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Shrubs

Pelargoniums Fit For A King

August 21, 2023 12:31 pm Published by

The indigenous Pelargonium grandiflorum (regal pelargonium) is a gardener’s delight with so much visual interest, it can be hard to…

Hedges

Tall Evergreen Hedges

May 15, 2023 8:50 am Published by

Surrounding your garden with an imposing hedge is like planting a ‘neighbour’ you have chosen yourself and like a lot!…

Bright Shades Of Autumn

March 1, 2023 10:50 am Published by

They are referred to as evergreen plants, but they are not quite ‘green’. These plants stand out in a garden…

Growing Hibiscus

Growing Hibiscuses

February 27, 2023 2:07 pm Published by

Want to take a selfie with a bright flower sitting behind your ear and another garnishing your cocktail? Then you…

More Euphorbia Diamonds

December 14, 2022 11:04 am Published by

We are all familiar with the lovely Euphorbia ‘Diamond Frost’ and now we can enjoy two more varieties that are…

Chamelaucium waxflowers

Chamelaucium Waxflowers

August 1, 2022 10:00 am Published by

Chamelaucium are tough shrubs that will produce billowing clouds of flowers from late winter to spring with such abundance that…

Pink Summer Flowers

January 28, 2021 10:54 am Published by

Summer gardens are potentially the brightest and showiest of all the seasons. Plant growth is rapid and the results are…

Lysimachia nummularia edging plants

Border Charmers

December 17, 2020 4:40 pm Published by

Edging Plants to Complement Good edging plants that either calmly complement or create a bright colour contrast are just what…

topiary

How to Create a Topiary

December 17, 2020 4:03 pm Published by

Ready-made topiaries are much admired but fairly expensive. Luckily it is not too difficult to create your own topiary at…

Smart bordering

September 25, 2020 2:55 pm Published by

Compact plants can be used in rich swathes of colour and texture in the foreground of shrub beds that need…

abelia

Abelias: The A to B’s

May 7, 2020 4:12 pm Published by

Abelias are invariably the very first plant listed in most plant books and nursery catalogues. The genus includes some 30…

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Callistemon

December 2, 2019 11:52 am Published by

Citrinus Little John, Bottlebrush, Hot Pink, Endeavour A beginner gardener who cannot decide which flowering shrub to buy, won’t regret…

Grow Fuchsias From Cuttings

October 21, 2019 10:24 am Published by

Fuchsias, with their beautiful and exotic flowers, are perfect additions to summer gardens, patio pots and hanging baskets. Don’t forget…

Russelia equisetiformis

January 16, 2019 8:57 am Published by

‘Firecracker’ This vibrant plant, Russelia Equisetiformis, is made up of clusters of scarlet tubular flowers; resembling small firecrackers, that provide…

Beat the heat

January 15, 2019 11:55 am Published by

Help your Roses to Keep their Cool • Hot nights bother the roses more than the heat during the day.…

Hibiscus Graff

December 12, 2018 9:15 am Published by

Hibiscus Graff is a new species of an improved Hibiscus series, with longer lasting flowers. The series formerly known as…

Everlasting

February 14, 2018 1:29 pm Published by

A pretty, flowering everlasting, and a collection of bright succulents, were the inspiration for this colourful pot. I wanted to…

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Pot some Azaleas

February 8, 2018 3:26 pm Published by

Rhododendrons, or Azaleas as they are referred to here in South Africa, are amongst the most beautiful of all flowering…

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Tweedia caerulea

January 12, 2018 2:39 pm Published by

Tweedia Caerulea (also known as Amblyopetalum or Oxypetalum Caeruleum). This is an untidy, rambling, scrambling little sub-shrub from Uruguay that…

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Santolina chamaecyparissus

January 11, 2018 1:15 pm Published by

Cotton Lavender A compact-growing shrub with fine, feathery white or grey leaves of short and slender stature. Golden flower heads…

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Searsia crenata

January 11, 2018 1:11 pm Published by

Dune Crowberry The Searsia Crenata is a spreading and stocky coastal plant with a rounded shape. It survives against all…

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Senecio elegans

January 11, 2018 1:02 pm Published by

Wild Cineraria Senecio is a member of the Asteraceae (daisy) family, which is the second largest family of flowering plants…

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Serruria florida

January 11, 2018 12:59 pm Published by

Blushing Bride, Pride of Franschhoek First recorded in 1773, the Serruria Florida, a well-known plant belonging to the Proteaceae family,…

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Solanum Rantonnetii

January 11, 2018 12:54 pm Published by

In the days when we quickly had to order a few flowering shrubs to fill the instant colour aisles of…

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Sutherlandia frutescens

January 11, 2018 12:36 pm Published by

Cancer Bush, Kankerbossie, Gansies Sutherlandia Frutescens, a small shrub, which can be upright or semi-decumbent (the stems grow parallel to…

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Rhaphiolepis x delacourii

January 11, 2018 12:04 pm Published by

Indian Hawthorn Rhaphiolepis x delacourii is an evergreen shrub with medium- sized, tough, leathery leaves that are dark green, sometimes…

Rothmannia globosa

January 11, 2018 11:58 am Published by

September Bells Rothmannia globosa is decorative ornamental shrub or small tree grows to a height of 6 m in a…

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Pentas lanceolata

January 8, 2018 2:05 pm Published by

Pentas lanceolata, also known as Egyptian star cluster, was for many years part and parcel of most frost-free suburban gardens.…

Photinia x fraseri

January 8, 2018 1:52 pm Published by

Photinia x fraseri is guaranteed to bring a blast of colour to hedges. The foliage is the main feature on this…

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Phygelius aequalis hybrids

January 8, 2018 1:50 pm Published by

The nectar-rich flowers of these charming indigenous Phygelius Aequalis hybrids attract sun birds whilst lending a splash of colour to…

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Pieris japonica

January 8, 2018 1:44 pm Published by

Japanese Lily of the Valley Bush Pieris Japonica is an evergreen shrub with a compact growth habit. It is clothed…

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Psychotria capensis

January 8, 2018 1:21 pm Published by

Black Bird Berry Psychotria capensis is one of the most useful plants in a garden because it can be grown…

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Orphium frutescens

January 8, 2018 12:44 pm Published by

Sea Rose Orphium Frutescens is a small, erect-stemmed shrub (growing to 90 cm tall) with bright green, leathery leaves. It…

Otacanthus caeruleus

January 8, 2018 12:38 pm Published by

Little Boy Blue The Little Boy Blue is a sub-tropical, low-growing shrub from Brazil attains a height of about one…

melaleuca alternifolia

Melaleuca alternifolia

January 8, 2018 10:57 am Published by

The Tree of Health The tea tree is an incredibly powerful medicinal plant, and beautiful too. There’s a lovely, peaceful…

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Melianthus major 

January 8, 2018 10:48 am Published by

Honey Flower (Kruidjie-Roer-my-Nie) The Honey Flower is a bushy evergreen shrub that can grow up to 2 metres high is…

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Malus ­oribunda

January 8, 2018 10:31 am Published by

Japanese Crab Apple Malus Oribunda is a small, deciduous tree that is smothered in delicate blossoms during spring. The deep,…

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Leptospermum scoparium

January 8, 2018 8:57 am Published by

‘Cherry Brandy’ Miniature Tea Bush Leptospermum scoparium, with their dark, plum-coloured leaves and dense foliage of the miniature tea bush…

Limonium perezii

January 8, 2018 8:42 am Published by

Sea Lavender or Statice A member of the Plumbago family (Plumbaginaceae), there are over 600 species of Limonium from around…

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Lonicera x americana

January 8, 2018 8:29 am Published by

Honeysuckle Lonicera, or Honeysuckles as they are commonly called, are found growing naturally in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere.…

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Leonotis leonurus

January 8, 2018 8:17 am Published by

‘Minaret Flower’, Wild Dagga, Wildedagga Leonotis Leonurus is a very important traditional medicinal plant that has a naturally wide distribution…

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Japanese Azaleas

December 21, 2017 2:01 pm Published by

The Kurume group of evergreen Azaleas were bred in Japan for their cold tolerance, clusters of small flowers in spring and tiny…

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Justicia brandegeeana

December 21, 2017 1:59 pm Published by

Shrimp Plant Justicia Brandegeeana is another old favourite that needs more recognition as a good garden plant. The flowers are…

Iberis sempervirens

December 21, 2017 1:22 pm Published by

Evergreen Candytuft or Perennial Candytuft Iberis sempervirens is a charming little plant for cold, frosty gardens. This Perennial Candy Tuft forms low…

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Ilex Crenata Hedges

December 21, 2017 1:17 pm Published by

Box-leaved Holly Formal gardens have been fashionable around the world since the times of early civilisations and still today they…

hebenstretia

Hebenstretia dura

December 20, 2017 11:16 am Published by

Cat’s Tail Hebenstretia Dura (family: Scrophulariaceae) is found from the Eastern Cape to the Northern Province. It is a hardy…

heliotrope

Heliotropium arborescens

December 20, 2017 11:09 am Published by

Garden Heliotrope  Another striking plant in all its glory at this time of the year is the continuously- flowering Heliotrope,…

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Hibiscus syriacus

December 20, 2017 10:40 am Published by

Rose of Sharon, Rose Mallow and St Joseph’s Rod Hibiscus Syriacus is certainly one of the most spectacular of all the…

Hydrangea quercifolia

December 20, 2017 10:06 am Published by

Oakleaved Hydrangea Hydrangea Quercifolia originated from the Southern states of the USA as opposed to the common mop-head Hydrangeas, which…

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Hypoestes aristata

December 20, 2017 10:00 am Published by

Ribbon Bush or Purple Haze Hypoestes Aristata, more commonly known as the Ribbon Bush or Purple Haze, is an evergreen…

Grewia Occidentalis

December 20, 2017 8:15 am Published by

Cross-Berry The Cross Berry forms a shrub or small tree that grows up to 3 metres tall and 2 metres…

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Fortunella japonica

December 19, 2017 10:28 am Published by

The ‘Kumquat’ Tree The ‘Kumquat’ is a most useful and versatile plant that bears  attractive fruit. It’s neat, compact growth…

Ficus trichopoda

December 19, 2017 10:25 am Published by

Hippopotamus Fig or Swamp Fig From a bird-attracting perspective, this wild fig species ranks amongst the very best of the…

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Felicia amelloides

December 19, 2017 10:22 am Published by

Kingfisher Daisy This is a little gem from our local shores. Felicia plants grow into sprawling or cascading sub-shrubs up…

Dichroa versicolor

December 18, 2017 1:09 pm Published by

Evergreen Hydrangea Dichroa Versicolor – the ‘Evergreen Hydrangea’ – is a close relative of the Hydrangea and originates from China,…

Dissotis canescens

December 18, 2017 1:00 pm Published by

The cosmopolitan family Melastomataceae is a very large group of more than 3 000 species of perennials, climbers, shrubs and…

desert spoon

Dasylirion wheeleri

December 18, 2017 12:35 pm Published by

Desert Spoon The Desert Spoon has a thick, short trunk. The leaves are a cool, grey colour with spiky, dry,…

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Duranta

December 18, 2017 12:14 pm Published by

The genus Duranta includes a number of tree and shrub species that originate in the tropical Americas and include many…

jade plant

Crassula ovata

December 15, 2017 12:45 pm Published by

Jade Plant The Crassula Ovata, or Jade Plant is an upright-growing, multiple-branched, shrubby succulent that can grow up to 2m…

choisya ternata

Choisya ternata

December 15, 2017 12:16 pm Published by

Mexican Orange Blossom The Choisya Ternata is a compact, evergreen shrub with a neat and tidy growth habit attaining an…

chinese plumbago

Ceratostigma willmottianum

December 15, 2017 12:14 pm Published by

Chinese Plumbago Ceratostigma Willmottianum, or Chinese Plumbago, is a deciduous shrub originating from the western parts of China and has…

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Acokanthera oppositifolia

December 14, 2017 11:25 am Published by

Bushman’s Poison Acokanthera Oppositifolia is an evergreen shrub with dark green leaves. It grows to a height of 3 metres,…

bauhinia

Bauhinia

December 14, 2017 11:21 am Published by

Galpinii, Bowkerii, Tomentosa and Petersiana Pride of de Kaap The Bauhinia belongs to one of the world’s largest plant families,…

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Artemisia Afra

December 14, 2017 10:53 am Published by

Wild Wormwood, Wildeals Wild Wormwood is a highly aromatic, many-branched and bushy upright perennial shrub. Artemisia Afra can grow up…

Aloysia triphylla

December 13, 2017 2:49 pm Published by

Lemon Verbena Lemon Verbena is a popular shrub that was introduced into Western horticulture from Chile and Argentina as long…

acalypha

Acalypha wilkesiana

December 13, 2017 2:32 pm Published by

Copperleaf or Calico bush The Acalypha is the mainstay of so many coastal and sub-tropical gardens in the country. Acalyphas…

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Abelia x grandiflora

December 13, 2017 2:22 pm Published by

Dwarf Glossy Abelia Formal gardens have been fashionable around the world since the times of early civilisations and still today…

Rosa banksiae

November 20, 2017 3:37 pm Published by

Yellow Banksian Rose ‘Lutea’ The Banksiae Rose is a garden favourite around the globe. It originates in West and Central…

klapperbos

Nymania capensis

November 20, 2017 2:11 pm Published by

Chinese Lantern or Klapperbos Perhaps best known by the Afrikaans common name, Klapperbos, Nymania Capensis is an upright shrub, or…

Myrtus communis

November 20, 2017 2:06 pm Published by

Compacta, Dwarf Myrtle, Myrtle A well-known healing herb, Myrtus Communis, which is more often referred to simply as ‘Myrtle’, is…

Melaleuca bracteata

November 20, 2017 1:54 pm Published by

Revolution Gold, Golden Honey Myrtle, Johannesburg Gold Affectionately known as ‘Johannesburg Gold’ by most gardeners, this has to be the most…

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Barleria Species

November 15, 2017 11:16 am Published by

Barleria Greenii, Wild Bush Petunia If you have never had the pleasure of seeing the Barleria Greenii in full bloom…

Autumn Gardening

April 19, 2017 11:53 am Published by

AUTUMN – a busy time of year for gardening enthusiasts! The crisp morning air and longer nights is a sign…

Rosa ‘White Iceberg’

January 18, 2016 8:55 am Published by

A gardening book that discusses bestsellers and favourites would be incomplete if it did not include the iconic White Iceberg…

tecoma capensis

Tecoma Capensis

January 18, 2016 6:23 am Published by

Expect a lively concert from the garden wildlife if, perchance, you end up alongside a Tecoma Capensis, or Cape Honeysuckle…

Tanacetum vulgare

January 18, 2016 6:18 am Published by

Tansy Tanacetum Vulgare is an aromatic perennial that is evergreen and frost tolerant. With its grey-green, finely divided, ferny foliage…

Syzygium pondoense

January 15, 2016 11:20 am Published by

Pondo Water Wood Syzygium Pondoense (Pondo Water Wood) is a scarce indigenous species, but with a bit of luck you…

Syzygium paniculatum

Syzygium paniculatum

January 15, 2016 11:09 am Published by

Syzygium Paniculatum is a well-known garden shrub with a multitude of uses. It is evergreen, has dense foliage, and grows rapidly…

Stachys byzantine

January 15, 2016 7:33 am Published by

Lamb’s Ear Children and adults alike are fascinated with the soft texture of Lamb’s Ear, it immediately attracts people to…

Serruria hybrid

January 14, 2016 12:17 pm Published by

‘Tannie Evita’ The name says it all; Serruria hybrid is undoubtedly amongst the loveliest Blushing Bride. Serrurias belong to the…

Selago corymbosa

January 14, 2016 11:57 am Published by

Plant: Selago Corymbosa Type: Dainty shrub, 60cm.Form: Upright growth with feathery foliage.Flowers: A fine mist of delicate lacy white flowers…

Rhus crenata

January 14, 2016 8:38 am Published by

Dune Crowberry The Rhus crenata resembles a bamboo with thick clumps with slender side branches and delicate rosettes of foliage…

Rhamnus prinoides

January 14, 2016 8:32 am Published by

Dogwood or Blinkblaar Rhamnus prinoides are bushy with shiny dark green foliage. Its small greenish, insect-attracting flowers are followed by fleshy…

Osteospermum

September 1, 2015 12:31 pm Published by

Osteospermum are very popular late winter and early spring bedding plants, commonly known as Cape Daisies. Many daisy-like plants have…

Myrtaceae family

September 1, 2015 11:52 am Published by

Myrtle Myrtaceae is a large family of mainly trees and shrubs, including the Myrtle, with over a hundred different genera,…

Murraya exotica

August 31, 2015 9:26 am Published by

 Orange Jasmine The dark green glossy leaves make the Orange Jasmine shrub attractive even when not in flower, but the…

dwaba berry

Monanthotaxis caffra

August 31, 2015 8:53 am Published by

Dwaba Berry,  Dwababessie Type: Medium shrub, 2m.Form: Woody scrambler with sparse foliage.Flowers: Insignificant cream flowers, from December to March.Why plant…

Mackaya bella

August 25, 2015 6:24 am Published by

River Bells Mackaya bella, commonly called River Bells, this evergreen shrub grows naturally under trees and close to water. Hence…

Leucadendron tinctum

August 17, 2015 8:56 am Published by

Bergroos, Spicy Conebush One of the most appealing features of this greatly under-utilised Leucadendron Tinctum is the strong spicy aroma…

Leucadendron sessile

August 17, 2015 8:54 am Published by

Sun Conebush Forming a neat rounded shrub that grows up to 1,5m high, this easily-grown species of Leucadendron sessile has…

Leucadendrons

August 17, 2015 8:48 am Published by

We were looking for the most colourful foliage to plant and asked fynbos grower, Arnelia, to identify the five top…

Jasminum polyanthum

July 31, 2015 7:32 am Published by

Pink Jasmine Chances are that if there’s a lovely, sweet fragrance wafting over from the neighbour’s garden at this time…

Jasminum multipartitum

July 29, 2015 12:59 pm Published by

Starry Wild Jasmine Type: Evergreen Jasminum shrub up to 3m. Form: Creeping or bushy (train long shoots can be trained…

Helichrysum petiolare

July 28, 2015 6:41 am Published by

Silver-Bush Everlasting Flower, Licorice-Plant, Liquorice Plant, Trailing Dusty Miller and Kooigoed The Helichrysum Petiolare is an indigenous, shrubby plant with woolly, grey…

freylinia tropica

Freylinia Tropica

July 14, 2015 7:52 am Published by

Blue Freylinia, Waterberg Bell-Bush, Blue Splash, Blue Honey-Bell Freylinia Tropica with its delicate foliage and light mauve to pretty blue…

Euphorbia pulcherrima

June 8, 2015 11:08 am Published by

Poinsettia Euphorbia Pulcherrima is a deciduous large shrub or small tree that has rich green leaves with dentate (toothed) margins.…

euonymus japonicus

Euonymus Japonicus Microphyllus

June 8, 2015 11:03 am Published by

Japanese Euonymus, Dwarf Japanese Spindle, ‘Gold Dust’, ‘Aureus’ Euonymus Japonicus ‘Microphyllus’ is a rounded, very compact shrub with small, glossy…

Dodonaea angustifolia

May 11, 2015 8:19 am Published by

  Sand Olive A Dodonaea Angustifolia, or Sand Olive, is a large shrub which grows fast and can handle wind and…

Diospyros whyteana

May 8, 2015 7:57 am Published by

 Bladdernut The Bladdernut is one of those small trees with so many uses in both small and larger gardens. Its…

dahlias

Dazzling dahlias

April 23, 2015 6:58 am Published by

Isn’t it strange how some flowers just go out of fashion, for no good reason? That’s been the fate of…

flamenco samba

Cuphea llavea

April 20, 2015 9:02 am Published by

Flamenco Samba The Flamenco Samba is a lovely compact shrub of around 40 x 60cm and flowers prolifically, bearing cherry…

Convolvulus cneorum

March 27, 2015 10:06 am Published by

 Silver Bush Silver Bush is a low-growing, compact shrub with silky, silver leaves that have an iridescent sheen. White, tubular,…

coleonema

Coleonema Species

March 26, 2015 12:57 pm Published by

There are two species of Coleonema that feature prominently in most South African gardens. Coleonema Pulchellum, or the white confetti…

Clerodendrum nutans

March 26, 2015 10:46 am Published by

 Nodding Clerodendrum, Bridal Veil There is no need to mourn the end of summer when splendid autumn flowerers like Clerodendrum Nutans…

Clausena anisata

March 26, 2015 10:40 am Published by

Horsewood Type:Medium Shrub, 3 to 5m.Form: Multi-stemmed and slender, with fine glossy foliage.Flowers: Bunches of small creamy-yellow ‘stars’ with pronounced…

camellia

Camellia

March 25, 2015 7:34 am Published by

Japonica, Common Camellia or Japanese Camellia, Sasanqua, Camellia Japonica has dark green, lustrous, leathery leaves and its size varies according to…

Amaranthus caudatus

August 22, 2014 10:02 am Published by

Love-Lies-Bleeding, Pendant Amaranth,Tassel Flower, Velvet Flower, Foxtail Amaranth, Quilete A much-loved, ancient food, the Amaranth has literally become a worldwide weed,…

nandina

Nandina domestica

August 21, 2014 7:07 pm Published by

Nandina, Heavenly Bamboo, Sacred Bamboo For Autumn colour there is nothing to beat Nandina Domestica and its cousins. The lacy leaves change…

Indigofera jucunda

August 21, 2014 6:21 pm Published by

Indigofera jucunda is a small tree or scrambling shrub with spikes of small pink or white scented flowers on spikes…

Buddleja Saligna

August 21, 2014 10:27 am Published by

White Olive Use the hardy Buddleja Saligna, a fast-growing small tree or large shrub, as a windbreak or hedge in…

Bersama Lucens

August 21, 2014 9:20 am Published by

Glossy White Ash Type: Small tree, 4m. Form: Compact multi-stemmed tree, prominent foliage. Flowers: Spikes of small, greenish flowers, from…

Berberis ‘Golden Ring’

August 21, 2014 9:15 am Published by

Japanese Barberry This splendid foliage shrub is a specially selected form of the Japanese Barberry, Berberis Thunbergii Fatropurpurea. It has many…

argyranthemum

Argyranthemum frutescens

August 18, 2014 11:21 am Published by

Crazy Daisy, Bush Daisy, Marguerite Daisy, Starlight Red, Summersong White For quick colour, few plants beat the old-fashioned daisy bush,…

The Gardener