Want your garden to look good for guests? Here are 10 plants that’ll brighten beds and containers over the holidays
1 Vincas
Modern vinca hybrids are bred to perform at the height of summer when the rest of the garden is wilting. They’re not only colourful, they are the real deal when it comes to water-wise planting. Vincas have richly coloured blooms offset by shiny green foliage that stay looking good even in the heat. Plant them in a sunny position about 20cm apart. Jams ‘n Jellies’ (pictured) come in a range of unique hues, while Titan boasts extra-large flowers.
2 Impatiens
Both New Guinea Impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri, which have large flowers and colourful foliage, and Busy Lizzies (I. walleriana) with their profusion of blooms, are invaluable for brightening shaded areas and for containers and hanging baskets. They are very undemanding; just keep the soil moist and fertilise lightly but regularly. Look out for New Guinea Divine, Celebrette and double Fiesta Bonita (pictured) bedding impatiens. In sunnier areas, plant SunPatiens.
3 Portulaca
This story is from the December 2017 edition of South African Garden and Home.
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This story is from the December 2017 edition of South African Garden and Home.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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