Kangaroo Paws
August 5, 2021 3:30 pmFill up your low-water zones like the gravel garden, rock garden and sunny low maintenance areas with new and veryRead More...
Conifers: Timeless Evergreens
June 17, 2021 8:10 pmCould conifers be making a strong comeback? Conifers are an important group of largely evergreen plants that grow in manyRead More...
Cinerarias – Nothing Short of Spectacular
June 10, 2021 1:43 pmThere are not many annuals that bloom through cold weather, and that bloom better the colder it gets. Cinerarias (SenecioRead More...
A Touch of Class with Cordylines
June 3, 2021 8:52 pmThe common name of cabbage tree is a little unfair when it comes to these sculptural and colourful cordyline hybrids…Read More...
Garden Structures: pergolas, arbours and gazebos
May 17, 2021 2:33 pmGarden structures outside your house can enhance the look of the garden by making it more appealing and professionally finished.Read More...
Cycads – Ancient Treasures of the World
May 17, 2021 10:28 amThe world of collecting cycads is as fascinating as the ancient plants themselves. Collecting and investing in cycads started inRead More...
Benefits of Indoor Plants
April 22, 2021 11:41 amWhy we need indoor plants As you may have noticed when strolling through interior shops lately, nature is a hugeRead More...
Three Plant Oddities and How To Grow Them
March 11, 2021 9:01 amThese three plant oddities all have strange looks and habits, and even stranger still, nothing gets them down once theyRead More...
The Best Plants for Retaining Walls
January 21, 2021 1:16 pmRetaining walls present unique challenges to the gardener. This is how you overcome them. Problem: Dull retaining walls The pre-cast,Read More...
Border Charmers
December 17, 2020 4:40 pmEdging Plants to Complement Good edging plants that either calmly complement or create a bright colour contrast are just whatRead More...
A Leafy Love Affair – Coral Bells
November 24, 2020 10:24 pmFans of foliage will love heucheras, a genus of perennial plants also known as coral bells. These plants were extremelyRead More...
Cymbidiums
July 3, 2020 12:20 pmThere are few places in South Africa where cymbidiums won’t grow – they are tough and can handle fair amountsRead More...
Calatheas
May 5, 2020 3:57 pmCalatheas make for great indoor plants, and even garden plants providing you are in a sub-tropical area. These plants originateRead More...
Callistemon
December 2, 2019 11:52 amCitrinus Little John, Bottlebrush, Hot Pink, Endeavour A beginner gardener who cannot decide which flowering shrub to buy, won’t regretRead More...
Save space (and your back) with a raised planter
September 19, 2019 11:41 amWell made the most of the large capacity of the Elho Grow Table by packing in a diverse selection ofRead More...
Succulent Plants: 5 Crassulas For Your Water-Wise Garden
May 20, 2019 1:28 pmCrassulas are an incredibly large and diverse genus of succulent plants with many species, subspecies, varieties and forms hailing fromRead More...
Aloe Orange Delight
May 7, 2019 12:52 pmAloe…is it me you’re looking for? This Aloe is a delightful, small to medium aloe that is similar to hedgehogRead More...
Exciting Cyclamens
May 7, 2019 12:27 pmAdd some colour to your garden this winter with cyclamens! Cyclamens are always a winter favourite due to their longRead More...
Enduring Everillo
January 16, 2019 8:59 amPlant this colour-rich ornamental grass to lighten and brighten your surrounds. Everillo is a highly decorative grass-like ground-cover with narrow,Read More...
Russelia equisetiformis
January 16, 2019 8:57 am‘Firecracker’ This vibrant plant, Russelia Equisetiformis, is made up of clusters of scarlet tubular flowers; resembling small firecrackers, that provideRead More...
Sowing Clivia Seeds
December 18, 2018 12:38 pmLees in Afrikaans If you have a shady garden with lots of Clivias that flowered well in spring, and youRead More...
Bridelia Micrantha
November 27, 2018 12:13 pmMitzeeri or Coastal Golden Leaf Bridelia Micrantha is a medium to large deciduous tree (can reach 20m, though normally 8Read More...
Black Diamond Crape Myrtle
February 28, 2018 9:01 amIf you’re looking for something different to plant, take a look at Black Diamond Crape Myrtle. This stunning new crapeRead More...
Made for Moonlight – Patio Flowers
February 19, 2018 12:34 pmIt need not be a back- nor a bank-breaking exercise to turn a plain patio into an elegant entertainment areaRead More...
Hanging with the Flock
January 22, 2018 11:32 amWooden Bird-Feeder This is the tenth in our Working with Wood series presented by David van den Bergh. Throughout theRead More...
Viburnum Odoratissimum
January 15, 2018 8:25 amIn a small garden, you may need only one of these shrubs to screen off your neighbour, the dog’s kennelRead More...
Vitis labrusca
January 15, 2018 8:12 amCatawba Grape, Fox Grape Grapes have been cultivated for thousands of years. Most fruiting vines are hybrids or cultivars ofRead More...
Santolina chamaecyparissus
January 11, 2018 1:15 pmCotton Lavender A compact-growing shrub with fine, feathery white or grey leaves of short and slender stature. Golden flower headsRead More...
Searsia crenata
January 11, 2018 1:11 pmDune Crowberry The Searsia Crenata is a spreading and stocky coastal plant with a rounded shape. It survives against allRead More...
Sempervivum tectorum
January 11, 2018 1:05 pmCommon Houseleek, Hen and Chickens, St Patrick’s Cabbage A low, mat forming succulent comprising many rosettes of attractive grey-green leavesRead More...
Streptocarpus
January 11, 2018 12:41 pmCape Primrose This little, indigenous forest plant, Streptocarpus, was first discovered in Knysna in the 1800s and also occurs naturally inRead More...
Sutherlandia frutescens
January 11, 2018 12:36 pmCancer Bush, Kankerbossie, Gansies Sutherlandia Frutescens, a small shrub, which can be upright or semi-decumbent (the stems grow parallel toRead More...
Phlox subulata
January 8, 2018 1:54 pmCandy Stripe, Alpine or Moss Phlox As its common names imply Phlox Subulata is a real little rock plant. ItRead More...
Ornithogalum thyrsoides
January 8, 2018 12:46 pmChincherinchee, Tjienk, Star of Bethlehem Chincherinchees or ‘tjienks’ belong to the genus Ornithogalum and are members of the Hyacinth familyRead More...
Mazus reptans
January 8, 2018 10:59 amCreeping Mazus Creeping Mazus is a mat-forming plant with lance-shaped, light green leaves. It produces small, lobelia-like flowers in eitherRead More...
Malus oribunda
January 8, 2018 10:31 amJapanese Crab Apple Malus Oribunda is a small, deciduous tree that is smothered in delicate blossoms during spring. The deep,Read More...
Lachenalia
January 8, 2018 9:17 amCape Hyacinth In a country blessed with many horticultural treasures Lachenalia, the Cape Hyacinth, holds a place of its own.Read More...
Leptospermum scoparium
January 8, 2018 8:57 am‘Cherry Brandy’ Miniature Tea Bush Leptospermum scoparium, with their dark, plum-coloured leaves and dense foliage of the miniature tea bushRead More...
Lysimachia nummularia
January 8, 2018 8:20 amGolden Creeping Jenny or Moneywort Lysimachia nummularia is a low ground hugging cover that has soft stems that root asRead More...
Iberis sempervirens
December 21, 2017 1:22 pmEvergreen Candytuft or Perennial Candytuft Iberis sempervirens is a charming little plant for cold, frosty gardens. This Perennial Candy Tuft forms lowRead More...
Hebenstretia dura
December 20, 2017 11:16 amCat’s Tail Hebenstretia Dura (family: Scrophulariaceae) is found from the Eastern Cape to the Northern Province. It is a hardyRead More...
Geranium incanum
December 20, 2017 8:32 amCarpet Geraniums True Geraniums or Crane’s Bills – from the Greek word geranos, a crane, owing to its fruit whichRead More...
Grewia Occidentalis
December 20, 2017 8:15 amCross-Berry The Cross Berry forms a shrub or small tree that grows up to 3 metres tall and 2 metresRead More...
Ficus sur
December 19, 2017 10:20 amCape Fig This large, evergreen tree provides a haven for a wide diversity of animal life. The fig family MoraceaeRead More...
Euphorbia trigona
December 19, 2017 9:18 amAfrican Milk Tree, High Chaparall, Cathedral Cactus Euphorbia Trigona – a tall, slender and erect succulent from Namibia. The darkRead More...
Codiaeum variegatum ‘Hybrids’
December 15, 2017 2:14 pmCroton Croton are one of the well-known sub-tropical foliage shrubs regularly purchased by up country holiday makers whilst on vacationRead More...
Combretum kraussii
December 15, 2017 2:12 pmForest Bushwillow The Forest Bushwillow is an attractive, deciduous tree, no matter the season. It retains its rich autumn colourRead More...
Couroupita guianensis
December 15, 2017 1:39 pmCannonball Tree or Ayahuma The words ‘striking’ and ‘strange’ are often used to describe Cannonball Tree, a large evergreen treeRead More...
Cyphostemma juttae
December 15, 2017 1:36 pmWild Grape, Tree Grape, Blue Cobas This most interesting succulent plant belongs to the grape family and grows naturally inRead More...
Cymbidium hybrids
December 15, 2017 1:16 pmBoat Orchid The genus Cymbidium in the Orchidaceae (Orchid) family consists of about 50 species, from which many thousands ofRead More...
Cycas revoluta
December 15, 2017 1:12 pmSago Palm The Sago Palm, native to Japan, is such a worthy specimen for pool plantings. It makes a boldRead More...
Cyathea australis
December 15, 2017 1:09 pmRough Tree Fern The Cyathea Australis is such an elegant poolside plant, which is as graceful as our indigenous CyatheaRead More...
Cussonia Paniculata
December 15, 2017 1:07 pmHighveld Cabbage Tree or Kiepersol Cussonia Paniculata, the ‘Highveld Cabbage Tree’ or ‘Kiepersol’, is a small, decorative and evergreen tree,Read More...
Cuphea hyssopifolia ‘Hybrids’
December 15, 2017 1:00 pmFalse Heather False Heather is a small shrub with a neat, rounded growth habit, tiny leaves and masses of daintyRead More...
Crinum macowanii
December 15, 2017 12:56 pmSabie Lily Crinums are members of the family Amaryllidaceae and have a very wide distribution in the tropics of Asia,Read More...
Crassula spathulata
December 15, 2017 12:48 pmThe Crassula Spathulata is a sprawling succulent with rounded and toothed leaves which have a red tinge to the margins.Read More...
Crassula ovata
December 15, 2017 12:45 pmJade Plant The Crassula Ovata, or Jade Plant is an upright-growing, multiple-branched, shrubby succulent that can grow up to 2mRead More...
Clematis brachiata
December 15, 2017 12:42 pmTraveller’s Joy The Clematis Brachiata is a joy to gardeners as well, it bears masses of creamy white, fragrant flowersRead More...
Chondropetalum tectorum
December 15, 2017 12:18 pmCape Thatching Reed Chondropetalum Tectorum, commonly known as Cape Thatching Reed, is an evergreen reed with long, tough, leafless stems.Read More...
Choisya ternata
December 15, 2017 12:16 pmMexican Orange Blossom The Choisya Ternata is a compact, evergreen shrub with a neat and tidy growth habit attaining anRead More...
Ceratostigma willmottianum
December 15, 2017 12:14 pmChinese Plumbago Ceratostigma Willmottianum, or Chinese Plumbago, is a deciduous shrub originating from the western parts of China and hasRead More...
Castanea Sativa
December 15, 2017 12:12 pmSpanish Chestnut, Sweet Chestnut These are the spiny husks of the Spanish Chestnut that are produced on large deciduous treesRead More...
Cassia Fistula
December 15, 2017 12:11 pmGolden Shower Tree Flowering trees are amongst the most spectacular plants cultivated in gardens. Their sheer size and abundance ofRead More...
Calpurnia aurea
December 15, 2017 12:07 pmWild Laburnum The Calpurnia Aurea is one of our most rewarding small, semi-evergreen trees. It is fast growing and canRead More...
Calodendrum capense
December 15, 2017 12:06 pmCape Chestnut Type: Large tree, 20m.Form: Single stemmed with rounded canopy. Bark grey, leaves light green and shiny.Flowers: Pink, large and scented, massedRead More...
Calandiva
December 15, 2017 12:04 pmDouble Kalanchoe Calandiva plants are ideal ‘no-brainers’, pleasing the intrepid indoor gardener with long-lasting displays of hundreds of double-petalled, brightly-coloured flowersRead More...
Cactus
December 15, 2017 12:01 pmThe benefits of displaying indoor plants in our homes are huge. Plants are a décor tool, moisturiser, therapist, climate improverRead More...
Carpobrotus edulis
December 15, 2017 11:56 amSour Fig (Suurvy) No garden should be without the Sour Fig, an extremely valuable indigenous medicinal plant which originally occurredRead More...
Betula Pendula
December 15, 2017 10:34 amSilver or Common Birch The Silver Birch is one of the best-known trees in cultivation today, especially in temperate regions,Read More...
Asystasia Gangetica
December 14, 2017 11:18 amCreeping Foxglove The Creeping Foxglove is an attractive but very vigorous ground cover that tolerates quite a sunny position butRead More...
Asparagus Densiflorus ‘Myersii’
December 14, 2017 11:16 amFoxtail or Cat’s tail Asparagus Densiflorus ‘Myersii‘ (Foxtail or Cat’s tail), which has remained popular for decades. A cultivar ofRead More...
Aponogeton Distachyos
December 13, 2017 3:05 pmCape Pond Weed The decorative leaves of indigenous aquatics and the showy blooms in season always command attention. Cape PondRead More...
Anthriscus cerefolium
December 13, 2017 3:01 pmChervil, French Parsley Anthriscus Cerefolium is a fairly low-growing plant, reaching a height of 30 cm and growing to aboutRead More...
Acalypha wilkesiana
December 13, 2017 2:32 pmCopperleaf or Calico bush The Acalypha is the mainstay of so many coastal and sub-tropical gardens in the country. AcalyphasRead More...
Ochna serrulata
November 20, 2017 2:27 pmCarnival Bush, Mickey Mouse Bush The Mickey Mouse bush is a stunning garden subject that will eventually grow about 1.8Read More...
Nymania capensis
November 20, 2017 2:11 pmChinese Lantern or Klapperbos Perhaps best known by the Afrikaans common name, Klapperbos, Nymania Capensis is an upright shrub, orRead More...
Myrtus communis
November 20, 2017 2:06 pmCompacta, Dwarf Myrtle, Myrtle A well-known healing herb, Myrtus Communis, which is more often referred to simply as ‘Myrtle’, isRead More...
Dymondia margaretae
November 15, 2017 2:03 pmCarpet Daisy, Silver Carpet Dymondia Margaretae, is a mat-forming ground cover with curly, greyish green leaves and yellow daisy-like flowers inRead More...
Cinerarias by any other name
April 19, 2016 11:55 pmThis beautiful flowering plant with daisy flowers in a spectacular range of bright colours is still affectionately called cinerarias byRead More...
Tecoma Capensis
January 18, 2016 6:23 amExpect a lively concert from the garden wildlife if, perchance, you end up alongside a Tecoma Capensis, or Cape HoneysuckleRead More...
Success with Clematis
January 15, 2016 7:57 amWhen one browses through magazines and gardening books, especially those from the UK, the pictures of Clematis are always inspiring.Read More...
Birds of Paradise
January 15, 2016 7:51 amStrelitzias… Mother Nature’s incredible sculptures! From autumn to spring, when beautiful boat-shaped spathes crested by bright orange sepals and deep-blueRead More...
Senecio cineraria ‘Silver Dust’
January 14, 2016 12:11 pmDusty Miller Senecio Cineraria ‘Silver Dust’ (Dusty Miller) is a low-growing sub-shrub that is often treated as an annual. ItRead More...
Selago corymbosa
January 14, 2016 11:57 amPlant: Selago Corymbosa Type: Dainty shrub, 60cm.Form: Upright growth with feathery foliage.Flowers: A fine mist of delicate lacy white flowersRead More...
Sedum nussbaumerianum
January 14, 2016 11:28 amCoppertone Stonecrop Sedum Nussbaumerianum is an exotic species from Mexico, with unusual, copper-coloured rosettes on slender spreading stems. It isRead More...
Scabiosa
January 14, 2016 10:49 amOur colleague, Gerald Schofield, once described the hybrids of Scabiosa as ‘totally loveable’ plants. Most gardeners agree with his description of thisRead More...
Ruschia lineolata
January 14, 2016 10:11 amCarpet of Stars The Ruschia lineolata is a tough succulent is a versatile ground cover which produces masses of prettyRead More...
Rhus crenata
January 14, 2016 8:38 amDune Crowberry The Rhus crenata resembles a bamboo with thick clumps with slender side branches and delicate rosettes of foliageRead More...
Leucophyta brownii
August 17, 2015 10:53 amCushion Bush Leucophyta brownii is an interesting groundcover for a sunny position. Its has an unusual leaf shape that formsRead More...
Leucadendron sessile
August 17, 2015 8:54 amSun Conebush Forming a neat rounded shrub that grows up to 1,5m high, this easily-grown species of Leucadendron sessile hasRead More...
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Brilliant’
July 29, 2015 11:06 amChinese Hibiscus, China Rose, Hawaiian Hibiscus, and Shoe-Black-Plant This large evergreen Hibiscus rosa-sinensis shrub reaches 2 x 2m and makes a lovely hedgeRead More...
Heliconia hybrids
July 28, 2015 6:42 amLobster Claw, Caribbean Sunset, Heliconia Lobster Claws Heliconia Hybrids are a stunning group of plants from the tropical regions of Central andRead More...
Erythrina lysistemon
June 8, 2015 10:30 amCommon Coral Tree, Lucky Bean Tree Erythrina Lysistemon, the Common Coral Tree, is deciduous, but it has the delightful habit ofRead More...
Elegia tectorum
June 1, 2015 10:40 amCape Thatching Reed, Deckreed The Elegia Tectorum ‘Cape Thatching Reed’ is a species that occurs from Clanwilliam in the WesternRead More...
Elegia capensis
June 1, 2015 10:37 amElegia is one of many plant species belonging to the family Restionaceae, a group of rush-like plants found largely inRead More...
Cyrtomium falcatum
April 23, 2015 6:35 amHolly-Fern, Japanese holly fern Handsome and single stemmed, this Holly Fern with robust, shiny foliage, is sometimes confused with cycads andRead More...
Cynara scolymus
April 23, 2015 6:29 amGlobe Artichoke The Globe Artichoke is perhaps more commonly associated with the vegetable garden because the flower buds are usuallyRead More...
Cuphea llavea
April 20, 2015 9:02 amFlamenco Samba The Flamenco Samba is a lovely compact shrub of around 40 x 60cm and flowers prolifically, bearing cherryRead More...
Cotyledon Orbiculata
March 27, 2015 10:50 amPig’s Ear, Elk’s Horn, or Round-Leafed Navel-Wort Succulent plants are still extremely popular in the garden fashion stakes, especially during periodsRead More...
Cosmos bipinnatus
March 27, 2015 10:47 amGarden Cosmos or Mexican Aster From March through into April and always around the Easter holidays, fields of self-sown Cosmos springRead More...
Cordyline Australis Southern Splendour
March 27, 2015 10:32 amIn the olden days, when we were young rookies, the common Cordyline Australis would be the first plant we wouldRead More...
Convolvulus cneorum
March 27, 2015 10:06 amSilver Bush Silver Bush is a low-growing, compact shrub with silky, silver leaves that have an iridescent sheen. White, tubular,Read More...
Combretum
March 27, 2015 8:51 amRed Bushwillow Gardeners sometimes complain that deciduous trees, like the Red Bushwillow, are messy, with the falling leaves requiring constantRead More...
Coleonema Species
March 26, 2015 12:57 pmThere are two species of Coleonema that feature prominently in most South African gardens. Coleonema Pulchellum, or the white confettiRead More...
Clivia miniata
March 26, 2015 11:21 amNatal Lily, Bush Lily The Natal Lily are lovely shade loving plants that will produce an absolute spectacle in spring withRead More...
Clerodendrum thomsoniae
March 26, 2015 11:06 amBleeding Heart The genus Clerodendrum consists of numerous trees, shrubs and climbers, including the Bleeding Heart, that originate largely inRead More...
Clerodendrum nutans
March 26, 2015 10:46 amNodding Clerodendrum, Bridal Veil There is no need to mourn the end of summer when splendid autumn flowerers like Clerodendrum NutansRead More...
Clausena anisata
March 26, 2015 10:40 amHorsewood Type:Medium Shrub, 3 to 5m.Form: Multi-stemmed and slender, with fine glossy foliage.Flowers: Bunches of small creamy-yellow ‘stars’ with pronouncedRead More...
Chlorophytum saundersiae
March 26, 2015 10:32 amWeeping Anthericum Type: Groundcover, 50cm.Form: Like tufts of wispy grass.Flowers: Little white ‘stars’ arranged along erect stalks, from September toRead More...
Cerastium tomentosum
March 25, 2015 10:43 amSnow-in-Summer This plant is covered in masses of white, star-shaped flowers in late spring and early summer, hence its commonRead More...
Carex Varieties
March 25, 2015 7:53 amBronze Form, Bronze New Zealand Hair Sedge, Bronze Perfection There are many varieties to choose from in the genus Carex. Some are stately ornamental grassesRead More...
Captivating Cannas
March 25, 2015 7:44 amAlthough deemed by many to be of a bygone era, Cannas still remain spectacular garden plants when used in theRead More...
Camellia
March 25, 2015 7:34 amJaponica, Common Camellia or Japanese Camellia, Sasanqua, Camellia Japonica has dark green, lustrous, leathery leaves and its size varies according toRead More...
Calibrachoa
March 25, 2015 7:15 amSeaside Petunia Calibrachoa are charming little plants and are relatives of the petunia, producing masses of small, bell-shaped flowers onRead More...
Cuphea Mexicana ‘White Wonder’
September 1, 2014 8:07 amFalse Heather Formal gardens have been fashionable around the world since the times of early civilisations and still today theyRead More...
Cupressus Macrocarpa
August 22, 2014 6:24 am‘Gold Crest’, ‘Golden Monterey Cypress’, ‘Swane’s Gold’, ‘Pencil Pine’ Golden Monterey Cypress Conifers truly come into their own in winter.Read More...
Caesalpinia Ferrea
August 21, 2014 6:02 pmLeopard Tree You’ll find the delicate Leopard Tree already showing lots of character as it stands with its pale, uprightRead More...
Aucuba Japonica ‘Crotonifolia’, ‘Goldeyana’, ‘Variegata’
August 18, 2014 12:07 pmJapanese Laurel Aucuba Japonica is possibly not the first plant that one would choose if faced with all the beautiesRead More...
Aristida Junciformis
August 18, 2014 11:56 amHeigras, Congoni Grass, Gongoni Three-Awn, Ngongoni Bristle Grass, Wire Grass Heigras, while not a favourite grass with farmers because itRead More...
Argyranthemum frutescens
August 18, 2014 11:21 amCrazy Daisy, Bush Daisy, Marguerite Daisy, Starlight Red, Summersong White For quick colour, few plants beat the old-fashioned daisy bush,Read More...
Anigozanthus hybrids
August 18, 2014 6:55 amCat’s Paw or Kangaroo Paw The cat’s paw, a plant of Australian origin, is a perennial that is available inRead More...
Aloe polyphylla
August 14, 2014 10:52 amSpiral aloe Aloe polyphylla is a stemless aloe with short, thorny, grey-green, upright leaves arranged in a perfect spiral. The leafRead More...
Aloe plicatilis
August 14, 2014 10:48 amFan Aloe Aloe plicatilis (fan aloe) is always pretty, whether it is in the form of a hundred-year-old giant orRead More...
Aloe peglerae
August 14, 2014 10:44 amFez aloe Type: Small shrub-like aloe, 40cm.Form: Succulent with inwardly curving leaves that assume a ‘soccer ball’ shape.Flowers: Red-orange tubularRead More...
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