International interest in indigenous South African plants increased in the middle of the eighteenth century when Linnaeus started describing and naming the dried specimens he received from the Western Cape.
Numerous botanical travellers and explorers like Thunberg, Drège, Burchell and Masson continued Linnaeus’ work, describing in detail the novelty of the southern African flora. More recently, Hutchinson in 1946, and Beukes in 1996, continued the work of detailing the novelty of our flora.
The uniqueness of our flora remains the focus of international floriculture and includes the breeding and commercial cultivation of cut flowers and many of our flowering ornamental plants for landscaping. This includes potted plants, foliage plants, bulbous plants and bedding plants for gardens.
African DaisyAfrican Daisy, Rankbietou, umasigcolo nkonekazi (Dimorphotheca)
Thanks to plant breeders who continue to expand their funky colour palette, and unique petal shapes, which vary by variety, African daisies continue to rise in popularity, and today they are available in garden centres worldwide, in a wide selection of varieties and new cultivars.
The flowers of these garden hybrids are so striking that you may even wonder if they’ve been dyed or painted, and their central disks look as if they have been coloured with metallic paint. Hybrids are available in inspiring shades of wine-red, white, pink, violet, yellow, orange, and terracotta. The upright species are delightful in the flower border, and the trailing habit of the spreading evergreen species makes them good groundcovers and border plants. They are also lovely planted in rockeries or pots where they can cascade over.
Hybrids are also selected for their long blooming time, and can flower through spring, summer and autumn. So, by selecting a variety of these daisies you can extend their blooming time, and who wouldn’t want to do that.
These gorgeous indigenous beauties are not only tough and water-wise, they revel in full sun, and adapt to a variety of landscapes, from arid to subtropical, tolerating drought and surviving in dry and windy environments. They are perfect for exposed coastal gardens, and some are hardy to frost while others are more tender, so select those most suitable for your climatic region.
Members can click here to read more about the African daisy
Kingfisher DaisyKingfisher Daisy, Bloumagriet (Felicia)
Blue is a sought after colour amongst gardeners because it is quite rare, especially a true blue shade. Kingfisher Daisies, with their masses of striking sky-blue and sunny yellow flower heads fit the bill, catching the eye wherever they are planted.
This little plant did not go un-noticed and was one of the earliest species used in horticulture, first being introduced to Europe in the middle of the eighteenth century; it also features on one of our stamps.
Sky-blue, pale blue, violet-blue, pink and white flowered forms are available, as well as a variegated variety and a beautiful annual which is entirely blue.
There are approximately 84 species of Felicia, and South Africa is blessed with about 79 of them. Although most are found in the Cape provinces, Felicia ranges as far north as Arabia. Depending on the climate where they are grown, flowering times can vary and in some regions the plants may flower almost continuously, or give their best flush in spring and summer, or even in late summer and autumn. Generally, in hot climates the plant will stop blooming when temperatures rise in midsummer. Full heads of seeds follow the flowers, readily becoming detached and floating away on even the slightest breeze.
These evergreen perennials are long-lived in the garden and the delicate beauty of their blooms belies their ruggedness. They are excellent container plants and if planted in mass, make a breath-taking sight when in bloom. Mix them with indigenous Grasses, Aloes, Pincushions, Red Hot Pokers and other indigenous plants for a glorious show, or use them in mixed flower borders as filler plants.
They are also excellent for pebble gardens and rockeries, and provide valuable colour if combined with other plants in retaining walls.Taller growing varieties can even be clipped into a tiny formal hedge, and all of them combine well with other plants in mixed containers.
Although they are mainly sun loving, Felicias will also grow quite happily in semi-shade and do well in the light, dappled shade of trees. In fact, these versatile little gems can be used almost anywhere you have a reasonably sunny spot in the garden.
The flowers make lovely little cut flowers for the vase and in the garden they are visited by butterflies, bees and many other small flying insect. You may even occasionally spot a well camouflaged, bright yellow ‘flower’ spider lurking in the centre of the bloom.
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Clivia miniataClivia, Boslelie, umayime (Clivia)
Each spring and early summer these indigenous perennials bring splendorous colour to shady gardens around the world. Because Clivia miniata only occur in certain regions of South Africa, and nowhere else in the world they are referred to as "endemic" to these regions. Bush lilies can be found growing wild from Morgan’s Bay in the Eastern Cape, right up into northern KwaZulu-Natal, Swaziland and Mpumalanga. Their habitat can vary from low subtropical coastal forests, to ravines in high altitude forests.
They love growing in dappled shade in well-drained leaf mould that is rich in humus; occurring between boulders and on slopes along river banks, where they form large colonies of plants. Due to their use in traditional medicine and their removal from the wild by unscrupulous plant collectors, many colonies have been destroyed.
Today they are grown around the world and in China and Japan they are bred extensively.
Clivia nobilis and Clivia gardenii have pendulous green, orange, reddish-orange or yellow flowers.
Clivia miniata has flowers that are usually a bright orange with a pale yellow throat. They are also found in cream, and shades of orange, pink or red.
Clivia miniata var. citrina has creamy yellow flowers. The variegated Clivia miniata ‘Striata’ has white or yellow stripes on the leaves.
Once the flowering season is over in mid-October, the arching dark green leaves remain an attractive feature, and by autumn the plants display masses of red berries.
Bush lilies are spectacular container plants, and look best in pots with broad rims, where they have room to spread. They can remain in the same pot for several years and actually bloom better if they are pot bound.
Bush lilies thrive in cool moist conditions, in bright shade or semi-shade.
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Gerbera 'Moulin Rouge'Barberton Daisy, Rooigousblom (Gerbera jamesonii)
Gerbera jamesonii is a South African plant which is renowned around the world for its beautiful single or double flowers in an array of bold and pastel shades from red and orange, to pink, yellow and white.
It grows wild only in the eastern part of Mpumalanga and the southern part of the Limpopo Province; occurring in grasslands and on rocky slopes; on sandy well drained soil in full sun or semi-shade. Its common name arose from the old gold-rush town of Barberton, where it grows in great profusion.
The genus name Gerbera was given in honour of the German naturalist Traugott Gerber, and the species was named after Robert Jameson who first described it and collected live specimens while on a prospecting expedition to the Barberton district in 1884. The flag and coat of arms of the Province of Mpumalanga include a depiction of this flower.
In 1888, Medley Wood, the curator of the Durban Botanical Garden sent plants to Kew. The breeding of Gerbera started at the end of the 19th century in Cambridge, England, when Richard Lynch crossed Gerbera jamesonii and Gerbera viridifolia.
Hundreds of Hybrid Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii x Hybrid) have been bred over the years and most of the current commercially grown varieties originate from this cross.
Gerberas are sold worldwide as cut flowers and indoor pot plants, but can also be grown outdoors in garden beds and pots.
In the garden flowering occurs in spring and autumn, but for the florist’s trade these beauties are cultivated year round.
These sun loving perennials are wonderful in flower beds and make excellent edging or border plants, requiring minimal maintenance once established. They are excellent rockery plants; and because they are deep rooted, are valuable for mass plantings to prevent soil erosion.
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Dierama Hairbells, Grasklokkies, isiDwendweni (Dierama)
Dierama is a genus of about 44 species of flowering plants in the Iris family and is endemic to Africa. The majority of species occur in South Africa, with the greatest diversity found in KwaZulu-Natal which has about 26 species. Being evergreen they are adapted to the summer rainfall regions with their westerly range terminating at Knysna. In the Eastern Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal they may be found from just above sea level to the Drakensberg escarpment.
Despite its wide distribution, Dierama is restricted to a single major habitat - moist grassland, making it the perfect candidate for grassland and wildlife gardens.
These evergreen perennials grow from large fibrous-coated corms and form large clumps of narrow, grass-like leaves. When in flower, the slightest breath of wind causes the tall flowering stems to sway gently adding a magical quality to the plants. Flowering time varies slightly between the species, but is mainly from September to March.
Today there are many beautiful garden cultivars in shades of pink, reddish-pink, mauve, white, and rarely, yellow. The flowers are excellent for cutting. The flowers attract butterflies, honey bees and carpenter bees, and even when not in bloom, their foliage remains attractive.
The various species vary in height and spread, ranging from 1 to 1.6m tall, and can take 2 to 5 years to reach their ultimate height.
Choose an open and airy position in full sun to plant Dierama. Try mixing them with ornamental grasses or use them as an accent plant in flower borders. Dierama are also a good choice to plant on banks and slopes, and are attractive near water. They will also grow in deep containers.
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Watsonia borbonica Cape Bugle Lily, Kanolpypie (Watsonia)
Watsonia is a genus of plants in the Iris family and endemic to South Africa; meaning originally they could not be found growing wild anywhere else in the world. Because of their alluring beauty they were exported, but sadly, in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and parts of California, they escaped from garden cultivation and are now considered to be an invasive weed.
There are about 52 species, most of which are concentrated in the south-western parts of the Western Cape, but also extending north into Namaqualand, and east into the summer rainfall areas of southern KwaZulu-Natal, Lesotho, Mpumalanga and Swaziland. Most are deciduous fynbos plants which are adapted to a Mediterranean-type climate with hot, dry summers and wet winters. The majority of the species occur in mountainous regions, with a couple occurring in sandy flats and marshy areas.
Those which occur in the summer rainfall regions are evergreen. Evergreen selections include: Watsonia angusta, Watsonia fourcadeii, Watsonia galpinii, Watsonia knysnana, Watsonia pillansii and Watsonia zeyheri.
Deciduous selections include: Watsonia borbonica, Watsonia marginata, Watsonia meriana and Watsonia vanderspuyiae
Watsonias will burst into bloom during the spring and early summer months (September to around January in South Africa). The flowers last for four or five weeks, making this a rewarding addition to the garden.
All are perennial herbs with attractive upright lance shaped leaves and erect spikes of showy flowers. When not in bloom, the foliage is still decorative and after flowering has finished, attractive seed pods are produced.
In the wild the plants flower particularly profusely in the first and second years following a fire; and in recently burnt areas provide a major source of food for nectar-feeding birds and insects.
Due to crop cultivation many Watsonia species are losing habitat throughout their range, making it important for us to continue cultivating them in our gardens.
Because they are so easy to grow and have a long flowering period, Watsonias are ideal for busy gardeners. They are also perfect water-wise plants for the winter rainfall regions, thriving in a Mediterranean climate.
They look magnificent in mass plantings or planted in clumps in herbaceous borders, or even in large containers. They are also excellent for soil retention on banks.
Watsonias are great subjects for low maintenance gardens and their flowers will attract sunbirds. The blooms last quite well in a vase, so feel free to cut the stems for bouquets as this will not hurt the plants.
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Agapanthus 'Blackjack'Agapanthus, Agapant, Isicakathi
Our very own Agapanthus is one of South Africa’s botanical treasures and is exported to the entire world. Agapanthus ‘Black Jack’ was developed by De Wet breeders and was nominated the plant of the year at the 2023 Chelsea Flower Show. Black Jack is a vibrant, intensely coloured Agapanthus with almost black buds that open to very dark purple flowers. Its vigorous growth, disease resistance, and heat and drought tolerance make it a standout. Agapanthus also contributes significantly to South Africa’s ecological and cultural heritage.
The Agapanthaceae family has only one genus which is endemic to southern Africa, meaning that it does not occur naturally anywhere else in the world. With the exception of the Northern Cape, the 6 species of Agapanthus grow wild in all our provinces, as well as Lesotho, Swaziland and Mozambique. The species cover a wide range of habitats, occurring from sea level to about 2 000m, extending along the south-western, southern and eastern coastlines, and inland to the Limpopo River, frequenting areas which receive more than 500mm of rainfall per annum.
Agapanthus species easily hybridize with each other, and as a result, a bewildering array of garden hybrids have arisen, but virtually all the Agapanthus that we grow in our gardens are hybrids of our two beautiful evergreen Agapanthus species, whose flowers range in colour from blues to white.
A great many breeding programmes have given rise to a wide variety of exciting dwarf, medium, and taller growing forms. The small varieties have an abundance of small blooms, while the larger ones can produce quite spectacularly large umbels on tall, strong stems. The colours are also quite remarkable nowadays and come in all shades, including the well-known blue-purple hues, to white, and even pink and bi-colour varieties.
Agapanthus fit into any colour scheme, the white ones will stand out in a twilight garden, and the blue shades give depth to a pastel flower border.
When it comes to fire breaks, Agapanthus remains one of the most popular plants, as their foliage slows down a fire, and their underground roots and tubers survive fires and help prevent the soil from being blown or washed away when there is little other vegetation around after a fire. And as soon as the rains return they will re-sprout.
In Australia, farmers have used Agapanthus as fire breaks for over one hundred years, and they have proved their resilience, sparing many farms and homes from wildfires. Agapanthus can be used in all the garden zones, but is highly recommended for the buffer zone.
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Coleonema 'Pink'Confetti Bush, Aasbossie (Coleonema)
This wonderful indigenous plant of ours was once voted New Zealand’s "Shrub of the Year" and has remained one of its top selling shrubs for more than a decade. It was apparently first discovered in a garden in Western Australia and was introduced to the United States in the late 1980's.
Their fine evergreen foliage and wonderful floral display is what makes confetti bushes sought after garden plants the world over. Garden hybrids most typically form dense and compact shrubs. In winter to early summer they produce tiny white or pink star shaped flowers in such profusion that the bush appears covered in a cloud of white or pink confetti, hence its common name. Regeneration takes place from seeds which ripen in summer and are ejected by a catapult mechanism known as ‘ballistic dispersal’ - ensuring the seeds fall far from the mother plant.
Coleonema is a genus of 8 species of enchanting, evergreen flowering plants in the family Rutaceae, which includes Citrus, Rue and Buchu. There are eight species which occur in the Western and Eastern Cape; from Saldanha Bay to the Cape Peninsula and East as far as Bredasdorp. These coastal plants grow at sea level and up to a maximum altitude of 750m and are adapted to sandy, nutrient poor soil. They are drought resistant once established and tolerate strong winds.
Coleonema pulchellum has grey-green foliage and bears clear pink flowers from May to October, growing 80cm to 1.5m tall. It is found growing along coastal flats from Knysna to Port Elizabeth and occurs naturally from sea level to 150m.
Several beautiful varieties have been selected for the garden:
Dark Pink’ bears dark pink flowers in winter to early summer and grows +-50cm tall. ‘Light Pink’ bears light pink flowers and grows +-1.5m tall. ‘Pink’ has dark pink flowers and grows +-1.2m tall. 'Sunset Gold' bears pale pink flowers and grows +-70 to 80cm tall. It is loved worldwide for its bright golden yellow foliage which makes an excellent contrast in the garden.
If planted in groups and trimmed lightly confetti bushes will form a dense, ground covering bush that no weeds can penetrate once it’s established. Confetti bushes are beautiful additions to the fynbos garden together with Proteas, Leonotis, Metalasia, Ericas, Pincushions, Buchu and Restios. Try combining them with perennials like Felicia, Geranium incanum, Euryops, Pelargonium, and Scabiosa for a wonderful show.
Confetti bushes are great filler plants for the mixed shrub border or rock garden and are essential in all wildlife gardens.
Because they respond well to trimming they are popular for topiary. Try clipping them into little balls or tiny hedges, or plant them closely together as an informal screening plant, or windbreak. If you have enough space, plant them in groups of 3 or 5, for maximum impact.
Confetti bushes also grows beautifully in containers, are interesting specimens for floral arrangements, and a favourite with bonsai growers.
They have non-invasive roots and can be planted close to pools, paving, walls and building foundations.
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Polygala fruitcosa September Bush, Augustusbossie, ulopesi (Polygala)
Polygalas bloom for a long time in the garden, and are not only charming, but also pretty tough and obliging, growing inland and at the coast. They are low maintenance, water-wise plants, which can be grown in semi-shade and full sun. And because they also attract wildlife to the garden, polygalas have caught the attention of eco-conscious gardeners around the country.
Members of this large family of plants occur in temperate and warm climates around the world; and include perennials, shrubs and trees. Some of the other common names for them include milkwort and false legume. Although their pea-like flowers resemble those of legumes, polygalas are easily distinguished from legumes by the feathery tuft on their lower petals.
There are approximately 88 species of Polygala that occur in southern Africa, and they are especially prolific in the south-western Cape and common from near Clanwilliam in the Western Cape, to Kwazulu-Natal. However, polygala can be found growing wild in both the summer and winter rainfall regions of South Africa, and in most provinces.
These showy indigenous plants are widespread pioneer shrubs, which can commonly be found growing on dunes and rocky slopes, as well as in scrub and open grasslands; thriving in forests, and alongside streams.
Polygalas bloom for a long time in the garden, and are pretty tough and obliging. All species have upright-growing stems and gracefully slender branches, densely covered with glossy, myrtle-like leaves, which can be green or slightly grey.
Flowers come in shades of mauve or purple, but can also be pink, scarlet, or white; and although they can appear sporadically throughout the year, flowering peaks in late winter, spring, and early summer.
Because polygalas come in tall and dwarf forms, grow very quickly, and do not have invasive roots, they are perfect for gardens large and small – even a small balcony garden could support one.
There are species available for all climates, some forms are very frost hardy, and all are suitable for windy, coastal gardens.
These fast growing evergreens are low maintenance, water-wise plants, which can be grown in full sun or semi-shade. Therefore, they are perfect for those difficult garden beds that change from full sun to semi-shade with the seasons.
Colourful and free flowering - polygalas are low maintenance plants that require very little watering once established, making them ideal to plant in the low water usage area of your garden, and in rock gardens.
They are wonderful for coastal gardens, and a valuable addition to fynbos or Mediterranean gardens. Plant them in shrub borders and on the fringes of woodland gardens, or plant them closely together for an excellent fast growing windbreak or informal screen or hedge.
In tiny gardens the taller growing species can even be trained into a small tree. The smaller growing species grow well in containers and make pretty border plants.
The flowers last well in a vase and will attract many insects to the garden, and especially butterflies, honey and carpenter bees. The insects will attract insect-eating birds, and the seeds are relished by laughing doves and other seed-eating birds.
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Protea cynaroides 'King Redrex'Proteas
Much of the international interest in our flora is focused on the flora of the Cape Floral Kingdom, and our iconic King Protea, a symbol of our rich botanical heritage, remains a star attraction in South Africa’s exhibit at the Chelsea Royal Horticultural Show.
It’s hard to pinpoint what draws people to these almost rugged looking plants with their unusual flowers. Perhaps it’s more a feeling they evoke that enchants people, and somehow we recognise that these are very ancient plants, and they certainly are. Dating back approximately 140 million years, Proteas are considered to be among the oldest families of flowering plants on the earth.
In South Africa, Proteas have become synonymous with the country’s strength and beauty and the national symbol of resilience. They display a vast range of forms, colours, and sizes and are particularly revered for being drought-tolerant. These flowers generally prefer well-drained soil and flourish in areas with full sun exposure.
Over the years, local and international plant breeders have developed an outstanding variety of hybrid proteas, giving them special names. Most proteas flower in winter, spring or early summer, but many of the newer hybrids will even flower at different times of the year, which is ideal for gardeners who plan to colour their garden throughout the seasons.
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Erica formosa 'White Bells' Ericas
Out of the 6 floral kingdoms represented around the world, fynbos is the most biodiverse, and the only one that is located entirely in one country. Ericas form one of the main constituents of this distinctive Cape flora, along with Restios, Proteas, Buchus and Brunias. And although the genus is made up of approximately 860 species worldwide, we are extraordinarily blessed to have 760 of those species here in South Africa.
It’s difficult to describe Ericas - their flowers are simply enchanting and sure to capture your heart. All gardeners feel the same way, and our Ericas are grown in gardens and parks all over the world for their irresistible beauty. As long as their needs are met, they are fairly adaptable and will grow in most regions of South Africa, with the exception of those very dry summer rainfall regions, or humid subtropical areas.
With so many species available, you’re sure to find the perfect one for your garden. Potted Ericas for patios or entryways is still very trendy, making these little gems suitable for gardens small and large. Because flowering times may vary slightly from year to year, and region to region, bear this in mind when planning your garden.
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Freylinia tropica 'Blue'Honeybell Bush, Blouheuningklokkies (Freylinia tropica)
The charming Honey-bell bush heralds spring in South Africa in the most delightful way. Its abundance of dainty flowers in delicate shades of pale blue, mauve and white are sure to make you smile, and if you see them for sale you will find it hard to resist buying a couple for your garden.
Their fast growth and good looks work well in any garden setting, large or small, and this shrub has been embraced by modern urban gardeners who are searching for plants which are not only pretty and versatile, but also those that are low maintenance, water-wise, and easy to grow. Another plus is that the plant is not poisonous, and the roots are not aggressive, making it ideal to plant close to pathways or foundations. Modern trends also advocate limiting the spraying of chemicals in the garden, and with more and more gardeners looking for plants which are virtually pest free, Freylinia tropica fits the bill perfectly.
In South Africa there are 9 species of Freylinia, 8 of which are found in the Cape Province, and Freylinia tropica which occurs in the summer rainfall regions.
South African species are: Freylinia tropica, Freylinia crispa, Freylinia densiflora, Freylinia helmei, Freylinia lanceolata, Freylinia longiflora, Freylinia undulata, Freylinia visseri and Freylinia vlokii.
Freylinia tropica is ideal to plant in rock gardens, and blends in just as effortlessly into a bushveld garden as it does in a fynbos or English cottage styled garden.
For wildlife gardens this shrub is a ‘must-have’ as sunbirds and other nectar-feeders will visit the flowers, as will bees, moths, and butterflies like the Pansy and Brown Veined White, and a host of other beneficial pollinators.
One of its common names is the “Inyanga Hedge Plant” because honey-bell bushes respond well to clipping and can be trained into hedges or screens, and they are also popular ‘standard’ or 'lollipop' plants. Training also allows them to be used to good effect in narrow spaces, or to screen walls and fences.
The honey-bell bush is also excellent to mass plant underneath trees in light shade, and in the mixed border it blends in effortlessly with other flowering shrubs.
If you are grouping Freylinia tropica informally in flower borders, plant 1.5m to 2m apart. For a more formal hedge space the plants about 75cm to 1m apart.
And because it is easy to grow in pots, even the smallest balcony garden can sport one or two honey-bell bushes.
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Cape HoneysuckleCape Honeysuckle, Kaapse Kanferfoelie, malangula (Tecomaria capensis)
This indigenous shrub remains wildly popular with gardeners in South Africa and around the world for its clusters of tubular flowers. Thanks to modern garden hybrids it is now available in brilliant shades of orange, red, yellow, apricot or salmon.
Flowering is prolific in spring but sporadic flowering occurs throughout summer and into autumn and winter. Modern garden hybrids have even more blooming power, and the vibrancy of the flower colours is shown off perfectly by the plants glossy, dark green leaves. The flowers are followed by long, narrow seed pods which split open when ripe, to disperse the seeds.
In the wild Tecomaria capensis grows at the edges of evergreen forests, and in bush and sheltered scrubland, growing as a sprawling, rampant, sometimes vine-like shrub that produces orange-red flowers. It is widely distributed throughout the Eastern Cape coasts, KwaZulu-Natal, Swaziland, Mpumalanga, the Northern Province and Mozambique. The flowers are pollinated by nectar-feeding birds, especially sunbirds, but are also visited by honeybees and butterflies.
In the garden it is fast growing and will vary in height and spread depending on how it is pruned. If left to its own devices it can grow anything from 1.5 to 3m tall, with an equal spread, but just a little pruning can keep it compact enough for even the smallest garden.
The Cape honeysuckle is a useful ornamental, screening or hedging plant and grows easily in pots. It is ideal to plant in seaside gardens, and because it is water-wise, is used for xeriscaping - landscaping and gardening that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation.
In large areas it can be planted as a groundcover, and on rocky slopes it is marvellous to control soil erosion.
To train it as a climber you will need to tie it to a support, or weave it through chain-link or wooden fences and trellises. It can also be espaliered on a wall, or trained to cascade beautifully down a garden wall.
The Cape honeysuckle is a carefree garden plant which does not suffer from any serious peats and diseases, making it perfect for eco-conscious gardeners who do not spray harmful chemicals.
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Mackaya bellaForest Bell Bush, Bosklokkiesbos, Mufhanza (Mackaya bella)
This gorgeous indigenous evergreen is wonderful in all shady gardens, and occurs only in certain regions of South Africa and nowhere else in the world. It is a member of the large Acanthaceae family which includes other South African favourites for the garden like the beautiful Black-eyed-Susan creeper and the Bush Violet.
It is the only member of the genus Mackaya and can be found growing wild in evergreen forests, where it loves to grow alongside streams; occurring from the coastal areas of the Eastern Cape to KwaZulu-Natal and Swaziland, as well as in Mpumulanga and Limpopo. Bella means "beautiful" in Latin, and is a tribute to the arching sprays of white or lavender, bell-shaped flowers. The flowers are marked with delicate purple or pink lines in the throat or on the petals.
The forest bell bush flowers profusely in spring and summer, but has a long flowering period and may even flower until early December, depending on climate. The large, glossy, dark-green leaves are borne on long slender stems, and are also most attractive. If grown under ideal conditions, this beautiful plant is long-lived with an upright growth habit, 1.5 to 3m tall, with an almost equal spread of about 2m, if left un-pruned.
The forest bell bush is essential for all shady gardens and will thrive if planted amongst trees or near water, growing even in dense shade. This versatile plant 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.
Because the roots are non-invasive, it is perfect for even tiny gardens and can safely be planted near to swimming pools and foundations. The flowers will attract carpenter bees and are a favourite food source for the blue-pansy butterfly.
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Strelitzia reginaeCrane Flower, Kraanvoëlblom, Ikhamanga (Strelitzia)
Strelitzias are a unique group of plants indigenous to South Africa, belonging to the plant family Strelitziaceae. There are 5 different species: Strelitzia reginae, Strelitzia juncea, Strelitzia nicolai, Strelitzia alba and Strelitzia caudata.
The crane flower (Strelitzia reginae) is the most commonly known garden strelitzia. It was introduced to England in 1733 and named in honour of Queen Sophia Charlotte, the wife of George the 3rd of England; and a princess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, hence the name “Strelitzia”.
The crane flower, with its striking form and unusual flowers, has become a favourite garden subject in warm climates around the world. It has adapted so happily to foreign climates that it has even been adopted as the civic emblem of the American City of Los Angeles. In South Africa, the Strelitzia, together with the blue Agapanthus and Arum Lily, first appeared on the 50c coin that was introduced in 1965, as part of the second decimal series.
The Strelitzia flower has also received one major award: the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit (AGM). This award recognizes plants that are considered outstanding and suitable for gardening.
The crane flower (Strelitzia reginae) 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.
The rush leafed strelitzia (Strelitzia juncea) is a rare and sought after variety which makes a handsome feature plant in the garden with its long erect, needle-like leaves. It looks wonderful if planted in large groups.
Strelitzia alba, Strelitzia caudata and Strelitzia nicolai make wonderful specimen plants for medium to large gardens. The Natal wild banana (Strelitzia Nicolai) withstands salty coastal winds, making it a good feature plant or screen for coastal gardens. This lush looking evergreen is effective for creating a tropical effect. It grows well in large pots for many years, and this would be the best way to grow it in a small garden.
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Kniphofia praecoxRed Hot Poker, Vuurpyle (Kniphofia)
Pokers have risen and fallen in popularity over the years with South African gardeners but are wildly popular with gardeners around the world. Recent breeding work done overseas has resulted in a larger range of pokers available to gardeners there. These new garden varieties are more compact and have improved colours ranging from red and orange through yellow to green and even brown and pink.
It’s really sad that this plant still seems to be appreciated more overseas than it is here at home. Let us bring these beauties back to their rightful place in our gardens.
Pokers can be grown throughout South Africa as they are tough as nails, handling frost and conditions at the coast just as well. They love full sun, especially if growing in moist areas, but they will also take some shade.
This genus of about 70 species is distributed in eastern and southern Africa, with one species in Madagascar and another in southern Arabia.
A few species are deciduous but most are evergreen and common at higher elevations, although some can be found near the coast. The Herbaceous species go dormant in winter and have narrow, grass-like leaves, varying in length from 10cm to 1m long, while the evergreen species have broader, strap-shaped foliage up to 1.5m long.
There are autumn and winter, and spring and summer flowering species, which help to extend the season in the garden. The flower heads consist of clusters of tubular flowers, arranged in inflorescences that vary from cylindrical and elongated, to more compact ball shapes. Most are red and bright orange when immature, and the flowers of some species change to bright yellow or even white as they mature, giving that striking bicolour effect.
The close affinity pokers have with aloes is quite obvious and both are classified in the family Asphodelaceae. However, whereas aloes have succulent leaves, Kniphofia has channelled, fibrous leaves which are almost always V-shaped in cross section. The plants derive their nourishment from rhizomes growing well below ground level and it is from these rhizomes that the leaves arise.
Pokers are invaluable for brightening up dreary winter gardens, and because they also do well in pots they can be incorporated into even small gardens. The flowering spikes make striking cut flowers, so be sure to bring their beauty indoors, as doing so will not hurt your plants and will actually encourage the production of more blossoms.
Because these plants multiply easily and form large clumps, they make a striking statement in the garden even when not in bloom, and when in full bloom their tall and colourful spires always attract attention.
The flowers are adapted to sunbird pollination and the Table Mountain beauty butterfly is always attracted to red flowers, and is often seen sucking nectar on pokers. Bees are attracted like magnets, and other unexpected nectar eating guests may include reptiles, and mammals, notably various species of bats.
Pokers are so easy to grow and very versatile, looking exceptionally pretty planted between grasses and aloes in grassland gardens, and are just as effective in tropical looking and ultra-modern designs. The larger species are wonderful architectural plants in the garden, and because they form dense clumps, they look spectacular in mass plantings.
It goes without saying that pokers are a ‘must-have’ for wildlife gardens large and small, and we need to use them a lot more, not only for the beauty they bring us, but to support our wildlife which is under much strain.
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Pelargonium zonalGeranium, Malva (Pelargonium)
There are about 250 species of these plants, mainly from South Africa with a few from the rest of Africa, Australia and the Middle East. With about 300 identified species, different geraniums have different schedules for blooming; some bloom in early spring; others bloom in the fall, and others bloom at all points in between.
The popular Geraniums you find at most garden centres actually belong to the genus Pelargonium. These beautiful hybrid plants have been bred from our indigenous Pelargoniums and can flower all year round in ideal climatic conditions.
Geraniums require cool night time temperatures around 15°C to induce blooming. This means that spring, early summer and autumn are the main blooming times, but the exact season depends on the climate and the type of geranium you're growing.
Zonal geraniums are a group loved for their large flower heads in shades of pink, orange, red, purple and white. These varieties of Pelargonium are called zonal geraniums on account of the coloured zone, which appears on the upper leaf surface
Fancy leaved geraniums are zonal geraniums with fancier leaves, edged or banded by colours such as yellow, white, burgundy or coral.
Ivy geraniums have ivy-like leaves and a trailing habit, which makes them perfect for planting in window boxes and hanging baskets. The trailing types will also tolerate a fair amount of shade. Flowers colours range from white through vibrant and pastel shades of pink to red and purple.
Regal geranium species have numerous varieties with the largest flowers found among house geraniums, and bloom prolifically. Individual flowers are pansy-like in shape, variant in colour, and the two upper petals are usually blotched in a darker shade. The large frilly flowers are available in white orange, purple, red, and burgundy. They thrive in part shade and can grow quite tall.
Scented geranium types are gown primarily for their aromatic leaves with scents such as citrus, apple, rose or mint. These plants have smaller, less showy flowers than the other types. Citrus-scented cultivars, such as 'Citronella' are often sold as mosquito repellent plants.
Modern geranium hybrids have been brought to a high standard of perfection with beautiful leaf colours and long lasting blooms, combined with ease of culture and propagation.
These rewarding and free flowering plants deserve a place in every garden. In fact, these versatile plants are perfect for any sunny spot that calls for a splash of vibrant colour throughout the season.
They look good in a bed all by themselves, or mixed in with other annuals or perennials. They also make attractive edging plants for the flower garden.
They thrive in pots and remain popular mainstays in containers, hanging baskets and window boxes, mixing beautifully with flowering annuals.