Osteospermum sp.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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If you are looking to add some color to your garden, the Osteospermum sp. (Trailing African Daisy) is an excellent choice. Native to Southern Africa, this groundcover and low-growing small plant thrives in full sun and moderate water conditions. This small plant grows to a maximum of two to five feet and can be grown in USDA zones 9-11. With its daisy-like blooms coming in a variety of shades, including pink, white and off-white, blue, lavender and purple, and yellow and orange, you can create a colorful and vibrant display. Furthermore, the African Daisy is attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, adding to the overall beauty of your garden.

The Trailing African Daisy is easy to look after and rarely suffers from pests or diseases. It is best suited for covering large open areas of level or sloping ground and grows to a maximum of two to five feet. It prefers rich soil and full sun, and established plants can cope with droughts. As well as this, the long, trailing stems of the African Daisy quickly spread across the soil, creating a beautiful carpet with leaves 1 to 2 inches long. This plant can also be grown in retaining walls or containers, and offers a graceful draping effect.

For those living in colder regions, the African Daisy does not require much maintenance and can easily be grown in a pot. Be sure to pot it in a rich, well-drained soil and place it in a sunny spot. Ensure the pot is well-watered throughout the growing season, taking extra care that it does not dry out. Apply an organic fertilizer once during the season, giving the plant the nutrients required for flower production. If grown in a pot, the African Daisy can be brought indoors for winter and placed near a sunny window.

Pachyrhizus erosus

The vines will climb for five meters, the eatable caudex grow up to 30 centimetres in diameter. The flowers are deep violet to white. More often, roots are round and beet-shaped with a distinctive taproot. The edible portion is the starchy root , which is eaten raw or cooked.

Paliavana tenuiflora

Paliavana is separated from the closely related genus Sinningia by the absence of tubers.

Paphiopedilum sp.

More than 60 species. They are magnificent orchids and both the species and the hybrids have always formed a major part of good collections. They have a fascinating array of colors and forms and their ease of culture has attracted lifelong admirers. All Paphiopedilum are characterised by both a cup-like lip called the pouch, and a prominent dorsal sepal. They are often called slipper orchids which refers to the shape of this pouch. The plants are mostly terrestrials, although some, like Paphiopedilum lowii may be found growing epiphytically, (on trees) or lithophytically, (on rocks) They are dwarf to moderate sized with leaves that are stiff, waxy or leathery and range from a glossy green to beautifully mottled. The leaves usually form a fan-shaped tuft. An erect scape, bearing one or more flowers, arises from the centre of each new growth. The flowers are from 2" to 5" across in a variety and mixture of colors and may last perfectly on the plant for six weeks or more. The major blooming season is from mid-autumn onwards although variations occur. Require reasonably cool nights, particularly in the spring when they will be setting their buds for the autumn flowering season. Although this need makes them difficult to manage in warm areas, their low light requirement makes it possible to keep them cool by shading. See Orchid page for pictures of different orchids and care info.

Passiflora 'Amethyst'

Beautiful amethyst colored flowers, freely flowering all year round with a few short breaks. Good houseplant in a well lit window, put out for the summer months. Nicely branching plant.