Bright Shades Of Autumn

They are referred to as evergreen plants, but they are not quite ‘green’. These plants stand out in a garden because their foliage is bright and vivid with rich-coloured leaves that are a feature all on their own.

Dawn To Dusk Coprosmas

For a small shrub, you can’t go wrong with a coprosma for being tough, reliable and easy to grow. They will grow in sun or semishade, in just about any soil as long as its well-draining and will also do well on the coast with the salt- and wind-laden air. Their only concern is frost and in frosty areas should be protected.

The ‘Pacific’ range of coprosmas are just as hardy but with astonishing colouring that make them stand out amongst the crowds. Coprosma ‘Pacific Sunrise’ has glossy, wavy foliage in chocolate brown with hot pink highlights and Coprosma ‘Pacific Sunset’ is described as bright red with chocolate borders. They are almost the opposite of each other, hence the sunrise and sunset names.

They can be used for a multitude of things in a garden – trimmed as a hedge or topiary, used around a salt-pool, planted in containers or just left to grow wild planted en masse. They reach up to 1m tall and wide and will become bushier with regular trimming.

Once established they need minimum watering and a feeding every spring with a general slow-release fertiliser will keep them shiny and healthy. The foliage has all-year round interest and is a must for a cut flower gardener.

High-voltage cordylines

Known for their great form, cordylines also provide a range of colours including the fantastic ‘Electric Pink’ with its maroon strappy leaves with bright pink edging. They are excellent pot specimens and will also do well in a garden bed to provide contrast and architecture.

Cordyline banksia ‘Electric Pink’ is heat-tolerant, drought-tolerant and reasonably cold-hardy. They grow in full sun and semi-shade in well-draining soil and reach a height of around 1.2 m.

Originating from New Zealand, these types of cordylines grow spiky leaves from the base of the plant like a tufted grass, giving them a sculptural palm-like shape. Give them plenty of water to make them flourish and feed in spring with a slow-release general fertiliser. All these plants are available under the Keith Kirsten brand and available at local garden centres countrywide.

Azalea ‘Encore’

As the name implies these ‘Encore’ azaleas are the only azaleas to flower from spring, through summer and continue through autumn. They are butterfly ‘magnets’ and grow to around 75cm x 100cm. They thrive in well-drained, moist, slightly acidic soil. They prefer light shade to full sun.

All these plants are available under the Keith Kirsten brand and available at local garden centres countrywide.