Similar Posts

  • Cape Fuchsia – Keeps Coming Back

    Cape Fuchsia is a plant that thrives in my area where it is protected from the harsh elements. It not only keeps coming back but tries to spread out using suckers that spread along the surface producing their own roots it not trimmed back. Although it flowers well the flowers don’t last long in the heat we are seeing at the moment. Of course it is not a Fuchsia, nor closely related, but does have some resemblance.  It also sits well along side my perennial Fuchsias.

    Known scientifically as Phygelius, this particular variant is the Phygelius aequalis ‘Yellow Trumpet’. It is a member of the Scrophulariaceae family. The Scrophulariaceae family has at least 2 other members that work well for me, Buddleja and Namesia. Although, to be fair they will grow almost anywhere. The shrub maintains a tidy look throughout the season but needs some pruning in the autumn to keep it at its best and not spreading out of control.

    Cape Fuchsia - Phygelius aequalis - Yellow Trumpet

  • Garden Privet – Best for Garden Privacy

    Garden privet continues to be the main choice for garden hedging when privacy is desired. It is an attractive option with its small oval shaped leaves and light structure that allows it to be shaped from the ground up. Very versatile, fast growing and resilient plant that can be trimmed and pruned when necessary to keep its shape and look attractive all year round. Semi-evergreen, depending on conditions, it provides a thick screen once established and well maintained. In early summer it will produce a display of small white fragrant flowers and small black berries in the autumn. 

    Wild Privet vs Garden Privet

    The garden privet, Ligustrum ovalifolium, oval-leaf privet, native of Korea and Japan, has oval shaped leaves with better coverage and may stay green longer. Wild privet, Ligustrum vulgare, native to Europe, has narrower, longer leaves but is less dense and not so good for hedges.  Ligustrum is part of the oleaceae family or Olive family that includes plants such as Lilac. Privet looks like a miniature Lilac. Like much of the family, it requires a sunny, well-drained site but will tolerate a dryer, partial shade.

    Ligustrum ovalifolium - Garden Privet

  • Persian Cornflower – Vibrant Colour & Stunning Form

    The Persian Cornflower in its cultivated form has a striking colour and a beautiful shape. Vivid pink and opens very similar to a thistle shape. Some have a white or cream centre, but in this particular cultivar the centre carries the main colour.

    Persian Cornflower not your average Daisy

    As part of the Asteraceae family, one of the largest, it resembles so many other members. However, this is likely best classified as a Psephellus dealbatus and not Centaurea. The plant is native from Turkey and up through the Caucasus but introduced to much of Northern Europe.

    This plant loves full sun in nutrient-poor but well-drained soil. This makes the plant ideal for a cross between border, cottage garden or pseudo mediterranean  garden that is not too hot or dry. Definitely more impressive than the common cornflower.

    Psephellus dealbatus - Persian Cornflower
  • 5 Key Reasons for Growing Indian Hawthorn

    On a recent visit to St Julian’s in Malta, I came across a shrub that I was not familiar with. I am always looking around for plants, shrubs and trees that are attractive and unusual to me. This plant was used in the landscape gardening around our hotel and proved quite effective in that situation.

    5 Reasons for Using Indian Hawthorn in Landscape Gardening.

    • Indian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica) is an evergreen shrub that maintains glossy green foliage all year. In the spring it produces clusters of fragrant pink or white flowers, followed by dark berries in autumn. Hence, an interest plant all year round.
    • The plant is low maintenance. Indian hawthorn requires little care once established. It’s does not require much watering and will survive through a dry spell. It needs only occasional pruning to keep its bushy shape and thrives in a variety of soil types with good drainage.
    • The shrub can be fashioned into many uses and is a versatile plant. It can be used for hedges, borders, or as a stand-alone specimen in gardens, patios, and even grown in containers.
    • It is both heat and salt tolerant. When I think of the situation these plants were in, close by the salty Mediterranean waters that can, in autumn and winter be rough with salt water spray and punishing winds, and yet hot and arid in summer months. This plant can take some punishment.
    • The Indian Hawthorn can support the local ecology and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies that we so desperately need, and the berries provide food for the birds.

    So, all in all, a good choice to fill a space with an attractive shrub that won’t take up much time and resources or need replacing every bad year.

    Rhaphiolepis indica - Indian Hawthorn
  • Fremontodendron californicum – Yellow Flower Tree

    It is not often that I see a large yellow flower in a tree in my neck of the woods. So to see this Fremontodendron californicum or California flannelbush is a real surprise and treat. The leaves are there but quite sporadic giving the flowers plenty of room to shine. 

    California flannelbush,  Fremontodendron californicum, is a striking shrub or tree identified by its vibrant yellow flowers and unusual fuzzy foliage. It is very tolerant to dry spells and doesn’t need watering in summer once established. It prefers full sun with well drained soil on the acidic side.

    Fremontodendron californicum - California flannelbush
  • Peony Season Is Upon Us

    Peony season for me is June where I live. True, they can bloom earlier in warm sunny conditions but June is my favourite. Once the borders get lush with green foliage it gives the perfect backdrop to these beautiful blooms, especially when you want to photograph them as I do.

    They are stunning in form, like a rose but softer with soft featherlike foliage unlike the harsh prickly rose. Having said that they do need support to keep them looking their best, windy conditions can soon spoil their beauty. They do have a short blooming time, so you have to be ready to enjoy them before they fade.

    I really find it difficult to choose the best colour. I love the whites, but also love those that start out pink and then fade to white as they open. What about the vivid pink ones, or the deep red. So difficult to make my mind up.

    Peony Season Down Under

    Still Peony season is upon us so just enjoy them all, till next year. Unless of course you are down under; Peony Australia season runs between October and December.

    Pink Peony Season - opening buds and blooms