Welcome to Gardening in South Africa!

HollyhockThe hollyhock is a native of China and is widely cultivated for its handsome single or double rose-like flowers in summer. They are available in shades of pink, red, yellow, purple, cream and white. Hollyhocks include annual, biennial, and perennial forms. They are well suited to cottage gardens where their towering height is used at the back of the informal border to add a strong vertical interest.

Annual hollyhocks that flower in their first year are usually grown in South Africa. They grow well throughout the country but are not suited to humid and very hot regions. In the winter rainfall regions plant them out in spring as they do not like to have wet-feet in winter.

They love full sun and grow best in rich, loamy, well-drained soil, to which a sprinkling of lime has been added. Hollyhocks can reach up to 2.8 m tall and need to be spaced 60 to 90cm apart. The perennial varieties can be cut back to ground level in autumn and will flower again next season.

Deadheading wilted flowers will encourage re-blooming and should be done until the end of the season, unless self-sown seedlings are desired. Individual plants are short-lived but self-sowing happens frequently, so the clumps are often perennial in nature. Hollyhocks are quite sturdy plants and do not require staking but in regions that experience heavy rainfall and on windy sites it is best to stake them.

Seeds are usually sown directly into well-prepared garden beds or seedling trays in late summer or spring. Germination usually takes 10 to 20 days in soil temperatures between 15 and 20°C. Light is beneficial to germination so do not cover the seeds with soil.

Cleome 'Sparkler' Mix Picture courtesy Nu-Leaf NurseryCleomes can be cultivated in gardens throughout South Africa and look great planted amongst other water-wise, summer flowering annuals and perennials. Growing them in garden beds or pots is simple and rewarding, so read more below about growing these rewarding summer annuals.      

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Older varieties of cleome are planted in groups towards the back of mixed flower or informal shrub borders, and the newer dwarf varieties like Sparkler are perfect for smaller gardens and containers.  

The Spider Plant grows well throughout South Africa in full sun, but in very hot and dry regions it can be grown in semi-shade. It thrives in light, fertile soil but is adaptable to most conditions as long as the soil drains well. Potted specimens will grow in any well drained potting medium. If your garden soil is fertile you may not need to fertilise, but potted plants will need regular feeding every 6 weeks with a granular or liquid fertiliser for flowering plants. Avoid high nitrogen feeders as they will produce lush foliage at the expense of the flowers.

The plants grow quickly and hold up well during mid-summer’s scorching heat, and once established they are drought tolerant and will only require a deep watering about once a week, depending on the quality of your garden soil. Overwatering results in prolific leaf growth at the expense of the flowers. Potted plants will require more frequent watering, so check them regularly during hot weather.

Although cleomes have deep, strong taproots and do not normally need staking, try to protect your plants, and especially the taller varieties, from very strong winds. Spacing seedlings correctly is always important, but especially if you are growing cleomes in humid regions, as good air flow between the plants is essential to help prevent fungal diseases, so check the plant labels or seed packet for the correct spacing.

The old varieties of cleome will self-seed freely in the garden and can become invasive, so if you don’t want them to invade other spots in the garden, remove the seed pods before they burst open.  The newer hybrids produce sterile seeds and are not invasive.

For the average garden it is easiest to purchase trays of cleome seedlings to plant out as soon as all danger of frost is over.  However, if you have a large garden and want to sow seeds, they can be sown directly into garden beds or seedling trays, in spring or early summer when all danger of frost is over, germinating best in soil temperatures between 21 and 22°C, and blooming within 11 to 14 weeks after sowing. 

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Description, History & Interesting Facts:

When you look at a cleome plant, it is easy to understand how they earned their common names:  Spider Flower, Spider Legs, Grandfather’s Whiskers, and Cat’s Whiskers, as these plants are famous for their clawed-looking petals and very long and wispy, hair-like stamens with yellow-orange anthers, that stick out from each individual flower in the large clusters of spherical flower heads. The blooms start opening at the bottom of the stalk and move upwards, and the petals come in bright shades of pink, rose, lilac-pink, and white, blooming throughout summer until the first frosts.

The flowers may be visited by nectar eating birds like sunbirds, as well as moths, bees and butterflies, to name but a few, but in their native tropical habitats, cleomes are pollinated primarily by bats. Many types have no noticeable fragrance, while others are very fragrant, and the scent is often described as musky, sweet and pungent, or spicy, and as one you will either love or hate. Cleome can be an excellent and striking cut flower if the scent is not considered disagreeable.

As the flowers fade, they are followed by thin green seedpods that ripen to brown and split open to disperse the small seeds, and these thin, spidery green seedpods also contribute to their common names. Older cultivars, such as the “Queen series”, produce viable seed and will potentially self-seed in nearby areas, and can become invasive, but the newer hybrids are sterile and do not produce viable seed.

The very attractive green palmate leaves are sticky, with 5 to 7 leaflets that have a strong and sometimes unpleasant fragrance and sharp spines at the base of each leaf. However, most of the newer cultivars are odour and thorn free, making them more desirable for gardeners.

Cleome is a genus of about 170 species in the caper family (Capparaceae). This family of robust annuals and shrubs are indigenous to tropical and subtropical areas worldwide, but only a few of the annuals are commonly cultivated. The older garden varieties of cleome are tall, producing their blooms on stems which can reach as high as 150cm, making them ideal for the back of flower borders. Newer hybrids are much shorter and more compact, but this does not inhibit their blooming potential, and these dwarf varieties are perfect for smaller flower gardens.

Cleome hassleriana has been a garden favourite since the 1800’s, and this annual, which comes from South America, is found in Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina and southern Brazil. It has also been introduced to South Asia, including the Haor area of Bangladesh and India. It remains a garden favourite and is commonly cultivated in temperate regions as a half-hardy annual, and numerous cultivars have been selected for their flower colour and other attributes.

The "Queen" series includes the cultivars 'Violet Queen', 'Rose Queen', and 'White Queen', and the cultivar 'Helen Campbell' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's ‘Award of Garden Merit’. It is believed that the plant from which the Cleome ‘Queen Series’ was developed originally came from the West Indies and was introduced into the United States in 1817, where it gained almost immediate popularity despite the fact that the foliage has a strong odour along with sticky leaves and  spines at the base, because it was a curiosity with its extraordinary blossoms produced on top of  stems, 1.2 to 1.5m tall.

In his 1851 book, The Flower Garden, Joseph Breck wrote, “This is an elegant tribe of plants and very curious in their structure…However beautiful and curious these plants may be, and desirable for show, they are repulsive to the smell and unpleasant to the touch, and, therefore, will not be favourites.” Despite Breck’s commentary cleomes enjoyed many decades of popularity before falling out of favour with gardeners.

By Victorian times, cleomes were being grown in greenhouses as potted plants, and as the “cottage” style of gardening emerged during this era, cleomes became a popular component of this style of garden, especially in America and Europe, but strangely, not so much in Britain.

During the 20th century, as gardens became smaller and gardening, in general, became less popular, cleomes fell out of favour, and only recently has there been resurgence in popularity of these beautiful plants, largely due to the beautiful, dwarf ‘Sparkler Series’ of cleome, and the return of wilder more natural looking landscapes, and cottage styled gardens.

The Sparkler™ series was the first F1 hybrid cleome developed. It is more vigorous and heavier blooming than the Queen series, and only grows about 60 to 90cm tall, making it much more compact growing than older varieties. This smaller size allows modern gardeners to grow this old-fashioned annual in smaller gardens without overwhelming the design. As they are shorter and bushier, the Sparkler™ series is also an excellent choice for containers. This hybrid is easy to grow, adapting to most soil types and growing conditions needing only sun and nutrients in the soil. This cleome produces sterile seed so it is not invasive, and it is both heat and drought tolerant – any South African gardeners dream come true.

Sparkler Mixed is available in trays of seedling at garden centres, and can be ordered from online stores.  Nu-Leaf Nursery stocks large trays of 128 or 200 seedlings and delivers in Gauteng. Click here to read more. 

Uses:Image by Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay

In their native range’s, cleomes have earned many regional common names and have been enjoyed by indigenous peoples for both their culinary and medicinal benefits.

 In southern and South Africa, from Limpopo to Namibia, we have our own cleome (Cleome gynandra) commonly called: “Oorpeultjie”, “snotterbelletjie”, “African cabbage”, “spider-wisp”, “murudi”, “morotho”, “lerotho”, and “mazonde”. African cabbage is of economic importance as it is among the herbs that are used as indigenous vegetables in rural areas of southern Africa. Cleome leaves are usually about 4% protein, and this herb is also a rich source of nutrients, especially vitamins A and C, and the minerals calcium and iron, and analyses have shown that it is rich in minerals, vitamins and amino acids. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, cleome is sometimes used as a medicinal herb.

Cleome was also known as “Navajo spinach” because of its importance to Native Americans as a food and medicinal crop. Called “Waa” by Navajo Indian tribes, cleome was used to treat stomach problems, eye inflammations, and as a gargle for sore throats. It was also used in culinary dishes as we use spinach, and the leaves were eaten raw in salads or cooked in stews, soups, or chilli. The small seeds of cleome, which look like little snail shells, were also eaten, either raw or ground into flour.

In addition to its culinary and medicinal uses, cleome was also used to make dye for baskets and rugs, and paint was made from cleome and used to decorate pottery. Despite the fact that many cleome species have earned common names, such as “stinkweed”, because of foul smelling glands on their foliage, cleome was also made into soaps and deodorants.

In the Garden:

Older taller varieties of cleome are planted in groups towards the back of mixed flower or informal shrub borders to add dramatic vertical accent, and they blend effortlessly with many other water-wise and sun loving annuals and perennials.

The newer dwarf varieties like Sparkler are perfect for smaller gardens and containers, where they also add good accent, while still remaining compact enough to plant with smaller sun loving summer annuals and perennials.

Cleomes contrast well when combined with summer annuals, such as sunflowers, zinnias, cosmos, salvia, or celosia.

Because the flowers last long in a vase, cleomes are wonderful for cutting gardens, and a couple planted near the vegetable patch will help to attract beneficial insects and pollinators to the crops. In fact, this species is part of the Royal Horticultural Societies “Plants for Pollinators” initiative to showcase plants which support pollinator populations by providing ample amounts of nectar and/or pollen.

Cultivation/Propagation:

The Spider Plant grows well throughout South Africa in full sun, but in very hot and dry regions it can be grown in some shade. It thrives in light, fertile soil but is adaptable to most conditions as long as the soil drains well. Potted specimens will grow in any well drained potting medium. If your garden soil is fertile you may not need to fertilise, but potted plants will need regular feeding to perform well. You can feed every 6 weeks or so with a granular or liquid fertiliser for flowering plants. Avoid high nitrogen feeders as they will produce lush foliage at the expense of the flowers.

The plants grow quickly and hold up well during mid-summer’s scorching heat, and once established they are drought tolerant and will only require a deep watering about once a week, depending on the quality of your garden soil. In fact, overwatering results in prolific leaf growth at the expense of the flowers. Potted plants will require more frequent watering, so check them regularly during hot weather.

Although cleomes have deep, strong taproots and do not normally need staking, try to protect your plants, and especially the taller varieties, from very strong winds. Spacing seedlings correctly is always important, but especially if you are growing cleomes in humid regions, as good air flow between the plants is essential to help prevent fungal diseases, so check the plant labels or seed packet for the correct spacing.

The old varieties of cleome will self-seed freely in the garden and can become invasive, so if you don’t want them to invade other spots in the garden, remove the seed pods before they burst open. Deadheading is not required but many gardeners remove the spent flowers to keep the plants neater looking.

For the average garden it is easiest to purchase trays of cleome seedlings to plant out as soon as all danger of frost is over.  However, if you have a large garden and want to sow seeds, they can be sown directly into garden beds or seedling trays, in spring or early summer when all danger of frost is over, germinating best in soil temperatures between 21 and 22°C.  

Cleome requires warm weather and a long growing season to fully develop from seed, and the seeds require light to germinate so do not cover them with soil and place the trays in good light. Seed germinates in 10 to 18 days, depending on soil temperatures and weather conditions. Patience is necessary during this phase as germination may be erratic from year to year, but the plants should start blooming within 11 to 14 weeks after sowing.

The ‘Queen Series’ will have a better germination rate if they are chilled for 4 to 5 days prior to planting. To chill the seed, evenly spread them on a moist, not wet, paper towel, fold, place inside a zip-lock bag, and keep in the refrigerator. The hybrid ‘Sparkler™ Series’ does not need to be chilled prior to germination.

Seeds may be started inside; however, a complicated schedule of lighting, temperature fluctuation and bottom heat is required for indoor germination, and is usually not worth the effort of the regular gardener.

Problems, Pests & Diseases:

Overall, cleome is a tough annual and suffers from no serious insect or disease problems. Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies can be a problem. It is susceptible to powdery mildew and rust in hot, humid climates; therefore, to help prevent infection, it is important to space the plants properly to allow for better air circulation.

In order to avoid disease issues the next year, remove dead plants after they are killed by frost.

Warning:

Cleome hassleriana is listed as non-toxic to humans, dogs, cats and horses.  

'Enchantment' Linaria. Picture courtesy Ball Horticultural CompanyCondensed Version:

This quick-blooming annual is easy to grow and the seeds are sown directly into garden beds in full sun. They grow quickly, producing their miniature snapdragon-like flowers in a rainbow mixture of red, pink, yellow, purple, blue and white. The varieties vary slightly in height from 20 to 45 cm tall with a spread of 20 to 30cm.

Linaria are hardy plants that grow well throughout South Africa, and can be sown during spring and early summer, or late summer and autumn in frost-free regions. In cooler climates they can bloom from spring to autumn, but in hot climates, in the heat of summer they usually stop blooming, especially if they do not receive rainfall, but will resume flowering once temperatures drop. Although they thrive in full sun, the plants will take light shade, and in very hot climates, will appreciate some relief from the hot midday sun.

They grow best in light, sandy, well-drained soil, but will adapt to most garden soils as long as they drain well. Although Linaria should not be overwatered, they will appreciate watering during long, dry summer spells.

Seeds usually take around two weeks to germinate at temperatures of 20 to 30°C and will flower around 8 to 10 weeks from sowing. The seeds need warmth and light to germinate, so do not cover them with soil.

'Enchantment' Linaria Picture courtesy Ball Horticultural CompanyFull Version:

Description, History & Interesting Facts:

This quick-blooming annual is sure to become one of your favourites - if it isn’t already! It's also so easy to grow and the seeds are sown directly into garden beds in full sun, quickly producing emerald green leaves and charming, two-lipped, miniature snapdragon-like flowers. The genus Linaria contains 125 species, native to the Northern Hemisphere and South America, seven of which are found in England. Linaria maroccana is native to Morocco and the wild variety is purple with a white palate, but breeders have developed it into a rainbow mixture of red, pink, yellow, purple, blue and white. The varieties vary slightly in height from 20 to 45 cm tall with a spread of 20 to 30cm.

In the Garden:

Linaria give a truly spectacular show, so try them in gravel or rock gardens, and sow them in beds, borders, meadows or cottage gardens. They look simply stunning when heavily seeded in an isolated area and will happily mingle with other annuals, perennials or grasses. The dwarf strains are effective in containers, baskets and window boxes, making these little charmers perfect for city and courtyard gardens.

The bright coloured blooms last well when cut, making darling bouquets in a small jug or vase - the more you pick them more the plant will blossom with renewed vigour

Cultivation/Propagation:

Linaria are hardy plants that grow well throughout South Africa, and can be sown during spring and early summer, or late summer and autumn in frost-free regions. They require no special care, and the seeds can simply be thrown directly where they are to grow, filling any sunny nook or cranny, for months at a stretch.

In fact, in cooler climates they can bloom from spring to autumn, but in hot climates, in the heat of summer, they usually stop blooming, especially if they do not receive rainfall, but will resume flowering once temperatures drop. Although they thrive in full sun, the plants will take light shade, and in very hot climates, will appreciate some relief from the hot midday sun. They grow best in light, sandy, well-drained soil, but will adapt to most garden soils as long as they drain well.
Although Linaria grow in arid regions and should not be overwatered, they will appreciate watering during long, dry summer spells. Once they are established the plants need little care, but after the first flush of flowers is spent, the plants can be sheered by two-thirds to encourage them to re-bloom. No feeding is required to keep them blooming continually, but those growing in small containers may appreciate the occasional feeding with a liquid fertiliser for flowers.

Seeds usually take around two weeks to germinate at temperatures of 20 to 30°C and will flower around 8 to 10 weeks from sowing. The seeds need warmth and light to germinate, so do not cover the seed with soil.

Because the seed of Linaria is very fine, gardeners often mix them with dry sand, and then broadcast this mix very thinly. This usually provides enough spacing between seedlings so that little if any thinning-out is necessary. Seedlings which do come up in patches will require thinning out to ensure good air circulation around the plants, and although the seedlings which have been removed can be transplanted elsewhere, these transplants do not perform as well as those that have grown their entire life without transplant shock.
 
Weeds will crowd-out or overshadow the delicate, small seedlings, and are often very difficult to remove amongst the tiny Linaria seedlings without damaging them, because they are so fine, small and shallow-rooted. To avoid weed competition it is usually best to prepare the planting site in advance and then let the bed settle. Allow whatever weed seed there is in the bed to germinate, then rake or weed this out. Repeat the process once or twice prior to sowing seed.

Plants will re-seed themselves in the garden if the seeds fall on bare ground and are not disturbed, so if you do not want seedlings popping up all over the garden, cutting back the plants after flowering will help to prevent this.

Pests & Diseases:

Linaria is not affected by any serious insect or disease problems but watch out for aphids, and powdery mildew.
 
Warning:
    
At the time of the writing of this article, Linaria maroccana was not found in any poisonous plant databases we researched.

Chrysanthemum paludosum. Picture courtesy Green Acres Nursery CaliforniaCondensed Version:

If you want a carpet of charming white daisies all summer long, and way into autumn, look no further than Chrysanthemum paludosum. These low-growing little daisies are quick to flower and easy to grow, reaching +-25cm in height with a 30cm spread. Chrysanthemum multicaule is another charming little chrysanthemum which needs the same growing conditions as C. paludosum. It has bright yellow flowers and is more compact; growing about 20cm tall and 25cm wide.
 
Creeping chrysanthemums are available in pots or seedling trays at garden centres and seed is also freely available. In the warmer regions of the country these daisies can be grown all year round, and in regions which experience only moderate frosts, they can also be grown almost all year round, as long as they are planted in a sheltered position in the garden, away from freezing winds. Their one nemesis is strong winds, so no matter where you are growing them in the country, be sure to place them in a protected space.

These cuties love full sun but will take light shade, and adapt to most well-drained garden soils. To look their best in the summer garden they require a deep heavy watering once a week. If planted in fertile soil, no further fertilising may be required, but an occasional feeding won’t harm the plants, and potted specimens can be fed together with other annuals. Seed is generally sown directly into garden beds in spring or early summer, after all danger of frost is over, and will bloom about 3 months after being planted from seed.

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Description, History & Interesting Facts:

If you want a carpet of charming white daisies all summer long, and way into autumn, look no further than Chrysanthemum paludosum. These low-growing little daisies are native to the Mediterranean basin and have been cultivated there for centuries. They are quick to flower and easy to grow, reaching +-25cm in height with a 30cm spread. Chrysanthemum multicaule is another charming little chrysanthemum which needs the same growing conditions as C. paludosum. It has bright yellow flowers and is more compact; growing about 20cm tall and 25cm wide.

In 1753 the famous botanist Carl Linnaeus gave the chrysanthemum flower its genus name, derived from Greek words meaning “golden flower”, and because daisy flowers habitually only open in the morning and close at night, the poet Chaucer gave this family of flowers the common name “day’s eye”, and a common saying of the era stated, “when you can put your foot on seven daisies, summer is come”. Daisies - who doesn't love them - and in the language of flowers, they symbolize innocence, simplicity, and modesty.

In the Garden:

Because of their neat, compact, yet spreading habit, creeping daisies look great planted in the foreground of annual and perennial flower gardens to supply a continuous splash of colour. Try planting them together with snapdragons, salvia and Barberton daisies (Gerbera) for a wonderful display. These little daisies are also perfectly sized for rock gardens, but are just as comfortable growing as a groundcover. Creeping daisies are so versatile, lending themselves to very many garden styles, but are essential in all cutting, cottage and meadow gardens.

Their creeping nature makes them delightful specimens for eye-catching hanging baskets, containers and window boxes. Plant them singly or in combination with other colourful summer annuals for months of colour. In fact, you can pop one in anywhere you need a little filler plant.

An added bonus is they will attract butterflies to the garden, and make delightful, long-lasting cut flowers for small, romantic posies.

Cultivation/Propagation:

Creeping chrysanthemums are available in pots or seedling trays at garden centres and transplant very easily into the garden. Seed is also freely available, and can be sown directly into well-prepared garden beds in spring after the last chance of frost. In the warmer regions of the country they can be grown all year round as short-lived perennials, and in regions which experience only moderate frosts, they can also be grown almost all year round, as long as they are planted in a warm, sheltered position in the garden, away from freezing winds. Their one nemesis is strong winds, so no matter where you are growing them in the country, be sure to place them in a protected space.

These fast growing cuties love full sun but will take light shade, and because they grow quickly, make sure that you space them correctly. They will adapt to most well-drained garden soils but favour Mediterranean type soils that are loamy but also sandy and dry, allowing for perfect drainage. These little plants have shallow roots and drought will cause woody and stunted growth, so to look their best in the summer garden they require a deep heavy watering once a week.

If planted in fertile soil, so further fertilising may be required, but an occasional feeding won’t harm the plants, and potted specimens can be fed together with other annuals. Pinch back the growing tips regularly to encourage a more compact plant, and cut out the dead flowers often to encourage more blooms. If blooming decreases mid-season, cut the plants back by half, and feed lightly to encourage new growth. Also, don’t be shy to prune the plants right back once they’ve finished blooming.

Seed is generally sown directly into garden beds in spring, after all danger of frost is over. Sow onto the surface of the soil and press the seeds down, before watering well. Keep the beds moderately moist until germination, which should take place within 10 to 14 days. Transplant or thin the seedlings as soon as they reach a height of several centimetres, and water regularly until they become established. These daisies will bloom about 3 months after being planted from seed.
 
Creeping daisies will self-seed liberally in the garden and spread slowly by rhizomes. Mature plants can be divided in autumn or early spring. If you wish to collect some seed to save for next season, allow the blossoms to fully mature at the end of summer, and when the centres turn brown, cut them off and spread them out to dry away from direct sunlight. After about two weeks, or when the heads have fully dried, rub them lightly to separate the seed from the husks, and store in a cool, dry place.

Problems, Pests & Diseases:

If grown correctly creeping daisies are relatively healthy but can be affected by leaf spots, root and stem rot, blight, brown and white rust and powdery mildew. Fungal diseases are prevalent during moist, warm weather, and to help prevent them, ensure that the plants receive sufficient sunlight, your soil drains well, and they are spaced correctly, ensuring a good air flow around the leaves. Also, water early so the leaves have a chance to dry before nightfall. An appropriate fungicide can be applied if the condition persists.

Also, watch out for snails and slugs, caterpillars, leaf miners, aphids and red spider mites.

Warning:

Though rarely fatal, chrysanthemums can cause some miserable symptoms if eaten. All parts are potentially toxic to dogs, cats, horses and other mammals. Ingesting the plant can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive salivating, rashes or a lack of coordination. How a specific animal reacts to the plant varies, depending on the animal, its size, the amount it consumed and the chrysanthemum species.

Some humans develop contact dermatitis after extended exposure to garden chrysanthemums. This is an occupational hazard of florists, nursery workers, and gardeners. Wear gloves when handling them.

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Angelonia 'Angel Mist' Lavender. Picture courtesy Ball Horticultural CompanyCondensed Version:

These tropical evergreen perennials are tough, easy to care for, and are planted in summer for their lovely snapdragon-like flowers, born on slender upright spikes. They bloom continuously during the hot summer months; have attractive bright green willow-like leaves; and hybrids are available in clear flower colours or two-toned combinations of rose, pink, blue, lilac, violet-blue, purple, and white. Their rounded upright growth habit and long blooming season make them perfect bedding plants and worthwhile additions to background plantings in flower borders. Numerous hybrids have been bred for flower performance and compact growth; making them an ideal choice for colourful container plantings.

Summer snapdragons thrive in humid tropical and warm sub-tropical conditions; they are tender to frost and are planted as a summer annuals in Angelonia 'Angel Mist' Deep Pllum. Picture courtesy Ball Horticultural Copmpanycold regions. They grow well throughout the country but are not suited to very dry summer regions, unless they can be watered well. Angelonia are can take heat and full sun, but they will still flower in very light shade. These ‘toughies’ will even withstand heavy thunderstorms. They love sandy soils but will grow in all fertile, well-drained garden soils. Although the plants are drought tolerant and water-wise in tropical gardens, it is best to water moderately during dry spells. A monthly feeding will keep the plants flowering abundantly. Summer snapdragon hybrids grow +-25 to 40cm tall and will spread +-30 to 40cm.

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Description, History & Interesting Facts:

There are about 30 species of Angelonia, and these tropical evergreen perennials are members of the snapdragon family, and native to Mexico, Cuba and parts of the West Indies. They are tough, easy to care for, and are planted in summer for their lovely snapdragon-like flowers, born on slender upright spikes. Summer snapdragons will bloom continuously during the hot summer months, continuing into autumn, or as long as the weather remains warm. They have attractive bright green willow-like leaves; and hybrids are available in clear flower colours or two-toned combinations of rose, pink, blue, lilac, violet-blue, purple, and white.

Angelonia 'Angel Mist' White. Picture courtesy Ball Horticultural CompanyIn the Garden:

Angelonia has gone from obscurity a decade ago to one of the best-selling plants for the summer garden. Their rounded upright growth habit and long blooming season make them perfect bedding plants and worthwhile additions to background plantings in flower borders. Numerous hybrids have been bred for flower performance and compact growth; making them an ideal choice for colourful container plantings. Mix summer snapdragons with other flowering annuals in containers, window boxes and hanging baskets, to give your plantings height and accent, without overpowering the other plants.  Angelonia flowers last well in a vase and will attract butterflies to your garden. Treat yourself to a few of these delightful plants this summer, you will not be disappointed.
 
Cultivation:

Summer snapdragons love growing in humid tropical and warm sub-tropical conditions; they are tender to frost and are planted as a summer annuals in cold regions; plants grown in containers can be difficult to overwinter indoors. They grow well throughout the country but are not suited to very dry summer regions, unless they can be watered well. Angelonia are called summer snapdragons because they can take heat and full sun, but they will still flower in very light shade. These ‘toughies’ will even withstand heavy thunderstorms. They love sandy soils but will Angelonia' Angel Mist' Purple Stripe. Picture courtesy Ball Horticultural Companygrow in all fertile, well-drained garden soils. Although the plants are drought tolerant and water-wise in tropical gardens, it is best to water moderately during dry spells. A monthly feeding will keep the plants flowering abundantly. It is best to not remove old flowers because ‘deadheading’ actually hurts the continual blooming characteristic of the plants. It is also not necessary to prune because this will ruin their naturally beautiful form; but if you simply must trim it won’t harm your plants. Summer snapdragon hybrids grow +-25 to 40cm tall and will spread +-30 to 40cm.

Propagation:

Propagation is from tip cuttings, by division of the root mass, or by seed. Certain cultivars like ‘Angelmist’ ‘Angelface’ and ‘Serena’ are patented and may not be commercially propagated without a propagation license from the patent holder.

Pests & Diseases:

Angelonia does not suffer from and serious pest or disease problems, but watch out for aphids and powdery mildew.

Primula acaulis 'Blue'Condensed Version:

Common primroses are synonymous with spring and one of the first flowers to peek out - like a little splash of sunshine in a bleak wintry world. This makes them a real favourite with gardeners, and commercially they are marketed as bedding plants, potted house plants and perennials. These little gems may only grow +-12cm tall and 15cm wide, but they are hard to ignore when in full bloom and covered in a profusion of intensely coloured flowers in every colour except green. They are essential in romantic and cottage gardens, but with the right combination of plants, can look just as stunning in a modern garden. Try massing them as a border to the spring garden, or plant them in pots, window boxes and hanging baskets, combined with other spring beauties.

Although most gardeners prefer to buy their primroses in trays or small pots, they can also be grown from seed, to flower the following spring. Primulas are quite tolerant of being transplanted, even when they are in bloom, and newly purchased plants can be planted out into the garden in early spring. Common primroses prefer cool, humid climates, and do well in maritime situations. Under these growing conditions they are perennials, and although they love to bask in the spring sunshine, as the weather warms and the last flowers fade, the plants need to be kept cool and in the shade. In hot regions they are discarded for summer blooms.

Primroses are fully hardy and will adapt to most garden soils, but for the best results, try to emulate a forest floor with damp, moist, cool soil which is rich with organic material like leaf litter. They must be planted so that their crowns are at soil level and at least 15cm apart, and require regular watering. For spectacular results apply a liquid fertiliser for flowering plants once every fortnight during the growing season.

Primula acaulis 'Pink'Full Version:

Description, History & Interesting Facts:

The wild primrose is a cheerful little flower with its pretty pale yellow flowers with orange-yellow centres, peeking above a rosette of fat, wrinkled leaves - like a little splash of sunshine in a bleak wintry world. Although they often flower in winter, primroses are synonymous with spring, and in their countries of origin are one of the first wild flowers to show their faces - even their name derives from the Latin for “first rose”.

This makes them a real favourite with gardeners, and commercially they are marketed as bedding plants, potted house plants and perennials. These little gems may only grow +-12cm tall and 15cm wide, but they are hard to ignore when in full bloom and covered in a profusion of intensely coloured flowers in every colour except green, and if you pick the flowers for your first spring posies - for each blossom plucked, another long scrolled bud springs up.

The Primula family is very large and diverse, and species may vary greatly in shape, size and form, and exist in widely differing environmental, climatic and atmospheric conditions. They can be found growing in the wild throughout most of the temperate regions of Western Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to North Africa and Western Asia.

Historically, primula were difficult to produce commercially and were short lived in the landscape, with a limited range of garden colours available, but breeding programs throughout the last twenty to thirty years have greatly improved its attributes, and today Primula vulgaris hybrids produce even more blooms, and these strains can be single or double-flowered but maintain the form of the beautiful old 'named' primroses, most of which have now vanished. These newer strains are stronger in constitution and much more enthusiastic in performance. A Polyanthus primula is very similar to Primula vulgaris -but with one major difference. The bunched ‘clusters’ of Primula vulgaris flowers are borne on stems, and are not ground hugging like polyanthus primulas. Hence their common name, “stalked primroses”.

The ancient Greeks named the flower "paralisos" after a youth who was said to have died from grief after the sudden death of his sweetheart, Melicerta, whom the gods were thought to have turned into a primrose or cowslip. Shakespeare first wrote of it in his play Hamlet, using it as reference to a path of uncertain pleasure, he also used the primrose as a symbol of death in the play Cymbeline. Catholics link the common primrose to both St Agatha and St Bertulf, and it is also known as "our lady's keys" as it is thought to represent the keys held by Mary Mediatrix, which opened the store houses of heavenly grace.

In ancient times Primula was believed to be a flower originating in Paradise, with the five petals representing birth, initiation, consummation, repose and death, and a primrose with six petals is said to bring luck in love and marriage. This small blossom was also considered a symbol of safety and protection, and it was said that if primroses were placed on a doorstep it would encourage the faeries to bless the house and all who lived there, so posies would be left for them there. A German legend tells of a little girl who found a doorway covered in flowers and when she touched it with a primrose, it opened up into a beautiful enchanted castle. Ancient Celtic wisdom associates seeing a large patch of primroses with a gateway or portal into the faerie realms, and another old superstition claimed that if you ate the blossoms of a primrose you would see a fairy, so children would eat the flowers copiously, hoping and believing to see them.

Primula acaulis 'Yellow'Uses:

The flowers are edible, raw or cooked, and make an attractive garnish for salads. They are often made into jams and fresh flowers are fermented with water and sugar to make a very pleasant and intoxicating wine.

Because the leaves are often available all throughout winter, young leaves were often used a potherb and added to soups, stews etc. They have a mild flavour, but the texture can be a bit tough. The flowers were once popular in the dish known as "primrose pottage", which featured rice, almonds and honey, saffron and ground Primrose flowers. An infusion of the petals was also made into primrose tea.

In the past primroses were thought to be a powerful medicine for treating painful conditions such as paralysis, rheumatism and gout, and the leaves were used to dress wounds.

Primula acaulis mixed bicolour. Picture courtesy www.nuleaf.co.zaIn the Garden & Home:

In cooler regions primroses are valuable garden perennials which seed themselves freely in the shade garden. In hot summer regions they are grown as winter and spring flowering annuals, and planted together with other annuals and bulbs for a spectacular spring show. Primroses favour growing on shady banks and under hedgerows, doing exceptionally well when planted underneath deciduous trees, where they receive winter sunshine but are sheltered from the heat of summer. They are essential in romantic and cottage gardens, but with the right combination of plants, can look just as stunning in a modern garden. Try massing them as a border to the spring garden, or plant them in pots, window boxes and hanging baskets, combined with other spring beauties.

These are great plants for the early pollinators and will attract butterflies and moths to the garden. In season they are available in tiny pots for indoor decoration, so if you love them but don't have a garden, you certainly can have at least one primrose!

Cultivation/Propagation:

Common primroses prefer cool, humid climates, and do well in maritime situations. Under these growing conditions they are perennials, and although they love to bask in the spring sunshine, as the weather warms and the last flowers fade, the plants need to be kept cool and in the shade. In hot regions they are discarded for summer blooms.

Primroses will adapt to most garden soils, acid, neutral and alkaline. The soil may be light (sandy), medium (loamy) and even heavy (clay). For the best results, try to emulate a forest floor with damp, moist, cool soil which is rich with organic material like leaf litter. Water regularly and deeply, as the plant has shallow roots and prefers soil that is consistently moist, but not soggy. Primroses are of course fully hardy and will self-seed freely in the garden producing a lovely mixture of colours. For spectacular results apply a liquid fertiliser for flowering plants once every fortnight during the growing season.

Primulas are quite tolerant of being transplanted, even when they are in bloom, and newly purchased plants can be planted out into the garden in early spring. They must be planted so that their crowns are at soil level and at least 15cm apart.

Older plants can be divided and transplanted right after they are finished blooming. Spread a 1cm layer of compost or leaf mulch around them to keep the roots cool and moist. Mulch is important especially in climates with hot summers. Don't apply more than 1cm at a time, as a thick layer of mulch provides a convenient hiding place for slugs.

Although most gardeners prefer to buy their primroses in trays or small pots, they can also be grown from seed, which is sown in seedling trays in early spring, on a seed bed of moist peat moss which has been layered over sterile potting soil. The seeds are very tiny, so do not cover them! The tray must then be chilled in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 weeks, after which it must be kept between 15 to 20°C during germination, which takes anything from 1 to 3 weeks. During germination maintain moderate moisture levels, never allowing the soil to dry out or to become saturated. A sheet of clear plastic or glass placed over the tray will help to retain moisture until the seeds sprout, at which time the cover sheet should be removed.

Following germination, reduce moisture levels somewhat, allowing the growing medium to dry out slightly before watering, this helps promote rooting. Transplant the seedlings into individual pots when they are about 5cm tall, and place in a cool, shady place. They will be ready to bloom the following spring.

Primrose plants can be grown indoors if you are able to provide them with cool night temperatures between 10 to 15°C, and daytime temperatures below 26°C. They also require filtered sun and moist soil. When they have finished blooming in the house it is best to discard the plants or plant them into the garden.

Problems, Pests & Diseases:

Watch out for slugs and snails as well as aphids and mites. Spray with insecticidal soap spray if you notice pests. Insecticidal soap spray is useful because it kills only on contact, and has no residual effect that kills bees and other beneficial insects. However, the spray must be reapplied every five to seven days. Spray the plant thoroughly, wetting both the tops and bottoms of the leaves.

Warning:

Primula vulgaris is non-toxic to humans but it is always advisable to keep young children from eating any plants. It is toxic to cats, dogs and horses, causing mild vomiting.

Browalia 'Bells Blue' Picture courtesy Ball Horticultural CompanyCondensed Version:

The bush violet is a lovely mounded, sprawling plant with oval leaves with pointed tips, and which feel slightly sticky to touch. It is related to petunias and flowers just as profusely, all summer and into late autumn.  Hybrid varieties are available in vibrant shades of purple, blue, violet or white, and are cultivated as a summer annuals, growing quickly to +-25 to 35cm tall. The bush violet is also a popular indoor houseplant, doing well in a warm, bright room.

The Bush Violet is a summer flowering plant that is tender to frost. It grows well both at the coast and inland, taking both heat and humidity. It does best in a warm, bright, semi-shaded position, or morning sun, and in very hot and dry regions, some midday shade is essential. Also, ensure that it is sited where it is protected from strong winds. The bush violet will adapt to most fertile garden soils which drain well but grows best in sandy soil mixed with good compost. Water regularly but do not over water, and fertilise monthly with a liquid fertiliser for flowering plants to keep them blooming well all season.

It is well worthwhile to purchase trays or small pots of the bush violet so you can enjoy a full season of blooms.

Bells Blue Browalia. Picture courtesy Ball Horticultural CompanyFull Version:

Description, History & Interesting Facts:

The bush violet is a lovely mounded, sprawling plant native to tropical South America, and especially Columbia. This tender perennial has oval leaves with pointed tips, and which feel slightly sticky to touch, is related to petunias, and flowers just as profusely, all summer and into late autumn.  It can be found growing wild in open areas, roadsides, pastures and vacant lots; in moist and seasonally dry regions at elevations between 150 to 1200m, and is prized for its profusion of violet, white-eyed flowers.  Hybrid varieties are available in vibrant shades of purple, blue, violet or white, and are cultivated as a summer annuals, growing quickly to +-25 to 35cm tall. The bush violet is also a popular indoor houseplant.

In the Garden:

The bush violet grows beautifully outdoors in sheltered positions in semi-shade and will make a stunning display when planted together with Petunia, Impatiens, Bedding Begonia and Alyssum. Because of its sprawling habit it is ideal to plant into hanging baskets, window boxes and containers of all kinds, and looks lovely if allowed to cascade over a low wall.

In the Home:

The bush violet will thrive indoors if it is placed in a warm room with bright light.  It does fine in a warm sunny window where it gets a couple of hours of morning sun, or in a shady corner that's in a sunny room. However, it does not like very hot rooms, which will tend to shorten the life of the flowers.

Water moderately, enough to make the potting mixture thoroughly moist, but allowing the top two-thirds to dry out before watering again. Once new plants are established, begin applications of a standard liquid fertiliser for flowering plants every two weeks and continue throughout the growing season.
Their attractive trailing habit makes them wonderful in hanging baskets, or in pots where they can spill over the edges. For a more upright look, the wiry stems will need to be supported. As new growth develops, nip out the growing tips of the stems to encourage bushy growth.

Bush violets are usually sold in small pots for indoors and will not need repotting. They should be discarded after flowering.

Cultivation/Propagation:

The Bush Violet is a summer flowering plant that is tender to frost. It grows well both at the coast and inland, taking both heat and humidity. It does best in a warm, bright, semi-shaded position, or morning sun, and in very hot and dry regions, some midday shade is essential. Also, ensure that it is sited where it is protected from strong winds.

The bush violet will adapt to most fertile garden soils which drain well but grows best in sandy soil mixed with good compost. Water regularly but do not over water, and fertilise monthly with a liquid fertiliser for flowering plants to keep them blooming well all season.

It is well worthwhile to purchase trays or small pots of the bush violet so you can enjoy a full season of blooms.

It is propagated by cuttings or by seed. Seeds germinate best in soil temperatures between 24 and 26°C and will germinate within 7 to 15 days. Cover the seed lightly with vermiculite. The plants should start blooming within 16 to 18 weeks after sowing.

Problems, Pests & Diseases:

No serious insect or disease problems affect the bush violet, but look out for aphids, leafhoppers and whiteflies. These can easily be controlled with an insecticidal soap.

Fungal leaf spots may occur but can be effectively controlled using either systemic and non-systemic fungicides. Plant hygiene will help to prevent these diseases, as will proper air circulation around the leaves.

The base of the plant rots if the plant is given too much water, and unfortunately, once the base has started to turn black, the plant cannot be saved and must be discarded.

Yellow leaves occur when the plant is too cold - move it to a warmer position. If the plant is droopy, it needs more water.

Over fertilisation, especially with fertilisers high in nitrogen causes leaf growth at the expense of flower production, so always use a fertiliser for flowering plants.

Warning:

Not much is listed for Browallia, except for one source which listed the fruits as toxic but not life threatening.

Nasturtium 'Orange'These reliable plants are native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America and were introduced into other regions as cultivated garden plants. They are grown for their long-lasting displays of brightly coloured flowers and attractive round, shiny leaves. There are many different varieties of Nasturtiums. Some are climbers, some semi-trailers and some dwarfs.Both single-flowered and double varieties are available and the flowers come in bright shades of orange, golden-yellow and cherry-red, as well as pastels like soft-salmon, lemon- yellow and apricot-orange. The dwarf varieties make a beautiful flower border and grow easily in pots and hanging baskets. The climbers look great if trained up a wooden trellis.

This plant is so quick and easy-to-grow that it is an excellent choice for children's gardens. They will love their bright flowers and may even be persuaded to eat their healthy, edible leaves, in cheese sandwiches.

Nasturtiums are grown as summer annuals in South Africa and grow well throughout the country as long as they can be watered regularly and are planted in full sun. They will tolerate some shade but may not flower as well. They are hardy to moderate frost and in frost-free areas. Nasturtiums are evergreen and self-seeding, flowering almost all year round. They will grow in most soils but prefer moderately fertile soil that drains well. If they are planted in very rich soil or are over-fertilised, the plants will produce leaves at the expense of the flowers.

Seeds are usually sown directly into garden beds or seedling trays in spring, when all danger of frost is over and the soil temperatures are between 18 and 21° C. Cover the seeds with soil or press them about 5cm into the soil. They germinate quickly, within 2 to 5 days and the plants will start blooming 8 to 9 weeks after sowing.

Nigella. Picture courtesy Nancy CarmanLove-in-a-mist is native to southern Europe, north Africa and south-west Asia. It is a charming, old-fashioned annual that has been cultivated since the late sixteenth century. It earns its common name of Love-in-a-mist because of its delicate, fennel-like foliage that forms a mist around the flowers. The flowers are most commonly different shades of blue, but can be white, pink, or pale purple and are ideal for cutting and drying. Spread some seed in your garden and it will re-seed itself every year. It is actually the sepals that are coloured and the minute clawed flowers are located at the base of the stamens. The flowers are followed by pretty seedpods that become brown in late summer. To dry the pods cut them when they are still fresh and green. Tie the stems into a bundle and hang upside-down to dry. You can cut the seed pods in half to display the interesting structure of the seed chamber.

Love-in-a-mist will bloom all summer and into autumn and makes a wonderful cottage garden plant and a great filler plant. The airy foliage makes a nice complement to broader-leaved plants.

Love-in-a-mist grows well throughout South Africa as long as it can be watered regularly and is protected from strong wind. This plant does not enjoy high humidity. It grows 30 to 45cm tall and 7 to 15cm wide, loves full sun and a fertile, well-drained soil, to which a dressing of lime has been added. Feed with a liquid fertiliser for flowering plants when the first buds appear.

Pre-chill the seeds in a refrigerator for one week prior to planting and sow directly into well-prepared garden beds in spring when all danger of frost is over. The rate and speed of germination will depend on the soil temperature and weather conditions and will take between 7 to 21 days. The ideal soil temperatures are between 15 and 22°C. Cover the seed with about 3mm of soil. Your plants should start flowering about 12 to 14 weeks after sowing.