Pot plants should receive some attention this month. The plant can be removed from its pot by tapping it gently, in an inverted position, and gently easing it from the pot.
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If the root system has become entangled and congested, some of the roots should be removed, using a sharp knife. The plant can then be placed into a slightly larger pot to which has been added a good quality potting mix. Water the pot well by placing it into a bucket of water until bubbles cease to come to the surface.
The application of a very weak soluble fertiliser or seaweed based solution will assist the plant to make new roots and grow successfully.
WAX BLOOMS
Geraldton Wax plants are displaying the attractive blooms now. Plants that have white, pink or purple flowers are available.
Cutting the flowers for indoor decoration will provide a form of pruning for the plant, helping it to avoid the development of bare, woody growth. Stems of flowers that have been picked will last for quite a considerable time in a vase, provided the water in the vase is replenished with fresh water on a regular basis.
Geraldton Wax plants are a useful addition to the garden as they provide flowers from early winter through to late spring. Some gardeners experience difficulties in establishing a Geraldton Wax plant. However, if their main requirement of good drainage is met, they usually grow quite successfully.
KALANCHOES
Succulents are mainly grown for their colourful foliage which can be quite ornamental and create dramatic landscaping effects when mass planted in the garden or in containers.
They are some of the most water-efficient plants that a gardener can include in their garden as they require very little watering, even in the warmer summer months. An additional benefit from many succulents is that they produce bright, showy flowers, often in late winter and early spring.
Some flowers cover the plant in a mass of colour, while others produce taller stems that feature bell-shaped flowers, often in the colours of red, yellow and orange.
One particular group of succulents that is in full bloom now is the kalanchoe. Kalanchoes produce flowers in red, orange, white, yellow and pink. Once the bright flowers have finished, a dead stalk will remain.
This should be removed from the plant. Kalanchoes perform best in a soil that is free-draining. They make good specimens when grown in pots, but they are also most effective when used as garden borders.
GOING NATIVE
A number of native plants are coming into full bloom now, both in the garden and in the bush that surrounds our residential areas.
Hardenbergia, also known as False Sarsparilla or Purple Coral Pea, is a member of the pea family and produces masses of dark purple pea flowers to accompany the dark green leathery leaves. It flowers best when planted in well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Regular pruning will help to keep the plant, which is a natural climber, more compact. Hardenbergia “Happy Wanderer” is the variety most commonly grown, although other varieties, with colour variations are available. It is well suited to cover a fence or bank.
Grevilleas are also beginning to display their attractive flowers. Those growing in bush areas are more often the “spider” type of flower, so called because of the nature of the individual blooms.
While these types of plants are also available for home gardens, hybrid varieties, with large flowers are more commonly selected.
Grevilleas are available in a range of colours including red, cream, mauve, pink and orange. New varieties are constantly being bred and released for public purchase. Many of these are the result of crossing different varieties. When selecting plants for the garden, in addition to selecting the colour, consider the height that the plant will reach, as well as growth habit and leaf style.
With the increasing number of varieties available, the gardener will can select plants that suit their requirements. The result will be an abundance of colourful flowers that are very attractive to native birds.
Many bottlebrushes (Callistemons) are also beginning to form their flowering buds. These will soon display flowers in a variety of colours. Like grevilleas, bottlebrush are also available to suit a wide variety of situations and purposes. A green form, Callistemon viridiflorus, produces strong flowers in an unusual green colour.
Bottlebrush are very tough and will grow in many areas, including damper areas of the garden and grow from prostrate forms right through to large shrubs and small trees.
Australian native paper daisies create bright, attractive displays when they have been included in the home landscaping plan, particularly when covering a wide, open area. They have had a couple of botanical name changes and are now known as Xerochrysum bracteatum.
These plants generally produce flowers in white and shades of yellow, although some new varieties may have red, purple or orange flowers. They are short lived perennials, with plants lasting for up to three years.
Although they may give the impression of being quite drought tolerant, regular watering will assist in maintaining healthy plants. They should be planted into gritty well-drained soil in a position of full sun.
