. The flowers will attract insects and insect-eating birds, making it ideal to use in the open areas of the bird garden.

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Wild Cineraria (Cineraria saxifraga)
This South African groundcover is grown for its masses of small, bright yellow flowers from spring to autumn and its bright green leaves. The flowers will attract many insects, which in turn will attract insect-eating birds. Plant it in the bird exclusion or open area and allow it to scramble randomly.

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Kingfisher Daisy, Blue Marguerite, Bloumagriet (Felicia)
There are about  84 species of Felicia, with about 79 occurring in southern Africa. They are grown worldwide for their profusion of flowers in spring and summer. Felicia amelloided has intense sky-blue flowers with bright yellow centres, Felicia amelloides 'Alba' has pure white flowers, and Felicia amelloides 'Variegata' has blue daisies and green and white variegated leaves. Felicia 'Out of the Blue' is a new cultivar that has violet-blue flowers in profusion. The flowers will attract butterflies and many pollinators to the bird garden and they can be planted in both the exclusion and the open bird garden. The Kingfisher daisy looks beautiful in pebble and rock gardens and makes an excellent border plant.

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Stoke's Aster (Stokesia laevis)
This vigorous perennial is grown for its large double, lilac, purple, blue, rose or white flowers, from summer to autumn. The flowers last well in a vase and will attract butterflies and other insects to your garden. Plant it in the exclusion or open bird garden. It looks best planted in groups at the front of perennial borders and in cottage gardens. It also grows easily in pots and is a good candidate for mixed containers.

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Falling Stars (Crocosmia aurea)
Falling Stars are grown for their delicate spikes of orange to scarlet red flowers, borne on gently arching stems. They are excellent cut flowers and bloom freely in late summer on stems up to 90cm tall. They are an excellent choice for the wetland bird area and thrive near water features where the soil is moist. They make a glorious accent plant for the shade garden. Try planting them next to plants with blue flowers like agapanthus, salvia, torenia, lobelia, campanula or asters for an exceptionally startling effect.

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Pincushion Flower, Bitterbos (Scabiosa columbaria)
Grown for its masses of pink or lavender-blue flowers on long stems all summer. It is an ideal choice for a wild or butterfly garden, because the sweet smelling flowers will attract bees, butterflies and a host of other insects to the garden. It is ideal to fill gaps and open spaces in the garden and mixed border and is used in rock and pebble gardens.

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Trailing Daisy, Bergbietou (Dimorphotheca jucunda)
This sprawling evergreeen produces masses of vibrant flowers which are purple above and coppery-orange below. Modern hybrids are available in wine red, white, pink, yellow and terracotta. Its main flowering season is in late winter to spring and again in early autumn, but some flowers can be found on the plants throughout the year. Use it to stabilise soil on slopes, or to cascade over low walls. Its a wonderful border and rockery plant, a good groundcover, and grows well in containers. It is essential for butterfly gardens and the larvae of the Dickson's opal butterfly have been known to feed on Osteospermum jucundum.

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Wild Daisy Bush (Euryops)
Indigenous wild daisies produce sunshine yellow blooms in winter and spring, depending on the variety. These long flowering, hardy, water-wise plants will attract birds and butterflies to your garden. The flowers will attract a host of insect pollinators and seedeaters love to pick for fallen seeds on the ground underneath the plants. Include these wonderful little plants in both the exclusion or open bird gardens.

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Ribbon Bush (Hypoestes aristata)
This easy to grow South African shrub needs little attention and will reward you with abundant spikes of purple flowers with dark purple spots in the middle of winter when very little else is in bloom. It will attract butterflies to your garden and is a valuable food source for them when nectar is scarce. Plant it with other indigenous plant like aloes which produce yellow, orange or red flowers at this time. The flowers will attract many insects to the garden so it is recommended for the exclusion area.

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Lady of the Nile (Agapanthus africanus)
These easy to grow South African plants deserve a place in every garden. They are grown for their balls of blue or white umbrella-like flowers in summer. The nectar-filled flowers will attract many insect pollinators and birds. They can be included in both the open or exclusion areas of the bird garden. They are available in various heights, from tiny miniatures to giant varieties.

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Arum or Calla Lily, Wit Varkoor, intebe, ihlukwe (Zantedeschia aethiopica)
Grown for their pure white flower spathes and their lush green leaves; arums flower in mid-winter and spring in the winter rainfall regions; and in mid-summer in the summer rainfall regions. They are perfect to add to wetland bird gardens.

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Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Rudbeckia flowers will attract bees and butterflies to your garden and the ripe seed heads are also relished by seed eating birds, providing a valuable food source in autumn. Today's gardeners have many outstanding Rudbeckia hirta cultivars to choose from. The daisy-like flowers come in single, semi- double and fully-double forms; and in a range of colours from lemon-yellow to gold, chestnut, mahogany, and bronze, as well as multi-coloured blooms. Most species bloom from midsummer through autumn, and are ideal for cutting.

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Golden Rod (Solidago Hybrids)
Hybrids are a varied group forming tight or spreading clumps, ranging from 30cm to 1.8m tall. Thy bloom in late summer and early autumn, and hybrids have many subtle variations of yellow flowers, including a pale primrose yellow, canary yellow and golden yellow. They are used as a food plant by the larvae of various Lepidoptera species and if the seed heads are left on the plants in winter, they will attract seed eating birds. Lovely in meadow gardens and bee and butterfly gardens. 

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Coopers Aloe (Aloe Cooperi)
This little aloe is grown for its gorgeous apricot coloured spikes of tubular flowers from December to March. It has long, narrow, green leaves with distinctive white spots, arranged in a fan shape. The nectar-filled flowers will attract sunbirds to the garden, as well as a myriad of other insects, and therefore insect eating birds. Plant it as a focal point in the exclusion bird garden, or in the borders of the open bird area.

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African Aloe, Soap Aloe, Bontaalwyn (Aloe maculata)
The African aloe is a neat and very rewarding winter flowering succulent with attractive mottled leaves with sharp brown teeth. The branched flower spikes are variable, from pink to red, orange and yellow, and the nectar filled flowers will attract sunbirds, bees, butterflies and many other insects to the garden, and therefore insect eating birds as well. Plant it as a focal point in the exclusion or on the borders of the open bird area.

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Krantz Aloe, Kransaalwyn, ikalene, inkalane (Aloe arborescens)
From May to July this aloe bears a profusion of colourful flower spikes; deep-orange is the most common colour but there are also striking bi- coloured forms that are a deep orange-red, as well as pure yellow. The flowers produce copious amounts of nectar, attracting many birds, especially sunbirds, as well as butterflies, bees and other insects. The insects will attract insect eating birds.

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Cape Honeysuckle, Kaapse Kanferfoelie  (Tecoma capensis)
Tecoma is pollinated by birds and its tubular flowers will attract nectar-feeding birds, and especially sunbirds to your garden. Its bushy growth habit makes it perfect for the exclusion area of the bird garden. It is also essential in every butterfly garden. Modern hybrids come in shades of orange, red, yellow, apricot or salmon.

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Crane Flower, Kraanvoelblom (Strelitzia reginae)   
Birds are attracted by the nectar filled flowers and when they perch to have a drink, the petals open, covering their feet in pollen. The flowers are available in bright orange and golden-yellow, and mature plants are very floriferous, with flowers in autumn, winter and spring. It is used as a bold structural plant and will give a tropical look to your garden. The crane flower is highly recommended for mass plantings at office parks and schools.

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Indian Hawthorn (Raphiolepis)
These hardy ornamental plants belong to the rose family and are grown for their abundant clusters of delicate pink or white blossoms in late winter and spring; followed by showy blue-black berries. The leathery leaves are glossy and the new foliage is often red or bronze.  They are dense, neat plants that are attractive all year making them ideal flowering hedges and screening plants. Plant them in mixed shrub borders or flower beds, for seasonal interest. The Indian Hawthorn will attract birds to the garden and is lovely for the exclusion bird garden.

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Pincushion, Speldekussing (Leucospermum cordifolium)
This most decorative pincushion and makes a fine show in the garden. Flowers appear anytime from late winter to early spring and summer, and a mature plant can carry as many as 300 or more flowers at one time. Various hybrids are available with colours ranging from pale yellow and orange to deep orange-red and orange. The flowers produce an abundance of nectar to attract pollinators like insects and birds; including the Cape sugar bird and 3 species of sunbirds. In the wild the large, hard, nut-like fruit is collected by ants and stored underground in their nests. They will germinate again only after a fire has destroyed the mature plants and returned the nutrients back to the soil. It makes an excellent focal point in the garden, and has great impact if planted in groups.

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Potato Bush (Solanum rantonnetii)
The potato bush will bloom throughout the year in warm climates, and especially well in summer. The delicate flowers can be violet, purple or white and are followed by small red fruits which will attract birds to your garden. Because they flower continuously and attract pollinators, they are a good choice for the exclusion area of the bird garden and excellent for small gardens.

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Forest Bell Bush (Mackaya bella)
This gorgeous indigenous plant loves to grow alongside streams in the wild. It can be trained to grow as a large shrub or small tree, and is an excellent choice for an informal hedge or screen. It also grows beautifully in large containers and is wonderful for the exclusuion bird garden. Large, bell-shaped flowers adorn the plant in late spring; they are mauve to white, and are marked with delicate purple-pink lines. The flowers will attract insects to the garden and if left un-pruned its bushy upright growth habit will afford privacy for more furtive birds.

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Sandanqua Viburnum (Viburnum suspensum)
This handsome evergreen is an easy, fast growing and trouble-free shrub with an attractive, spreading yet compact growth habit. It has leathery, dark green leaves and in late winter to spring it produces a profusion of small waxy, tubular flowers that are white with pinkish tints. The flowers are followed in late summer and autumn by red berries that will darken to black with age. The flowers will attract butterflies and bees and the berries will attract birds to your garden. Because it looks good all year round, it is great for the mixed shrub border. It makes an excellent hedge or informal screening plant and grows beautifully in a large pot.

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Honeybell Bush, Heuningklokkiesbos (Freylinia)
There are nine species of Freylinia , all of which occur in southern Africa.  They will attract a variety of birds and butterflies to the garden as well as other beneficial garden insects. Freylinia lanceolata has arching branches of willow-like leaves bear clusters of golden-yellow, honey-scented flowers, mainly from late winter to early spring. It will also flower in summer and sporadically throughout the year. Freylinia tropica bears delicate white, lilac or blue flowers throughout the year; but especially in late winter and spring.

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Common Myrtle (Myrtus communis)
Loved for its small dark green leaves and its masses of fragrant white flowers in summer. The flowers are followed by blue-black berries in autumn and winter, which are relished by birds.  Include it in the exclusion area of the bird garden or plant it to form a lovely thick hedge, or plant it in a pot. There are several sub-species to choose from, and Myrtus communis 'Nana' has tiny leaves and grows about 1.5m tall.

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Weeping Sage, Treursalie, Utile (Buddleja auriculata)
This gracefully weeping shrub produces a profusion small sweetly-scented cream, orange or lilac flowers from mid-winter to spring. The flowers are full of nectar and will attract bees, butterflies and myriads of other insects to the garden, which in turn will attract insectivorous birds like the southern Boubou and Cape robin. It is a good choice for the exclusion bird garden and is recommended for medium to large properties and farms, making a wonderful screening plant, windbreak or informal hedge. It looks especially attractive planted near to a large dam or pond and is often used in the mixed shrub border.

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Natal Wild Banana (Strelitzia nicolai)
The Natal Wild Banana is grown not so much for its flowers as for its form, developing tall bare stems, topped by enormous leaves and white and purple flowers. It is used as a bold structural plant and will give a tropical look to your garden. The crane flower is highly recommended for mass plantings at office parks and schools. It also grows easily in large pots. Birds are attracted by the nectar filled flowers and when they perch to have a drink, the petals open, covering their feet in pollen.

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Cross-berry, Kruisbessie, Mokukutu, Mogwane, iLalanyathi,  (Grewia occidentalis)
Essential in every bird garden, attracting fruit eating birds like bulbuls, barbets, louries and mousebirds. The dark green leaves are browsed by game and livestock. Also essential in the butterfly garden, as the larvae of the rufous-winged elfin butterfly (Eagris nottoana) and buff-tipped skipper (Netrobalane canopus) feed on the leaves. It is a medium-sized, woody shrub or small tree that does not have an aggressive root system, making it perfect to plant near paving, and buildings. The starry, mauve or pink flowers appear in summer and the distinctive square- shaped berries follow in late summer; turning a shiny reddish- brown to light purple when ripe.

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Kei Apple, Keiappel, umkokola, (Dovyalis caffra)
Perfect for the exclusion bird area and eventually forming part of the canopy. A dense, plant which varies in growth habit, from a large shrub +-3 m tall, to an 8m tall tree. Insignificant summer flowers are followed by showy bright orange-yellow fruits in late summer. They are relished by birds, humans, monkeys, baboons and antelope Only female plants bear fruit, so plant a few specimens. Stems and branches have long spines; making a inpenetrable barrier or screen for large properties. The roots are non-aggressive.

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Climbing Aloe, Rank-aalwyn (Aloe ciliaris)
This succulent vine differs from the other species in this group, by being the only true climbing aloe. The conspicuous, bright orange-red flowers bloom almost throughout the year, peaking from mid-winter to spring. The flowers are pollinated by sunbirds. In the wild the plant is usually supported by other plants and the long woody stems are leafless except for the last meter or so.

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Starry Wild Jasmine, Sterretjies-jasmyn, Imfohlafohlane (Jasminum multipartitum)
Starry wild jasmine will attract moths and butterflies to the garden and is pollinated by Hawk moths. The flowers will attract various insects to your garden and therefore, insectivorous birds. The flowers are followed by shiny green berries that mature to bluish-black. The edible plum-coloured flesh is very juicy and is sometimes eaten by humans, but is relished by birds. In the wild it is often browsed by game. It flowers anytime from late spring to summer (August to January) producing pinkish-red buds, which unfurl into sweetly-scented starry white flowers.

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Cape Holly, Waterboom, monamane, iPhuphuma, umDuma, phukgile (Ilex mitis)
In the wild this is a tall tree, but in cultivation it is small to medium-sized. The small white flowers are sweetly scented and are borne in spring or early summer. Male and female flowers are borne on separate trees. The flowers are not very showy, but in autumn and winter (April to July) the female trees bear heavy crops of small red, holly-like berries, that are relished by birds. Fruiting cannot be guaranteed because young seedlings cannot be sexed. To ensure that you have females; plant a few of these trees and remove the extra male plants at a later stage. This plant tends to be bushy and needs to be shaped into a good shade tree. It makes a good hedging plant and can be clipped into almost any shape and size; making it perfect for formal gardens.

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River Indigo (Indigofera frutescens)
This gracefully weeping, multi-stemmed South African plant can be grown as a small, single-stemmed tree, or as a large shrub. It is grown for its large sprays of brilliant pink, to pale pink flowers in late summer and its soft green leaves. The River Indigo will attract birds to your garden and makes a pretty, informal flowering screen. It is highly recommended as a small shade tree for tiny gardens where light shade is required. This versatile plant can also be trained into a fast growing standard and grows easily in a pot.

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Tree Wisteria, Vanwykshout, mogaba, umHolo (Bolusanthus speciosus )
The flowers of the tree wisteria will attract insects, birds and butterflies to your garden, and in the wild animals like monkeys, sable antelope, gemsbok, giraffe and grey duiker eat the pods and leaves. Fragrant, violet-blue (rarely white), pea-shaped flowers droop from the branches in huge bunches, often covering the entire tree in spring and early summer (August to January).The flowers are followed by narrow, flat, papery, light brown to blackish fruit pods (February to March). An ideal tree for a small to medium-sized gardens, as it never grows too big, does not have an invasive root system, and grows beautifully in large pots.

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September Bells, Valskatjiepiering, umGubhe, umPhazane, thudwane, siKoba, siSwati  (Rothmannia globosa)
This beautiful small tree or large shrub attracts both insect and fruit eating birds to the garden, as well as butterflies and bees. The fruits are relished by monkeys, baboons, bushpigs and various other animals. The sweetly fragrant, bell-shaped flowers are creamy white and adorn the plants from August to November. September Bells is ideal for small gardens because it has a non-aggressive root system and can be planted near foundations etc. It can be trained to grow as a large shrub or small tree and does well in large pots.

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Mountain Cabbage Tree, Bergkiepersol, umSenge, mNgqokhwe (Cussonia paniculata)
The Mountain Cabbage tree is a host for the Emperor Moth larvae and the flowers will attract butterflies to your garden. The flowers are pollinated by insects, attracting insect eating birds and the fruit is relished by fruit eaters like black-eyed bulbuls, louries, starlings, barbets and mousebirds. The wood is soft and the dead branches are excavated by birds such as barbets and woodpeckers for nests. This tree only bears fruit when it is mature (about 8 years). It makes a striking accent plant in the garden and can be planted singly or in clumps. It is perfect for rock and pebble gardens, and grows well in large pots as long as the soil drains well. Do not plant it close to buildings, walls and paving as the fleshy roots are invasive.

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Glossy Currant, Blinktaaibos, inHlokoshiyane (Searsia lucida)
This small indigenous tree or shrub is a decorative garden subject with its very glossy, dark olive-green leaves and sprays of pale creamy -white flowers, which appear from mid winter to summer. Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants, and only the female plants bear fruit. The green fruit ripens to shiny-brown and is relished by birds.

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Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo)
This tree produces hanging clusters of flowers in late summer, they are usually white, but can occasionally be flushed with pink. The flowers are followed in winter by strawberry-like fruits. The fruits take about 12 months to mature, turning from yellow, to orange and then to a beautiful red; they are relished by birds. Since the fruit takes 12 months to ripen, the tree carries both mature fruit and flowers at the same time and is then incredibly beautiful. It can be trained to grow as a bushy shrub or small single-stemmed tree, and because it naturally makes a multi-stemmed plant a single stem must be selected to become the main trunk, and all basal sprouts pruned off, to train it as a small tree. This is a superb plant to grow as a specimen in the middle of a lawn, and it also grows very well on the sunny edges of a woodland garden.

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Coast Silver Oak, Kusvaalbos, Phahla, Mphahla, umPhahla (Brachylaena discolour)
This very decorative plant can be pruned into a small to medium-sized tree. In the wild it has a natural tendency to form a dense bushy shrub, or a multi-stemmed tree that branches low down. It is grown for its beautiful leaves, and during winter and spring the bush is entirely covered with large panicles of creamy, thistle-like flowers that are rich in nectar; attracting birds, bees and other insects.

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Peeling Plane, Lekkerbreek (Ochna pulchra)
The Peeling Plane is one of our most attractive indigenous trees and is perfect for gardens both small and large. It has a narrow, rounded crown and in spring or early summer it 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. The ripe seeds are relished by birds. This plant is highly recommended for the exclusion area and canopy area of the bird garden.

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Sweet Thorn, Soetdoring (Acacia Karroo)
The Sweet Thorn has a variable growth habit, depending on the climate in which it is grown. It generally has a spreading, rounded crown and makes a wonderful small to medium sized shade tree. It bears a profusion of sweetly-scented, golden yellow flower balls between October and February, followed by seed pods from January to April. All indigenous Acacias are perfect canopy plants for the bird exclusion area. They make ideal nesting sites because of the protection their thorns provide, and when they are in full bloom will attract a myriad of insects, and therefore insect eating birds. The sweet thorn is a favourite food of the black rhino, the gum it exudes is eaten by monkeys, and the Silver striped Hawkmoth caterpillar feeds on the leaves. The flowers attract bees, making a delicious honey.

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