Baeckea ramosissima - Rosy Baeckea
Every garden has room for at least one or two of these little gems. There are different forms...either more upright, or more spreading....but the little shrub is usually much less than 1 m. high and 1/2 m wide. The fine stems bear dainty flowers from white to deep pink in winter and spring. The deep pink form is particularly attractive, and planting several colour forms together works well. A mounding form has brown calyx lobes, making it most attractive just prior to the flowers opening.
Wide range of habitats, coastal to sub-alpine ; sunny, part shade; extra watering, pruning; cottage gardens, hanging baskets.
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Hakea bakeriana
This shrub is not common in cultivation. It can reach 2 - 3 m and has stiff, bright green pine-like foliage which looks very fresh and attractive. One interesting characteristic of this Hakea is that it flowers on the older wood, with large spider-like clusters of pink to deep pink flowers. Flowering is from late autumn through winter. Its fruits are one of the largest of the genus, making them an attractive addition to the plant. This hakea develops a lignotuber which helps it survive a bushfire.
Central and North coast of N.S.W; semi-hardy; well-drained soil; good screening plant; nectar-seeking birds. |
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Viola hederacea - Ivy-leafed violet
This dainty spreading perennial herb only reaches to 10cm or less. Its lovely purple flowers and white flowers can be seen through much of the year. Bright green rounded to kidney-shaped leaves grow in tufts along layering and/or suckering stems.
All states; sheltered, damp areas, can become weedy. |
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Guichenotia macrantha - Large-flowered Guichenotia
This lovely soft-foliaged shrub will grow from 1-2 m. It bears mauve flowers to 2.5 cm in winter and early spring. It can provide a low screen if pruned to be a denser plant, or if it is allowed to develop naturally, the long arching branches will show off the large flowers to advantage.
South-west of W.A.; shady, well-drained soil, under established eucalypts; feature foliage - soft blue-grey leaves. |
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Billardiera bignoniacea - Orange Bell Climber
A slender wiry climber with red stems, this twiner will drape itself over and through shrubs or trellis for several metres. It is not vigorous although it can be fast growing at times and can be easily pruned. The delicate pale orange tipped, lemon bells hang from the creeper throughout the year, with peak flowering in spring and summer.
Grampians in Victoria and the Mount Lofty Ranges in South Australia; shady moist position with its roots amongst other plants; light twiner for a trellis. |
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