lavender
pink boronia
isopogon
I am posting some pictures that Larry’s sister, Evelyn sent from Australia. You remember that they are in the southern hemisphere, so our seasons are opposite. They are having their spring while we are having our fall. Some will look familiar others not. I have included a description of each kind. Hope you enjoy. Stay safe and enjoy this warm fall weather we are having.
LAVENDAR
Lavender is a bushy, strong-scented perennial plant from the Mediterranean. In warmer regions, its gray to green foliage stays evergreen throughout the year, and the herb thrives in some of the toughest of garden condition. Here’s how to plant, grow, and harvest lavender in the garden.
Prized for its fragrance, medicinal properties, and beautiful bluish-purple color, Lavandula angustifolia is a valued plant across the world. It also attracts pollinators to the garden.
The plant is not picky and will survive in a wide range of soil, even poor soil. (It grows in the Mediterranean in craggy crevices!) Its main requirements are lots of sun and also good drainage.
Plant lavender along the entrance to your door, or near a seating area, or at the base of roses bushes to hide their sticky “legs” in the wintertime. Taken from https://www.almanac.com/plant/lavender
BORONIA
All these species are found in Australia, but here is the information about growing them.
Boronia shrubs are a beautiful and eye-catching addition to the landscape. Hailing from Australia, we can grow them here in the U.S., if conditions are appropriate. Let’s learn more about boronia shrub care.
What are Boronias?
Boronia is a member of the citrus family, filled with essential oils in the abundant flowers and foliage. It is sometimes called “scent leaf” because of the fragrance in the leaves. Fragrant star-like blooms appear in spring and bloom through early summer, attracting pollinators and begging to come inside in your cut-flower arrangement. If you wish to add some of these to your arrangements, cut long stems early when they’re budding.
Boronia is a family name for 90-100 evergreen shrubs. Brown boronia (Boronia megastigma) is most often grown because of its pleasing smell, as some in the family have a smell that can be offensive. Boronia crenulata ‘Shark Bay” has a licorice scent.
Research the type before planting and, if you’re unsure, crush and smell the leaves as you explore the nursery or garden center. There are many types from which to choose. Boronia shrubs are hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Boronia Plant Care
Choose the right location when growing boronia. These shrubs prefer dappled morning sun and protection from the hot afternoon rays in summer and from wind. Plant in a well-draining soil, as root rot is often a problem. Water regularly, not letting water stand or soil stay soggy.
Boronia information recommends a substantial layer of mulch to protect the roots and lower the humidity around them. A layer of gravel mulch works well. Fertilization in spring is recommended, as well. Work in pelleted food for native shrubs before mulching.
Prune after flowering to shape the shrub and encourage foliage to become dense. Tip pruning is the preferred method. When attention to these details is neglected, boronia may perform as a short-lived perennial.
Boronia growing needs to involve these efforts if you wish for a long lived, lasting specimen. If you wish to grow a single shrub, container growing is also a great option for boronia, especially in areas where growing year-round outdoors isn’t possible. Taken from Gardening Know How - https://www.gardeningknowhow.com
ISOPOGON
Isopogon is a genus of 35 species of mainly low-growing and prostrate perennial shrubs in the family Proteaceae endemic to Australia. They are found throughout Australia, though Western Australia has the greatest variety with 27 of the 35 species found there. They are popularly known as drumsticks due to the shape of their inflorescences.
Several species are grown in gardens, though they are nowhere near as well known or cultivated as their fellow Proteaceae members Grevillea or Banksia taken from From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Love of gardening is international, love of gardening is what can be our common bond, so hopefully you enjoyed this. She sent more pictures so will post more later.
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse Dougherty Iowa beckmall@netins.net 641-794-3337 641-903-9365 cell
LAVENDAR
Lavender is a bushy, strong-scented perennial plant from the Mediterranean. In warmer regions, its gray to green foliage stays evergreen throughout the year, and the herb thrives in some of the toughest of garden condition. Here’s how to plant, grow, and harvest lavender in the garden.
Prized for its fragrance, medicinal properties, and beautiful bluish-purple color, Lavandula angustifolia is a valued plant across the world. It also attracts pollinators to the garden.
The plant is not picky and will survive in a wide range of soil, even poor soil. (It grows in the Mediterranean in craggy crevices!) Its main requirements are lots of sun and also good drainage.
Plant lavender along the entrance to your door, or near a seating area, or at the base of roses bushes to hide their sticky “legs” in the wintertime. Taken from https://www.almanac.com/plant/lavender
BORONIA
All these species are found in Australia, but here is the information about growing them.
Boronia shrubs are a beautiful and eye-catching addition to the landscape. Hailing from Australia, we can grow them here in the U.S., if conditions are appropriate. Let’s learn more about boronia shrub care.
What are Boronias?
Boronia is a member of the citrus family, filled with essential oils in the abundant flowers and foliage. It is sometimes called “scent leaf” because of the fragrance in the leaves. Fragrant star-like blooms appear in spring and bloom through early summer, attracting pollinators and begging to come inside in your cut-flower arrangement. If you wish to add some of these to your arrangements, cut long stems early when they’re budding.
Boronia is a family name for 90-100 evergreen shrubs. Brown boronia (Boronia megastigma) is most often grown because of its pleasing smell, as some in the family have a smell that can be offensive. Boronia crenulata ‘Shark Bay” has a licorice scent.
Research the type before planting and, if you’re unsure, crush and smell the leaves as you explore the nursery or garden center. There are many types from which to choose. Boronia shrubs are hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Boronia Plant Care
Choose the right location when growing boronia. These shrubs prefer dappled morning sun and protection from the hot afternoon rays in summer and from wind. Plant in a well-draining soil, as root rot is often a problem. Water regularly, not letting water stand or soil stay soggy.
Boronia information recommends a substantial layer of mulch to protect the roots and lower the humidity around them. A layer of gravel mulch works well. Fertilization in spring is recommended, as well. Work in pelleted food for native shrubs before mulching.
Prune after flowering to shape the shrub and encourage foliage to become dense. Tip pruning is the preferred method. When attention to these details is neglected, boronia may perform as a short-lived perennial.
Boronia growing needs to involve these efforts if you wish for a long lived, lasting specimen. If you wish to grow a single shrub, container growing is also a great option for boronia, especially in areas where growing year-round outdoors isn’t possible. Taken from Gardening Know How - https://www.gardeningknowhow.com
ISOPOGON
Isopogon is a genus of 35 species of mainly low-growing and prostrate perennial shrubs in the family Proteaceae endemic to Australia. They are found throughout Australia, though Western Australia has the greatest variety with 27 of the 35 species found there. They are popularly known as drumsticks due to the shape of their inflorescences.
Several species are grown in gardens, though they are nowhere near as well known or cultivated as their fellow Proteaceae members Grevillea or Banksia taken from From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Love of gardening is international, love of gardening is what can be our common bond, so hopefully you enjoyed this. She sent more pictures so will post more later.
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse Dougherty Iowa beckmall@netins.net 641-794-3337 641-903-9365 cell
