Riocreuxia sp.

Most species in this genus are herbaceous climbers.

In Riocreuxia the corolla is cage-like as in Ceropegia.

Rosa (double flower)

The Rose is the most popular garden flower. Highly valued for its form, fragrance and endless variety of color. Tremendous progress has been made in raising new varieties by crossbreeding and selection. New types have arisen; the season of blooming has been prolonged to such an extent that many modern varieties (including climbers) bloom intermittently or in some instances continuously throughout the summer and autumn months. Only a severe frost puts an end to their blooming season. The species of wild Roses are classed under Rosa and a few hybrids that resemble wild kinds, but for garden purposes, the remaining types are grouped in various ways: according to their habits of growth; according to their ancestry; according to the manner in which they are grafted, budded or trained; and in a number of other ways. These groups are not always clear. They often overlap, but are generally convenient and practicable. It's important that the person interested in Roses be familiar with the different types of Roses even though he may not be able, at sight, to place any given Rose in a specific category. The basic of the Rose classes are: Hybrid Teas, Hybrid Perpetuals, Floribunda Roses, Polyanthas, Hybrid Sweetbriers, Miniature Roses, China Roses (Rosa chinensis semperflorens), French Roses (Rosa gallica), Damask Rose, Moss Rose, Shrub Roses, Rugosa Roses, etc. Roses need special care and diligence in the spring and early summer in fighting pests. The most important thing is having deep and rich soil. By digging deeply, adding manure and good loamy soil, Roses of high standard may be grown in any sunny garden. Whether the soil is light or heavy, deep digging is necessary. This consists of breaking up the subsoil or underlayer and replacing the top layer. Light sandy soil needs an addition of fibrous rooted turf that has been stacked for a year or two, with layers of farmyard manure between. Compost is also good. Generous amounts of rotted cow or horse manure is recommended. See Roses Page

Rudbeckia sp.

The flowers are produced in daisy-like inflorescences, with yellow or orange florets arranged in a prominent, cone-shaped head. Most Rudbeckia come in shades of yellow or orange, with a dark center seed head, but there are also russet, bronze and mahogany tones.

Keep plants well watered the first season, to get them established. Once established, the will be quite drought resistant.

Salpiglossis sinuata

This Chilean Native plant has its natural habitat at the foot slopes of the Andes Mountains and is sometimes found at the coastal cordillera, in full sun exposures and well drained soil. Salpiglossis is not widely known for such a beautiful annual. Related to the Petunia, the plants produced white, red, blue, yellow (and all colors inbetween)large flowers, with very contrasting veins of a different color.

In zone 9b it is an herbaceous perennial.

Salvia africana lutea

Salvia africana-lutea is an aromatic, hardy shrub with unusually colored flowers borne over a long period. It is fairly fast-growing, up to 2 m and very attractive to wildlife.

Flowering begins in early spring, and the bright yellow flowers soon fade to rusty-orange and then reddish brown. After the petals fall, the saucer-like calyx, which becomes papery with age, remains as an added attraction. The flowers are both attractive and a curiosity. The flowers contain a lot of sweet nectar which attracts bees and moths, and acts as an essential food supply for sunbirds, particularly when proteas are not flowering. The flowers are complimented by greyish-green, aromatic foliage.

This is an excellent choice for coastal gardens, as it prefers light, well-drained soil and full sun, tolerates strong winds, and is drought resistant. It has been cultivated successfully further inland and upcountry, as it is capable of resprouting from its rootstock it recovers suitably from frost damage, but preferably try to find it a warm sheltered spot in the garden if you live in a frosty area.

For more prolific growth, water well and give it plenty of compost/mulch. Brown salvia is easily propagated by stem cuttings, or seed sown in spring.