Crassula ovata
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Crassula ovata green leaf also commonly known as Kerky bush or Jade plant.
Attracts: Bees, wasps, flies, beetles and butterflies.
Physical characteristics: - Is a much-branched, compact, rounded, evergreen shrub;
- Has glossy dark grey-green, oval, succulent leaves;
- Rounded heads of pink flowers in winter-spring;
- Stems are erect, stout and gnarled – 30 to 50cm in height and up to 20 cm in diameter;
- During the cool winter months, June to August the bush is covered in masses of sweetly scented, pretty pale pink star shaped flowers in tight rounded bunches.
Growth requirements: - Can grow up to 1 to 1.5m in height, sometimes even up to 5m;
- Thrives in full sun or semi-shade;
- Will flower best in a sunny position;
- Drought tolerant;
- Water wise.
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Heliotrope dark purple
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Purple heliotrope (Heliotropium aborescens) also called Cherry pie plant.
Attracts: Bees, butterflies
Physical characteristics: - Is a vanilla scented bushy plant that is often grown as an annual, but also grows as a perennial;
- It has clusters of tiny dark purple flowers that bloom at the top of the stems in the late spring, early autumn;
- It has a sprawling, bushy growth habit and it’s wrinkled dark green leaves are sometimes tinged with purple;
- An essential oil obtained from the flowers is used in perfumery;
- It will grow 40 to 50 cm high and can spread as wide.
Growth requirements: - Fast growing, evergreen;
- Full shade/semi shade;
- Plant in well-drained fertile soil;
- Hardy and fragrant
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Hypoestes aristata
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Hypoestes aristata, also commonly known as Ribbon Bush or Purple Haze.
Attracts: Bees, flies and other small insects visit the flowers in search of nectar or pollen, thus becoming a food source for insectivorous birds.
Physical characteristics: - Is an evergreen, fast growing shrub which can grow to about 1m in height;
- It produces soft, hairy, dark green oval leaves and has attractive lilac pink or white flowers born in spike-like inflorescences;
- It flowers from May right through winter till early Spring;
- The ribbon bush with its attractive lilac pink flowers is an excellent garden subject;
- Also makes a good cut flower because it lasts well in water.
Growth requirements: - Can grow in full sun but prefers semi-shade;
- Low maintenance;
- Water wise;
- Fast growing;
- Drought resistant
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Salvia pakhuis
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This is a recently discovered hybrid of Salvia Africana and the rare Salvia albicaulis from South Africa, found at Pakhuis Pass as the name indicates.
Attracts: Bees, insects and butterflies.
Physical characteristics: - The flowers are larger than those of the species;
- Is a showy herb whose flowers flower in bi-colour, blue and white;
- Grows up to 1.5m in height;
- Has square stems with velvety leaves.
Growth requirements: - Enjoys full sun;
- Well drained soil;
- Drought resistant
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Searsia rhus crenata
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If you live near the sea and need a plant that can serve as a windbreaker, is drought tolerant and able to bind the soil effectively, then Searsia crenata also commonly known as the Dune crowberry is the ideal plant for you.
Attracts: Birds and butterflies.
Physical characteristics: - This evergreen shrub or small tree can reach a height of 3 to 5 m;
- The leaves are alternately arranged. Each leaf has 3 leaflets;
- The leaf stalk is very short and the leaflets are attached to the stalk;
- Leaflets are dark green above and lighter in colour below, they appear to be hairless;
- The top of the small glossy leaves are scalloped;
- The flowers are insignificant, white to almost cream and appear in small clusters at the tip of the branchlets during autumn to April;
- The fruits are small round red-brown to pale black berries.
Growth requirements: - Drought tolerant;
- Enjoys full sun or semi shade;
- Semi frost hardy;
- Sandy or well drained soil
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