SOME EXOTIC FLOWERING, CLIMBING & FOLIAGE PLANTS THAT THRIVE IN WHANGAREI & FURTHER NORTH.
AGAPANTHUS.
Agapanthus inapertus: Drakensburg Agapanthus -Drooping Agapanthus.
BOTANICAL NAME: Agapanthus inapertus: Common Names - Drakensberg Agapanthus or Drooping Agapanthus. A species of Agapanthus, that is less common than A praecox or the invasive A. africanus, the African Lilly, or Lilly Of The Nile, which is native to the Cape Of Good Hope.. A. inapertus is native to open grasslands, forest margins and mountainous, rocky areas of South Africa. Photographs taken in the Whangarei CBD. Agapanthus is the only genus in the subfamily Agapanththoideae of the Amaryllus family. Other cultivated forms come in large and small leaved species, with blue or white flowers.
BOTANICAL NAME: Agapanthus 'Tinkerbell'. A Dwarf Variegated Agapanthus cultivar that grows 6-12 inches tall in a neat clump and features narrow leaves with a creamy white variegation along the leaf margins (see photograph) and short flower stalks bearing medium blue flowers in early summer. Plant in full sun for best flowering, and give regular irrigation. Grows very well in Northland. Slower growing than most other Agapanthus and is not as heavy a bloomer, however, its attractive foliage makes it a very useful garden or used in containers. A sport or seedling mutant of Agapanthus cultivar 'Peter Pan', it was first listed in nurseries in New Zealand in 1991. It was first seen, however, at Carman's Nursery, a rare plant nursery in Los Gatos, California. Photograph taken in Rust Avenue, Whangarei.
ALCEA.
BOTANICAL NAME: Alcea species, commonly called hollyhock. A genus of about 60 species of flowering plants in the family Malvaceae They are native to Asia and Europe. Hollyhocks can be annual, biennial, or perennial plants usually taking an erect, unbranched form. The herbage usually has a coating of star-shaped hairs. The flowers may be single or arranged in groups or racemes. The petals may be pink, white, purple, or yellow. They grow readily in Northland, but are an old-world flower that is not as popular nowadays as it was in the past. Photographs taken in Kensington are of a variegated foliage form.
ALSTROEMERIA.
Alstroemeria species: Peruvian Lily - Lily Of The Incas - Princess Lilly - Lietizia.
BOTANICAL NAME: Alstroemeria species: Common Name - Peruvian lily or lily of the Incas, Leitizia or Princess Lilly. A genus of about 60 species of flowering plants in the family Alstroemeriaceae. They are all native to South America. Almost all of the species come from either Chile or Brazil. They are long-lived perennials, with the exception of A. graminea, a small annual from the Atacama Desert of Chile. The leaves are variable in shape and the blades have smooth edges. The flowers are singular but are born in clusters, or umbels. The flower come in many shades of red, orange, purple, green, and white, and they often have spots. They do very well in Whangarei. Photographs taken in Whangarei.
ANEMONE.
Anemone hupehensis: Chinese Anemone - Japanese Windflower - Perennial Anemone - Japanese Anemone.
BOTANICAL NAME: Anemone hupehensis, Anemone hupehensis var. japonica, and Anemone × hybrid . Common Names are - Chinese anemone or Japanese anemone, thimbleweed, or windflower. A species of flowering herbaceous perennials in the family Ranunculaceae . Anemone × hybrida is a hybrid of Anemone hupehensis var. japonica and Anemone vitifolia. An old garden perennial, A. huphehensis was brought to New Zealand originally, by early settlers from Britain. Growing in cool and ware areas, it is especially suitable to most North Island conditions, and grows well in Whangarei where these photographs were taken. Once established the plant spreads rapidly into large clumps, travelling by underground stems or by self-seeding. Some gardeners conseder them invasive, but they are easily contained by removing unwanted clumps. Flowers are not suitable as cut flowers.
ASCLEPIAS.
Asclepias physocarpa: Swan Plant.
BOTANICAL NAME: Asclepias physocarpa: Common Name - Swan Plant. It is an small shrub or perennial herb, that can grow to about six feet and blooms in the summer attracting Monarch butterflies that lay their eggs on the foliage. When hatched the catterpillars quickly devour the leaves, reducing the plant to a skeleton. However, the plant quickly recovers the following season, just in time for a fresh load of eggs to be laid and the cycle begins again. The plant prefers moderate moisture, as well as sandy and well-drained soil and full sun. The flowers are small, with white hoods. The capsule is a pale green, see photographs taken in Second Avenue, Whangarei. The Quarry Gardens in Whangarei have a large area of Swan Plant planted above and behind the lake which attracts a large flock of Monarch butterflies annually.
ASTER.
Aster amellus: Michaelmas Daisy.
BOTANICAL NAME: Aster amellus: Common Name - Michaelmas Daisy. The European Michaelmas Daisy, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Aster, belonging to the Asteraceae family. A. amellus reaches on average a height of 20–50 centimetres (7.9–19.7 in). The stem is erect and branched, the leaves are dark green. The flowers are lilac. The flowering period extends from July through October. A very popular 'old garden' plant, it can be propagated by division. Photographs taken in the Subtropical Quarry Garden, Russell Road, Whangarei.
BEGONIA. Fibrous Rooted.
Begonia haageana: Elephant Ear Begonia - Wax Leaf Begonia.
BOTANICAL NAME: Begonia species. A genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Begoniaceae. The genus contains about 1,400 different plant species. The Begonias are native to moist subtropical and tropical climates. Some species are commonly grown indoors as ornamental houseplants in cooler climates. In cooler climates some species are cultivated outside in summertime for their bright colourful flowers.
Other fibrous rooted Begonias include the popular B. semperflorens which is commonly treated as a garden annual. A number of fibrus rooted perennials are available through nurseries and garden centers in Whangarei & Northland as a whole. They do very well in sun & part shade.
Other fibrous rooted Begonias include the popular B. semperflorens which is commonly treated as a garden annual. A number of fibrus rooted perennials are available through nurseries and garden centers in Whangarei & Northland as a whole. They do very well in sun & part shade.
Begonia grandis: Perennial Begonia.
BOTANICAL NAME: Begonia grandis is one of many perennial begonias, common throughout Northland. Growing up to 2 metres tall it flowers profusely. Most begonias are perennials, even the so called annual bedding begonias, B. sempervirens. They are either fibrous rooted, or tuberous. There are over 1500 species of Begonia.
More Images Of Begonia.
BERGENIA.
Bergenia species: Saxifrag - Elephants Ears - Rockfoil - Pigsqueek.
BOTANICAL NAME: Bergenia species: Common Name - elephant-eared saxifrage, elephant's ears, rockfoil & pigsqueek. A genus of ten species of flowering plants belonging to the plant family Saxifragaceae. They are native to Central Asia, from Afghanistan to China and the Himalayas. They are rhizome rooted perennials that form clumps, with a rosette of leaves 6–35 cm long and 4–15 cm broad, and pink flowers produced in a cyme, an arrangement of flowers in a plant inflorescence. The leaves are large, leathery, ovate or cordate, and often have wavy or serrated edges. For most of the year the leaves have a glossy green colour, but in cooler climates, they turn red or bronze in the fall. The flowers grow on a stem, and most varieties have pink flowers. These can range from almost white to ruby red and purple. Photographs taken in Whangarei is B. cordifolia.
BIGNONIA.
Bignonia species.
BOTANICAL NAME : Bignonia species - a genus of flowering plants in the catalpa family, bignoniaceae. Its genus and family were named after Jean-Paul Bignon 1n 1694. Picture shows Bignonia, possibly B. capreolata growing on a pagoda at Forum North in Whangarei.
Bignonia capreolata is a vine commonly known as the crossvine. The common name refers to a cross-shaped pattern revealed when the stem is cut. It is native to the central and southern United States. The vine climbs without twining but does produce tendrils. It produces long tubular flowers which are red and yellow and frequently have a mocha fragrance. The leaves are dark green to with a purple tinge and form as opposite pairs with tendrils. The vine often climbs very high, with leaves only remaining on the uppermost portion of the plant. Crossvine can spread aggressively and become invasive if grown in the open garden or border, so needs to be managed. It forms a dense mass on fences (see picture left. Vine in Kamo Road, Whangarei). Above flowers of Bignonia on a pagoda at Forum North, Whangarei.
Bignonia capreolata is a vine commonly known as the crossvine. The common name refers to a cross-shaped pattern revealed when the stem is cut. It is native to the central and southern United States. The vine climbs without twining but does produce tendrils. It produces long tubular flowers which are red and yellow and frequently have a mocha fragrance. The leaves are dark green to with a purple tinge and form as opposite pairs with tendrils. The vine often climbs very high, with leaves only remaining on the uppermost portion of the plant. Crossvine can spread aggressively and become invasive if grown in the open garden or border, so needs to be managed. It forms a dense mass on fences (see picture left. Vine in Kamo Road, Whangarei). Above flowers of Bignonia on a pagoda at Forum North, Whangarei.
BOUGAINVILLEA.
Bougainvillea species - Paper Flower
BOTANICAL NAME : Bougainvillea glabra: A genus of flowering plants native to South America, from Brazil west to Perú and south to southern Argentina. They are thorny, woody climbers or vines growing anywhere from 1 to 12 metres (3 ft 3 in to 39 ft 4 in) tall, and can be trained over trellis or other frame or fence, clinging with their thorns. The thorns are tipped with a black, waxy substance. They are evergreen where rainfall occurs all year, or deciduous if in a dry season. Leaves are 4–13 cm long and 2–6 cm broad. The flower of the cultivated hybrids are actually small white clusters of three, but are surrounded by three tor six very colourful bracts, including pink, magenta, purple, red, orange, white, or yellow. Bougainvillea glabra is sometimes referred to as "paper flower" because the bracts are thin and papery. Bougainvillea are relatively pest-free plants, but may suffer from worms, snails and aphids. The grow vwet well in Northland and flower profusely.
BROMELIADS
VRIESEA Hybrids: There are three NZ bred varieties of Vriesea - V. 'Kiwi Dusk'; V. 'Kiwi Sunset' & V. 'Kiwi Cream'
BOTANICAL NAME: Bromeliads are from the family Bromeliaceae. One of the widely grown genus in NZ is the Genus Vriesea. However, Bromeliads cover a range of genus, many of which grow well outside in semi-shade throughout Northland. Most bromeliads are native to tropical regions. A significant number of bromeliad species come from the under-canopy of tropical rain forests.
Ideally, bromeliads would be grown in a glasshouse kept between 70 and 80 degrees. The glasshouse would have plenty of humidity as well as excellent air circulation. It would provide bright, yet indirect light. Fortunately, many bromeliads will thrive in less than perfect conditions, and the climate in Whangarei and in the Far North of New Zealand is such that many species of genus that would normally grow in glasshouses, grow well in semi shade in Northland. Most Bromeliads are native to Brazil and Central America. Photographs above were taken in the Sub-Tropical Quarry Gardens in Whangarei. The two photographs below were taken in Palmers Garden Centre, Whangarei.
Ideally, bromeliads would be grown in a glasshouse kept between 70 and 80 degrees. The glasshouse would have plenty of humidity as well as excellent air circulation. It would provide bright, yet indirect light. Fortunately, many bromeliads will thrive in less than perfect conditions, and the climate in Whangarei and in the Far North of New Zealand is such that many species of genus that would normally grow in glasshouses, grow well in semi shade in Northland. Most Bromeliads are native to Brazil and Central America. Photographs above were taken in the Sub-Tropical Quarry Gardens in Whangarei. The two photographs below were taken in Palmers Garden Centre, Whangarei.
MORE PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE SUBTROPICAL BROMELIAD GARDEN.
CHRYSANTHEMUM.
Chrysanthemum hybrids and species: Chrysanthemum.
BOTANICAL NAME: Chrysanthemum hybrids and species: Common Names - Chrysanthemum, Mums or Chrysanths. A genus flowering plants of the family Asteraceae. They are native to Asia and northeastern Europe. Most species originate from East Asia with the main centre being China. There are about 40 valid species. There are countless horticultural varieties and cultivars. Most will grow outdoors in Northland, but they are also useful pot-plants. Photographs taken at Botanica, Second Avenue, Whangarei.
CLEMATIS.
Clematis Montana: Anemone Clematis. An early flowering plant of the genus Clematis. It is a vigorous climbing plant and is used by gardeners to hide unsightly structures such as sheds and walls. It is native to mountain areas of Asia from Afghanistan to Taiwan. It is similar to the New Zealand Clematis, but is faster growing and has broader petals making flowering look more prolific. Photographs taken in The Avenues, Whangarei.
CLIVIA.
CLIVIA species - Kaffir Lily - Bush Lily.
BOTANICAL NAME : Clivia species of which there are many hybridised varaeties. The orange flowered species pictures are the hardiest for outdoor growing. Many new varieties are grown as hot-house plants. They are native to southern Africa, from the family Amaryllidaceae. Commonly called the Kaffir or Bush Lily.
They are herbaceous evergreen plants, with green, strap-like foliage, and flower heads with individual flowers more or less bell-shaped, occurring in umbels on a stalk above the foliage; colors typically range from yellow through orange to red. Grow well north of Auckland.
They are herbaceous evergreen plants, with green, strap-like foliage, and flower heads with individual flowers more or less bell-shaped, occurring in umbels on a stalk above the foliage; colors typically range from yellow through orange to red. Grow well north of Auckland.
DIANELLA.
Dianella caerulea: Blueberry Lilly - Blue Flax-Lilly.
BOTANICAL NAME: Dianella caerulea: Common Name - blue flax-lily, blueberry lily, or paroo lily. A perennial herb of the family Xanthorrhoeaceae, subfamily Hemerocallidoideae, found across the eastern states of Australia and Tasmania. It is a herbaceous strappy perennial plant to a metre high, with dark green blade-like leaves to 70 cm long. Blue flowers in spring and summer are followed by blue berries. It is cultivated in New Zealand and used in borders for group plantings in borders, and amenities plantings. Photographs taken in Whangarei.
DIETES.
Dietes species: African Iris - Butterfly Iris - Fortnight Lilly - Dietes.
BOTANICAL NAME: Dietes: Common Names - African Iris, Fortnight Lilly, Butterfly Iris & others; Dietes bicolour; D. grandiflora and others are species in a genus of rhizomatous plants ln the family Iridaceae. Common names also include Morea or Moraea iris & Japanese iris,, each of which may be used differently in different regions for one or more of the four species within the genus. They are native to Southern Africa with the exception of one (Dietes robinsoniana) which is native to Lord Howe Island off the coast of Australia. They are very popular with landscapers of business premises, due to their ability to handle poor soils and total neglect, but.it is also a useful garden plant in rock gardens, growing up to 1 metre in height. The Iris-like flowers. Very popular in Northland, NZ. Photographs taken in Whangarei.
DIMORPHOTHECA
BOTANICAL NAME: Dimorphotheca species: Common Name Cape marigold. A member of the family Calenduleae. Native to Southern Africa. Some species can hybridize with Osteospermum, and crosses are sold as cultivated ornamentals. Plants of this genus usually have bisexual flowers. Photographs taken in the Whangarei CBD. A hardy plant that flowers profusely at the end of winter.
FICUS.
Ficus pumila minima:
BOTANICAL NAME: Ficus pumila minima: Common Name - Creeping Fig or Climbing Fig) A species in the family Moraceae. It is native to East Asia. A woody evergreen vine, growing to 2.5–4 m (8 ft 2 in–13 ft 1 in). The juvenile foliage is much smaller and thinner than mature leaves produced as the plant ages. It is used to cover almost any hard surface, such as brick or stone walls, or as a hedge plant. Photographs taken in Whangarei, show - Above. Juvenile foliage. Left. Adult foliage. Below used as a hedge plant.
GAZANIA.
Gazania species X (Hybrid): Common Name Treasure Flower.
BOTANICAL NAME: Gazania species hybrids: Common Name, Treasure Flower. A species of flowering plant in the daisy family. It is native to southern Africa, particularly South Africa, but it can be found in other parts of the world with similar climates where it has taken hold as an introduced species. A genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. They are, native to Southern Africa, and produce large, daisy-like composite flowers in brilliant shades of yellow and orange, over a long period in summer. In appearance they are not unlike the flowers of Arctotis, but have a black base to each petal. They are often planted as drought-tolerant groundcover. Today's hybrids are brilliantly coloured, and are often used as annual bedding plants by local bodies. Photographs taken in Whangarei. Numerous cultivars have been selected for variety of colour and habit. In temperate regions they are usually grown as half-hardy annuals. A commonly grown variety is the trailing gazania It is commonly used as groundcover and can be planted en masse to cover large areas or embankments, assisted by its fast growth rate. Cultivars of this variety include 'Sunburst', 'Sunglow' and 'Sunrise Yellow' Another popular cultivated variety is the clumping gazania which has a number of named cultivars including 'Aztec', 'Burgundy', 'Copper King', 'Fiesta Red', 'Goldrush' and 'Moonglow'.
GERBERA.
Gerbera hybrids.
BOTANICAL NAME: Gerbera is a genus of plants from the family Asteraceae. It has approximately 30 species in the wilds of South America, Africa and tropical Asia. Commonly known as the Transvaal daisy or Barberton Daisy, but in New Zealand it is known as the African Daisy. Widely grown as a decorative garden plant or as cut flowers, the domesticated cultivars are mostly a result of a cross between Gerbera jamesonii and another South African species Gerbera viridifolia. The cross is known as Gerbera hybrida. Thousands of cultivars exist. They vary greatly in shape and size. Colours include white, yellow, orange, red, and pink. The centre of the flower is sometimes black. Often the same flower can have petals of several different colours. Gerbera is also important commercially. It is the fifth most used cut flower in the world after rose, carnation, chrysanthemum, and tulip, and is an important export flower for the New Zealand flower induistry. Gerbera is a frost tender perennial plant. Like a lot of African plants, it grows well in Northland, NZ, especially the older single flower varieties. They like moist, but not wet soil. BELOW - Miniature Gerbera Hybrids on display at Palmers Garden Centre, Whangarei.
HEDERA.
Hedera canarienisis: Ivy - Canarian Ivy.
BOTANICAL NAME: Hedera canariensi: Common Names: Canary Island Ivy or Variegated Ivy. A species of Hedera which is native to the Atlantic coast in Canary islands and northern Africa. Its other common name is the Canarian Ivy. It is an evergreen or variegated perennial climbing or trailing woody plant, which will climb to 30 m high where suitable climbing surfaces; be they trees, cliffs or walls; are available. It is a very good ground cover where there are no vertical surfaces. It climbs by means of aerial rootlets which cling to the surface of the supporting structure. In warm climates, it grows more rapidly and becomes established faster than other species, such as H. hibernica, and H. helix, which are considered pest plants in Northland. It is native to the Canary islands where it is quite common. The leaves of Hedera canariensis are broad, 5 to 20 cm, glossy dark green in colour and a little leathery, with 1-5 lobes, regular in size and shape. It is cultivated in gardens and used in floral arrangements. The flowers are greenish and the fruits, globular and black when ripe. Young stems are green or greenish-brown, sometimes tinged with red or purple, becoming grey or grey brown at maturity. The variegated form was cultivated from a natural sport, and this form can revert back to green if green shoots are not cut out, or you can have both forms on the one structure, as in the photographs taken at the Railway bank in Rust Avenue. Whangarei, Northland, NZ.
Hedera canariensis variegata.
HELLIBORUS.
Helleborus species: Christmas Rose - Lenten Rose - Hellibore.
BOTANICAL NAME: Helleborus species: Common Name - Hellibore, Christmas Rose or Lenten Rose. The genus Helleborus consists of approximately 20 species of evergreen perennial flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae, within which it gave its name to the sub-family, Helleboreae. Many species are poisonous. The genus Helliborus, is native to much of Europe, from western Great Britain, Spain and Portugal, eastward across the Mediterranean region and central Europe into Romania and Ukraine, and along the north coast of Turkey into the Caucasus. Most species occur in the Balkans. One species (H. thibetanus) comes from western China; another (H. vesicarius) inhabits a small area on the border between Turkey and Syria. The flowers have five false petals which are actually sepals, surrounding a ring of small, cup-like petals modified to hold nectar, which are called nectarines. The sepals do not fall as petals would, but remain on the plant, sometimes for many months. Research in Spain suggests that the practice contributes to the development of the seeds (Herrera 2005).
HELIOTROPIUM.
Heliotropium peruvianum: Cherry Pie - Turnsole.
BOTANICAL NAME: Heliotropium peruvianum: Common Name, Cherry Pie or Turnsole. A member of the genus of flowering plants in the family, Boraginaceae. There are 250 to 300 species in this genus, which are commonly known as heliotropes. Helios is Greek for "sun", and tropein means "to turn", as the flowers have the abilty to turn facing the sun. H. peruvianum is a wonderful garden plant that can hang over the edges of rockeries or raised gardens. The flowers have a strong scent of tropical fruit salad. A cottage garden favourite, it likes a sunny, sheltered position and is fast growing in a mild climate, so is suited to Northland. Photographs taken in January in the gardens at Botanica, First Avenue, Whangarei. BELOW - A golden form growing in Cafler Park.
HEMEREROCALLIS.
Hemerocallis Species and Hybrids: Daylilly.
BOTANICAL NAME: Hemerocallis species and Hybrids: Common Name - Daylilly. Hemerocallis is in the plant family Xanthorhoeaceae, subfamily Hemerocallidoieae The cultivar flowers are highly diverse in colour and form, as a result of hybridization. Hemerocallis is now placed in family Xanthorrhoeaceae, subfamily Hemerocallidoideae. The flowers of most species open in early morning and wither during the following night, possibly replaced by another one on the same scape (flower stalk) the next day. Some species are night-blooming. Daylilies are not commonly used as cut flowers for formal flower arranging, yet they make good cut flowers otherwise as new flowers continue to open on cut stems over several days. Hemerocallis is native China, Korea, and Japan, and this genus is popular worldwide because of their hardiness. There are over 60,000 registered cultivars. Hundreds of cultivars have fragrant flowers, and more scented cultivars are appearing more frequently in northern hybridization programs. Some cultivars rebloom later in the season, particularly if their capsules, in which seeds are developing, are removed. Daylillies grow in clumps. Many kinds of daylilies have thickened roots in which they store food and water.
HELIANTHUS.
Helianthus annuus: Sunflower.
BOTANICAL NAME: Helianthus annuus: Common Name - Sunflower is an annual plant native to the Americas. It possesses a large flower head, and its name is derived from the flower's shape and image of the sun - hence Helianthus (Helios). The plant has a rough, hairy stem, broad, coarsely toothed, rough leaves, and circular flower heads. The heads can grow to saucer size, filled with hundreds of small flowers. When the large yellow outer ring of petals fall the receptical is left filled with hundreds of seeds (see photographs taken in the Subtropical Quarry Garden in Whangarei, NZ). Native to the Americas, sunflower seeds were brought to Europe in the 16th century, where, along with sunflower oil, they became a widespread cooking ingredient. Leaves of the sunflower can be used as cattle feed, while the stems contain a fibre which may be used in paper production.
HETEROCENTRON.
BOTANICAL NAME: Heterocentron elegans and H.rosea: Common Name - Spanish Shawl or Pearl Flower. Are small, semi-prostrate floweing shrubs in the family Melastromataceae. A genus of about four species, valued for their rose-pink or purple flowers, and attractive foliage. H. rosea, is a species from Mexico, with small cerise flowers and handsome red-edged leaves. H. elegans has purple flowers and is a trailing plant also commonly called trailing lasiandra. It flowers in summer. Although a tropical plant all members of the genus grow well in Northland and all temperate gardens.
IMPATIENS.
Impatiens species - Balsam - Impatience (See Also Annuals).
BOTANICAL NAME : Impatiens hybrid : Family Balsaminaceae. The Genus Impatiens has several species in cultivation, but the hybrid bedding variety is the most widely cultivated for home gardens and park gardens. There are larger, broader leaved varieties also in cultivation, but the bedding variety although a hybrid, will seed and revert to multicoloured self-sown ground cover for difficult areas. Picture left shows self-seeded Impatiens growing between the bricks under my clothesline.
Imapatiens is a genus of about 850–1,000 species of flowering plants, widely distributed throughout
the Northern Hemisphere and tropics which makes it an ideal pland for northland. Together with Hydrocera triflora, impatiens make up the family Balsaminaceae. Common names include impatiens, jewelweed, touch-me-not, and Balsam
Imapatiens is a genus of about 850–1,000 species of flowering plants, widely distributed throughout
the Northern Hemisphere and tropics which makes it an ideal pland for northland. Together with Hydrocera triflora, impatiens make up the family Balsaminaceae. Common names include impatiens, jewelweed, touch-me-not, and Balsam
BOTANICAL NAME : Impatiens sodenii - common name Shrub Balsam or Poor Man's Rhododendron, is a member of the family Balsaminaceae. It was grown as a garden plant by early settlers, up until the late 1960s when it was classified as an invasive or 'Pest Plant' by local bodies.
Pictures show I. sodenii growing on the bank in Manse Street, opposite the Waiarohea Reserve.
Pictures show I. sodenii growing on the bank in Manse Street, opposite the Waiarohea Reserve.
IRESINE.
Iresine herbstii: Iresine - Broadleaf.
BOTANICAL NAME: Iresine Common Nane Broadleaf or simply Iresine, is a genus of flowering plants mainly grown for their foliage colour. The genus belongs to the family Amaranthaceae. It contains 20 to 25 species, all of which are native to the South America. Bloodleaf is a common name for those species that have colored foliage, and these are often cultivated as ornamental plants. Iresine herbstii is a red foliage species very popular as an edging plant for flower beds by local bodies parks and reserves. Other varieties of Iresine have green variegation to brown foliage. Photographs taken in the Subtropical Quarry Gardens in Whangarei. Photographs taken in Bank Street, Whangarei, NZ.
JACOBAEA.
Jacobaea maritime: Dusty Miller - Senecio.
BOTANICAL NAME: Jacobaea maritima aka Senecio cineraria: Common Name - Dusty Miller, Senecio or sometimes Silver Ragwort. A popular perennial plant flower beds and borfers, where its silver foliage and low growth habit gives a grand foliage contrast. A member of the genus Jacobaea in the family Asteraceae, native to the Mediterranean region, it was formerly placed in the genus Senecio, and is still widely referred to as Senecio cineraria. It is widely cultivated in ornamental horticultural. The common name Dusty Miller is shared with several other plants that also have silvery tomentose leaves, the most common being Centaurea cineraria - a pink flowering plant used for the edging of flower beds. J. maritime is grown for its foliage, but it has an attractive yellow flower which is on a long stem, which can be trimmed off when used as an edging plant for shrub borders
MYOSOTIS.
Myosotis species: Forget-Me-Not - Mouses Ear.
BOTANICAL NAME: Myosotis species: Common names - Forget-Me-Not or Mouses Ear. A genus of flowering plants in the family Boraginaceae It contains one member found in the Chatham Islands in New Zealand. The common Myosotis is used in gardening as a border perennial, and self seeds in Northland. There are approximately 200 species in the genus, with much variation. Most have small, flat, 5-lobed blue, pink or white flowers, that bloom in spring. Leaves are alternate. Popular in gardens, forget-me-nots prefer moist habitats and where they are not native, they have escaped to wetlands and riverbanks. They can tolerate partial sun and shade. Forget-me-nots may be annual or perennial plants. Their seeds are in small pods along the stem to the flower. The pods adhere to clothing or feathers and fall off, leaving the small seed within the pod to germinate elsewhere.
NEPETA.
Nepeta mussinii: Catmint - Catnip.
BOTANICAL NAME: Nepeta mussinii: Common Name, Catmint or Catnip, so called because the mint smell attracts cats. Nepeta is a genus of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae known commonly as catmints. There are about 250 species. The genus is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, and has also naturalized in North America. Some members of this group are known as catnip or catmint because of their effect on house cats – the nepetalactone contained in some Nepeta species binds to the olfactory receptors of cats, typically resulting in temporary euphoria. Nepeta was very popular as a border edging in places like Albert Park in Auckland. Photographs taken at the Subtropical Gardens in Whangarei, NZ.
Nepeta mussinii 'Snowflake': White Nepeta.
BATANICAL NAME: Nepeta mussinii 'Snowflake': Common Name - White Nepeta or White Catmint. An evergreen, herbaceous, spreading to upright form of Nepeta mussinii. A hardy plant that can withstand temperatures down to 15 degrees, it will grow in full sun or partial shade, but flowers best in full sun. It likes a fertile, moist, well drained soil. Snowflake’ is the white form of the traditional catmint. It makes a great
edging plant that flows over the edges of rock gardens or raised beds. The small white flowers are held in
loose spikes above silvery gray foliage. The leaves are scented and very attractive to cats. Photographs taken in the Subtropical Quarry Garden, Whangarei. It grows well in Northland.
OSTEOSPERMUM.
Osteospermum ecklonis: Van Stadens River Daisy - Bitou (Sth.Af.)
BOTANICAL NAME: Osteospermum ecklonis: Common Name - Van Stadens River Daisy - Bitou (South Africa). Osteospermum is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Asteraceae. Osteospermum used to belong to the genus Dimorphotheca, but only the annual species remain in that genus; the perennials belong to Osteospermum. O. ecklonis flowers in early spring, and many cultivars are available to the home gardener. The cultivar 'Whirligig' (pictured) is very popular. Photographs taken in the Whangarei Subtropical Quarry Garden.
PANSY - see Viola.
PELARGONIUM.
Pelargonium tomentosum: Pepermint geranium.
BOTANICAL NAME: Pelargonium tomentosum: Common Name - Pepermint Geranium. Plargonium is a genus of flowering plants which includes about 200 species of perennials, succulents, and shrubs, commonly known as geraniums belonging to the family Geraniaceae. Pelargonium species are evergreen perennials indigenous to Southern Africa, and are drought and heat tolerant, but can tolerate only minor frosts. They are extremely popular garden plants, grown as bedding plants in temperate regions. Pelargonium tomentosum has leaves and flowers that have a strong mint scent. A peppermint-flavoured tea can be infused from the fresh leaves.
Pelargonium domesticum cultivars: Regal Geranium.
BOTANICAL NAME: Penargonium domesticum X : Common Name - Regal Geranium Type: Herbaceous perennial belonging to the family Geraniaceae. Height: 1.00 to 3.00 feet with a spread: 1.00 to 2.00 feet Flowers in Spring through to Autumn in Northland. Flowers vary in colour as to cultivar - pink, purple, lavander, red. They grow in full sun to part shade. An attractive border or garden plant. Known as Martha Washington Geranium in the USA.
Pelargonium Zonal Hybrid: Spider Pelargonium.
Pelargonium peltatum: Ivy Geranium - Ivy-leaf Geranium - Cascading Geranium.
BOTANICAL NAME: Pelargonium peltatum. Common Name, Ivy Geranium. A species of pelargonium known by the common names ivy-leaf geranium and cascading geranium. It is native to southern Africa, particularly South Africa. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant. This is a subshrub which can reach two meters in height, its branches prostrate, spreading, trailing, or climbing. The thin, somewhat succulent leaves are peltate, their petioles attached at the middle of the ivy-shaped leaf blades. The inflorescence is an umbel of 2 to 9 pink flowers, with 5 dark-streaked or marked petals each up to 2 centimeters long. The smaller leaves of the plant are edible, tasting sour and astringent. BELOW - Mauve form photographs taken in the Subtropical Quarry Gardens, Whangarei.
Pelargonium hortorum Hybrids And Cultivars: Geranium.
BOTANICAL NAME: Pelargonium hortorum: Common Name - Garden Geranium, Malva or Malvón. A species of geranium most commonly used as an ornamental plant. A species that has uses as a bedding plant, a pot plant or a gardem plant for borders. Cultivars are grown from seed or cuttings, or in the home garden, what is commonly galled 'by slips' or side branches. These are stocky, large with double flowers. Cuttings should be left for 20 minutes for the cut end to dry slightly prior to inserting in rooting medium. Photographs taken in the Town Basin, January 2014, outside Clapham Clocks.
PLUMBAGO.
Plumbago capensis:
BOTANICAL NAME: Plumbago: Common Name, Plumbago. A genus of 10 species of flowering plants in the family Plumbaginaceae, native to South Africa. All species are beautiful plants that do well in Northland, NZ. Some say that the Romans used it to cure lead poisoning, and commonly call the genus Leadwort, but this name should be applied solely to Ceratostigma, as South Africa was not known in Roman times, although the generic name is derived from the Latin words plumbum ("lead") and agere ("to resemble"), first used by Pliny the Elderor, as Pliny's belief that this was the plant the Romans used to cure lead poisoning. The species include herbaceous plants and shrubs growing to 0.5–2 m (1.6–6.6 ft) tall. The leaves are spirally arranged, simple, entire, 0.5–12 cm (0.20–4.7 in) long, with a tapered base and often with a hairy margin. The flowers are white, blue, purple, red, or pink, with a tubular corolla with five petal-like lobes; they are produced in racemes. Plumbago capensis can be trained on a tellis or similar 'wall'. Its flower is a Cambridge blue in colour. Photographs taken in Second Avenue, and the Subtropical Quarry Gardens in Whangarei. ABOVE: P. capensis. BELOW: P. auriculata, which has spoon-shaped leaves and can also be trained as a climber with support.
POINSETTIA.
BOTANICAL NAME : Euphorbia pulcherrima. Common Name: Poinsettia - A culturally and commercially important plant species of the diverse spurge family that is indigenous to Mexico and Central America. It is particularly well known for its red and green foliage and is widely used in Christmas floral displays. It derives its common English name from Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Minister to Mexico, who introduced the plant into the United States in 1825. A shrub or small tree, typically reaching a height of 0.6–4 metres (2 ft 0 in–13 ft 1 in), noeadays it is more commonly cultivated as a potted house plant.
Traditional Poinsettias bear dark green dentate leaves that measure 7–16 centimetres (2.8–6.3 in) in length. The colored bracts, which were most often flaming red, can now be orange, pale green, cream, pink, white, or marbled, and are often mistaken for flower petals because of their groupings and colors, but are actually leaves. The colors of the bracts are created through photoperiodism, meaning that they require darkness (12 hours at a time for at least five days in a row) to change color. At the same time, the plants require abundant light during the day for the brightest color. The flowers of the poinsettia are unassuming and do not attract pollinators. They are grouped within small yellow structures found in the center of each leaf bunch, and are called cyathia. The poinsettia is found in the wild in deciduous tropical forest at moderate elevations from southern Sinaloa down the entire Pacific coast of Mexico to Chiapas and Guatemala. It is also found in the interior in the hot, seasonally dry forests of Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. There have been reports of E. pulcherrima growing in the wild in Nicaragua and Costa Rica. There are now over 100 cultivated varieties of poinsettia. The traditional 'old garden' poinsettia is rarely seen in open gardens now. Photographs were taken in Kamo Road, Whangarei.
Traditional Poinsettias bear dark green dentate leaves that measure 7–16 centimetres (2.8–6.3 in) in length. The colored bracts, which were most often flaming red, can now be orange, pale green, cream, pink, white, or marbled, and are often mistaken for flower petals because of their groupings and colors, but are actually leaves. The colors of the bracts are created through photoperiodism, meaning that they require darkness (12 hours at a time for at least five days in a row) to change color. At the same time, the plants require abundant light during the day for the brightest color. The flowers of the poinsettia are unassuming and do not attract pollinators. They are grouped within small yellow structures found in the center of each leaf bunch, and are called cyathia. The poinsettia is found in the wild in deciduous tropical forest at moderate elevations from southern Sinaloa down the entire Pacific coast of Mexico to Chiapas and Guatemala. It is also found in the interior in the hot, seasonally dry forests of Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. There have been reports of E. pulcherrima growing in the wild in Nicaragua and Costa Rica. There are now over 100 cultivated varieties of poinsettia. The traditional 'old garden' poinsettia is rarely seen in open gardens now. Photographs were taken in Kamo Road, Whangarei.
ROSA.
Rosa hybrids : Bush Rose - Climbing Rose - Rambling Rose - Florabunda.
BOTANICAL NAME : Rosa x (hybrid) genus Rosa, of the family Rosaceae of over 100 species. They form a group of plants that can be erect shrubs (bush roses), climbing or trailing with stems that are often armed with sharp spines. Flowers vary in size and shape and are usually large and showy, in colours ranging from white through yellows and reds. Most species are native to Asia, with smaller numbers native to Europe, North America, and northwest Africa. Species, cultivars and hybrids are all widely grown for their beauty and older rose species were fragrant, but much of this has been lost through hybridisation. Rose plants range in size from compact, miniature roses, to ramblers(climbers) that can reach great heights depending on the support. Some species hybridize easily, and this has been used in the development of the wide range of garden roses.
The name rose comes from French, itself from Latin rosa. To grow successfully roses neen natural manure, sheep or cow dung mulches, or compost, and regular watering and annual pruning. The two photographs show roses growing in the Cafler Park Rose Garden in Whangarei. The red rose bed showing signes of insufficient watering and lack of mulch. Picture left is a rambling variety on the boundary fence. Roses grow very well in Northland, but need watering in summer. Mulch after pruning. They tend to do better in heavier, clay or similar soils, but with regular mulchin. Do not grow in sandy, peat soils or potting mix.
The name rose comes from French, itself from Latin rosa. To grow successfully roses neen natural manure, sheep or cow dung mulches, or compost, and regular watering and annual pruning. The two photographs show roses growing in the Cafler Park Rose Garden in Whangarei. The red rose bed showing signes of insufficient watering and lack of mulch. Picture left is a rambling variety on the boundary fence. Roses grow very well in Northland, but need watering in summer. Mulch after pruning. They tend to do better in heavier, clay or similar soils, but with regular mulchin. Do not grow in sandy, peat soils or potting mix.
Rosa hybrid T : Bush Rose.
BOTANICAL NAME: Rosa Hybrid Tea - majority of ornamental roses are hybrids that were bred for their flowers. Hubrid tea roses were firs grown for flower and scent, but nowadays the scent is deminished in the modern rose; bread out in favour of flower size, colour and pest & disease resistance. The early species of Rosa with scented foliage or flowers were Rosa
glauca and Rosa rubiginosa. Ornamental roses have been cultivated for centuries. The earliest known cultivation known to date from at least 500 BC in the Mediterranean countries, Persia,
and China. Nowadays, thousands of rose hybrids and cultivars have been bred and grown in gardens all over the worls. Most are double-flowered. They need pruning annually after flowering.
glauca and Rosa rubiginosa. Ornamental roses have been cultivated for centuries. The earliest known cultivation known to date from at least 500 BC in the Mediterranean countries, Persia,
and China. Nowadays, thousands of rose hybrids and cultivars have been bred and grown in gardens all over the worls. Most are double-flowered. They need pruning annually after flowering.
Climbing roses.
SALVIA.
Salvia divinorum: Salvia - Diviner's Sage - Seer's Sage - Blue Lady.
BOTANICAL NAME: Salvia divinorum: Common Name - Diviner's Sage, Ska María Pastora, Seer's Sage, or simply Salvia. It is native to Mexico. It likes shady locations, and grows to over a meter high. The stems are hollow, with large leaves, and occasional white flowers with violet calyxes. It is not known whether S. divinorum is a natural species or a natural hybrid; native plants reproduce vegetatively, and rarely produce viable seeds. It can be hallucinogenic, but has low toxicity. Salvia divinorum remains legal in most countries although its use has been known to be fatal in the USA. It can be found growing in parts of Whangarei.
Salvia splendens varieties: Red Salvia.
BOTANICAL NAME : Salvia splendens or Red Salvia is a species in the largest genus of plants in the family Lamiaceae, with approximately 700–900 species of shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annuals. The genus is distributed throughout Asia and the Americas. Salvia spendens is an annual which has been developed as a bedding plant. Some varieties fade in strong sun (see picture left) as with this variety growing in the car park at Forum North, Whangarei. Seeds need bottom heat to germinate, so buying young plants is the best plan in the long run. S. spendens is a bedding plant widely used by councils. It is a good idea to note what council contractors are planting in your area, as they will pland species or varieties that do well in your location.
Salvia guaranitica 'Amistad': Sage.
BOTANICAL NAME: Salvia guaranitica 'Amistad' : Common Name, Anise-scented sage, Hummingbird sage. A hybrid form of S. guaranitica, It is a perennial with dark purple flowers with nearly black calyx. S. guaranitica 'Amistad' blooms constantly from early spring until the first frost.
TRACHELOSPERMUM.
Trachelospermum jasminoides : Star Jasmine.
BOTANICAL NAME : Trachelospermum jasminoides is an evergreen climbing vine growing to 10 feet (3.0 m) high. It is in the family Apocynaceae, and is a profusely flowering plant that is used as a ground cover on traffic islands by the Whangarei District Council. The flowers are fragrant, white, 1–2 cm diameter, tube-like, opening out into five petal-like lobes. A very hardy plant well suited to Northland. Stems and flowers are used in the manufacture of some perfumes.
VERBENA.
Verbena species: Perennials (See Also under Annuals).
BOTANICAL NAME: Verbena: Common Name - Verbena. A genus of flowering plants in the family Verbenaceae. It contains about 250 species of annual and perennial herbaceous or semi-woody flowering plants, the majority of which are native North and South America, and Europe. Some species, hybrids and cultivars of verbena are used as ornamental plants. They are drought-resistant, tolerating full to partial sun, and enjoy well-drained, average soils. Plants are usually grown from seed. Some species and hybrids are treated as annuals in bedding schemes for parks and gardens. The hybrid cultivars 'Silver Anne' and 'Sissinghurst', have won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Photographs taken at Forum North in Whangarei, January 2014, used as an edging ln a bedding scheme with Cosmos.
VINCA.
Vinca minor variegate: Variegated Periwinkle- Dwarf Periwinkle - Fairy's Tooth Brush.
BOTANICAL NAME: Vinca minor variegate. Common Name, variegated Periwinkle, Dwarf Periwinkle, Lesser Periwinkle, or Fairy's Tooth Brush. A cultivar from Vinca Minor. There are numerous cultivars, with different flower colours and variegated foliage. Many have a less vigorous habit than the species, and are therefore more suitable for smaller gardens. The following cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden. Photograph taken in Whangarei, NZ. Whangarei. V. minor is a species of flowering plant native to central and southern Europe, from Portugal and France north to the Netherlands and the Baltic States, east to the Caucasus, and also southwestern Asia in Turkey. Other vernacular names used in cultivation include small periwinkle, common periwinkle.
VIOLA.
Pansy - See under Annuals (Garden Pansy)
Violet -
Viola sororia: Common Blue Violet.
BOTANICAL NAME: Viola sororia. Common Name, Common Blue Violet, Common Meadow Violet, Purple Violet, Woolly Blue Violet, Hooded Violet and Wood Violet. A stemless herbaceous perennial plant, native to eastern North America. It is the state flower of Illinois, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Wisconsin. Used as a ground cover, it self-seeds freely, in lawns, gardens and even undr the benches of glasshouses. it can become a weed in Northland. Seed heads may appear on short stems late summer, early autumn. Beyond its use as a common lawn and garden plant, Viola sororia can be used for food and for medicine. The flowers and leaves are edible. Flowers are high in vitamin A and can be used in cake decoration.
WISTERIA
Wisteria sinensis: Chinese Wisteria.
BOTANICAL NAME: Wisteria sinensis. Common Name, Chinese Wisteria. Wisteria sinensis is a woody, deciduous, perennial climbing vine in the genus Wisteria, native to China in the provinces of Guangxi, Guizhou, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Shaanxi, and Yunnan. It can grow 20–30 m long over supporting trees by counterclockwise-twining stems. The leaves are shiny, green, pinnately compound, 10–30 cm in length, with 9-13 oblong leaflets that are each 2–6 cm long. The flowers are white, violet, or blue, produced on 15–20 cm racemes in spring. The flowers on each raceme open simultaneously before the foliage has expanded, and have a distinctive fragrance similar to that of grapes. Though it has shorter racemes than Wisteria floribunda (Japanese wisteria), it often has a higher quantity of racemes. The fruit is a flattened, brown, velvety, bean-like pod 5–10 cm long with thick disk-like seeds around 1 cm in diameter spaced evenly inside; they mature in summer and crack and twist open to release the seeds; the empty pods often persist until winter. However seed production is often low, and most regenerative growth occurs through layering and suckering. It was introduced from China to Europe and North America in 1816. Photographs taken in Whangatrei.