Knowing which plants thrive in various seasons is essential for crafting captivating landscapes.  Featured below are two of our favourite plants guaranteed to enhance local outdoor spaces with their stunning vibrant colours through the winter months:  Lecopermums (Pincushions) and Aloes.

Leucospermums (Pincushions)

Pincushions originate largely from the Western Cape, but have proved to be excellent garden plants in many parts of the country including, Pietermaritzburg and the surrounding areas. Follow the correct planting and aftercare procedures and your garden can be filled with a spectacular array of these lovely shrubs.

Full sun and well drained, acidic soil are vital. Water the plants well after planting for the first 1 to 2 years. Thereafter, they pretty much take care of themselves. Mulch with a layer of pine bark. Do not apply any fertiliser at any stage. Never dig around or disturb the roots. Prune back after flowering.

5 Incentives to plant Leucospermums (Pincushions):

• They’re uniquely South African flowers
• They bloom in winter and early spring
• They provide long lasting cut flowers for the vase
• They attract sunbirds to the nectar rich flowers
• They need little care and attention once established

Aloes

In many parts of the country, aloes are one of the most noticeable plants in the winter landscape. Most of our local indigenous aloes and many new hybrids bloom during May, June and July, bringing life and colour to gardens and natural areas. Bright flowers rich in nectar entice birds and insects to visit in their hoards. Few other plants play such a vital role in sustaining the health and well-being of so many creatures during cold winter months.

Winter is the ideal time for planting new aloes into the garden. Selecting new plants whilst they’re in bloom allows for personal preferences to be taken care of.  Aloes are tough, hardy plants that suffer little or no transplant trauma, ensuring that they can be planted out whilst still in full bloom. There are all sorts of shapes, sizes and colours to look out for. A new range of miniature aloes is becoming all the rage these days. They’re ideal for pots, containers and smaller dish gardens.

5 Incentives to Plant Aloes

• They’re drought-tolerant and water-wise
• They provide year-round interest in the garden
• They attract wildlife to the garden
• They provide erosion control
• They’re low maintenance once established