Lets Garden – 6 June 2014

Chilly offshore winds, big surf with crystal clear water and Aloe Tharaskii’s (Dune Aloe) pushing out buds is a sure sign that winter is upon us here on the North Coast.

Some other varieties of aloes are also producing buds and flowers. Aloes provide bright colour over the winter months when most other plants are waiting for spring and slightly warmer conditions.

Aloe Ferox are robust plants with a height of about two metres and have bright orange/red flowers from May to August. If you are heading north on the N2 freeway just past the Tongaat toll plaza you can see the striking effect of these aloes growing on the steep banks next to the side of the road.

Another little gem from northern KZN is Aloe Suprafoliata. This small stemless aloe 40cm x 40cm initially has its leaves stacked on top of each other in two neat rows.

This resembles the pages of an open book, hence the common name book aloe.

When this aloe grows and matures the leaves start turning giving it a spiral appearance. Bright pink/red flowers are borne from May through to July.

Bougainvilleas are another reliable beauty that always brightens and illuminates areas over winter.

When planting bouganvilleas remember their roots do not like to be disturbed.

Always carefully tear or slit the bag keeping the soil around the roots i.e. maintain the shape of the bag. Lots of sun and a feed of 3.1.5 slow release fertiliser every six to eight weeks will ensure impressive flowering results whether they are in pots or in the ground.

Erythrina Lysistemon or common Coral Trees have also started to make a spectacular show with their bright red/orange flowers. This medium sized deciduous tree which grows to about 10m attracts many species of birds including hole nesting birds because of its soft wood. These trees are easy to grow from seed, cuttings or truncheons making them a popular and rewarding tree.

Happy gardening

Bruce