Page 40 - Waterfall Issue 6 2021

Waterfall Gardening

PLAnTs LooKInG

Good ThIs MonTh

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1. tabernaemontana elegans hedge. It’s also ideal for bird gardens. small shrub or bedding plant has lovely
– Toad Tree You can also use it as a container plant quilted leaves and carries its delightful
This wonderful small spreading, – but then do prune it regularly. pincushion-type flowers on long stalks
deciduous tree grows with an almost above the leaves. Plant in sun or semi-
flat top. It bears spikes of pure white, 3. Kalanchoe rotundifolia shade and prune lightly to keep in shape.
fragrant flowers. These are followed ‘signal Red’ – Common
by large, paired seed pods with white Kalanchoe 5. Cotyledon barbeyi – Plakkie
warts that look like the backs of toads There is nothing common about the A hardy, evergreen, branched, succulent
hence the common name. When the magnificent display of flowers this small shrub with finger-like, fleshy leaves, the
pods split, they reveal seeds embedded succulent plant will give you. The plant Plakkie is a great attraction to birds and
in edible pulp. Plant in sun or shade. grows to about 10cm but bears long bees. It bears masses of long-lasting,
This appealing tree is ideal for smaller spikes of red, yellow or orange flowers pendulous, satiny-red tubular flowers
gardens or in courtyards and containers. from March to December. Throughout in clusters at the tips of flowering stalks
the rest of the year the attractive red- from March to September. This drought-
2. scutia myrtina – Cat-Thorn edged leaves add colour and texture. hardy shrub makes a good addition
This large, rambling shrub is true to Plant in a grassland garden, or in to a succulent garden or rockery and
its name due to its hook thorns. It has amongst pebbles or small rocks in a is lovely in a container. Plant in well-
wonderful small, glossy leaves that succulent bed, in sun or semi-shade. It drained soil in full sun or semi-shade.
are almost mirror-like. The flowers are also makes a rewarding container plant.
small and quite nondescript, but they 6. Polygala virgata – Purple
are followed by masses and masses 4. Scabiosa africana – broom
of large berries that the birds love. Pincushion This floriferous, slender shrub bears
Plant in sun or light shade. The Cat- If you are looking for a plant with an spikes of mauve to purple pea-like
Thorn is perfect to train along the top exceptionally long flowering time that flowers at the tips of graceful branches.
of a wall to deter unwanted visitors, will attract masses of butterflies to your The flowers attract a whole host of
making it a good choice for a security garden, you need look no further. This insects and solitary, stingless bees. Plant

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38 Waterfall Issue 6 2021