Page 16 - Dainfern Precinct Living 4 2021

GARDENING

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PLANTS LOOKING

GOOD THIS MONTH

SOURCE: RANDOM HARVEST INDIGENOUS NURSERY

1. Hypoestes aristata ‘Little Pink’ - Although this plant is not particularly 2
Pink Ribbon Bush long-lasting, it does seed itself
A hardy, evergreen, small- to readily so you will always have this
medium-sized, rounded shrub, the beautiful plant in your garden.
Pink Ribbon Bush has grey-green
leaves with lighter veins that give 3. Pavonia praemorsa - Yellow
them a slightly variegated look. From Pavonia
March to August, when very little else This is a hardy, evergreen, very
is in flower, it bears abundant flower attractive, medium-sized shrub with
spikes that are densely packed with shiny, roughly-textured, round leaves
two-lipped pink flowers with purple and purplish stems. It bears butter-
spots. It attracts butterflies and other yellow hibiscus-like flowers almost
insects, as well as insect-eating all year round. It attracts pollinating
birds in winter. Prune back severely insects to the garden. It is a beautiful
after flowering to keep in shape form plant and a most attractive
and promote flowering the following garden subject that grows in sun or
season. Plant in sun, shade or semi- semi-shade. Plant in well-drained, 3
shade. compost-rich soil and prune in early
spring to keep a compact shape.
2. Polygala virgata - Purple broom
This floriferous, slender shrub bears 4. Tecoma [=Tecomaria] capensis -
spikes of mauve to purple, pea- Cape-honeysuckle
like flowers at the tips of graceful This colourful, rambling shrub has
branches. The flowers attract a attractive, bright-green foliage. The
whole host of insects and solitary, beautiful, large spikes of funnel-
stingless bees. Plant in clusters in shaped orange, yellow, red or
a grassland garden or in amongst tangerine flowers are borne from
groundcovers and smaller shrubs. early spring, throughout summer and

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