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GARDENING

Clivia

Clivia miniata (bush lily)
Although actually tuberous rhizomes,
Clivias are classified as bulbous plants.

The natural habitat is south-facing slopes,
Amaryllis under trees or on top of shady rocky areas.
They are semi-epiphytic plants (air plants)
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) spot in partial light shade, and should be and the roots grow in leaf litter or similar
Do not confuse Hippeastrum with our planted in well-drained soil. Do not disturb growth medium. The large, fleshy white

indigenous Amaryllis belladonna (March the bulb and remember to mark the spot roots give Clivia plants excellent drought
lily). Although both belong to the same during the dormant period. Propagation resistance and provide nutrient storage.

family, they require different growing can be done by removing offsets from the

conditions and flower at different times mother bulb or they can be propagated Recreate their natural soil conditions

of the year. Hippeastrum are easy and from seed. and your Clivia plants will flourish. When
rewarding bulbs to grow. Originally from Clivias are grown in containers, potting
South America, they need moist, warm Nerine bowdenii (pink nerine) soil marked as Coarse Potting Mix will be

growing conditions to grow well. Within six This lovely autumn-flowering deciduous suitable for mature plants and Seedling
weeks after planting, the bulb will produce bulb is very hardy, suitable as a container Mix can be used for Clivia seedlings.

a tall flower spike. The plant will continue plant or massed bedding plant and is often

to flower during summer for years to come. used for cut flowers. The sturdy flower stem The plants are evergreen, flower in spring,
(My pink Hippeastrum bulbs have been can reach up to 70cm. The bulb prefers full and hybrids in yellow, white and different

growing in the same spot in the garden for sun to partial shade but will grow better in shades of orange are available.
seven years.) colder areas of Gauteng in moist, compost-
rich soil. The bulbs need to be planted Do not remove the leaves under trees
Tuberous Begonias close together (5cm apart) to achieve good where Clivias are planted as these leaves
As flowering shade plants, these are star results. Do not disturb the bulb and keep are an essential part of the growth Change With Autumn in the air and the seasons

With Autumn in the air and the seasons
performers. Begonias will grow best in dry during the dormant phase. Propagate medium. Propagation by division should
changing, why not change your scenery?

morning sun and afternoon shade. Keep new plants from offsets or fresh seed. The be done without damaging or cutting the changing, why not change your scenery?
And watch the breathtaking Outeniqua
water away from the leaves when irrigating seeds germinate quickly, but seedlings will fleshy roots. Treat the roots with fungicide And watch the breathtaking Outeniqua

and be careful of overwatering the plants. take a few seasons to flower. before replanting to prevent root rot. Mountains turn golden from your own

Mountains turn golden from your own
Tuberous Begonias are neat, often perennial your scenery
back garden. Change your scenery at
plants and will flower throughout summer. Pink nerine back garden. Change your scenery at

Mont Fleur Mountain Estate in George,
Crocosmia (falling stars) in George Mont Fleur Mountain Estate in Geor ge ,
Western Cape.
In SA, we have eight indigenous species Western Cape.

in different shades of orange. The bulbs
prefer moist, semi-shaded spots in the

garden. The tall flower stalks will grow
70 to 90cm in height and would be better Stands now available from R475 000

suited at the back of a mixed flower bed.
The flowering season is from December to

March and the flowers combine well with
Agapanthus. The plants are evergreen in
warmer areas. Crocosmia are excellent Fine & Country George
cut flowers and the seeds are easy to +27 (0)44 382 0155

germinate, but seedlings will take at least
two seasons to flower. george@fineandcountry.com

Eucomis (pineapple lily)
This is a very hardy deciduous bulb that
grows from spring to autumn. The unusual

sweet-scented flowers, on tall, heavy stalks
and ranging in shades from cream to
pink, are impressive. Due to this flowering

habit, the plants need a wind-protected
8 Kyalami Estates • CONNECT • Issue 2 • 2019