We are well and truly into spring now and after some substantial rain and some warm days the garden is alive with lots of growth and hopefully lots of blooms.
Hydrangeas will now start to be available in the nursery. Once viewed as an old-fashioned garden plant they are coming back into popularity and being appreciated for their hardiness and beauty.
Hydrangeas put on a beautiful display from late spring through to summer. Their pom-pom like pink, blue or white blooms make excellent cut flowers. Plus, their large green leaves give a lush feeling that livens up shady parts of your garden.
Depending on the pH of your soil the flowers of your hydrangea may change. If your soil pH is more alkaline flowers will be pink, but if your soil pH is more acidic they will be blue.
Hydrangeas will grow best in composted, moist, well-drained soil. Plant in a part shade position and shelter from strong hot winds. Water deeply and mulch around their roots to keep them cool.
Pruning can be done any time from late summer after flowering has finished, right through to winter. Cut stems that flowered back to a pair of plump double buds.
For the more warm, sunnier spots in your garden, proteas, leucadendrons, and leucospermums are flowering now. They are good, low maintenance plants and are quite hardy.
Although originating from South Africa they are part of the Proteaceae family, like the Australian natives waratahs, banksias, hakeas and grevilleas.
Their flowers range from striking goblet-shapes to ones with fluffy centres and brightly coloured bracts. They flower mainly through late winter to spring. Being tough and hardy evergreen plants, they thrive in exposed positions with poor soils, and are both heat and cold tolerant.
Put them in an open, sunny position with well-drained soil as they don’t like wet feet. Planting them on a slope or mounded bed can help with drainage. Fertilise them with a low phosphorus fertiliser such as a specialised native plant food.
It is a good idea to prune them early on while they are establishing which will keep the plant neat and compact. Also a good prune after flowering is beneficial.
Roses are now in full bloom and to keep them looking great deadhead any spent flowers. Water once a week at the base of the plant to stop disease. Applying fertiliser will also help to keep your roses looking great and will promote more flowers. As the weather warms up and we get more humidity roses are susceptible to black spot. To treat, pick off the diseased leaves and throw them away and treat with a specialised rose spray.
- Article courtesy of Glenbrook Village Nursery, 20 Ross Street, Glenbrook
