Tag: flowers
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Aizoacea & Mesembryanthemum
The Aizoaceae family is endemic to South Africa and has brought forth a multitude of mostly low-growing, spreading plants with fleshy leaves and bright flowers that work well as ground cover on dry soils in full sun. Several of its members are know as “ice plant” or “mesembryanthemum”. Interestingly, even “New Zealand Spinach” that grows…
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Vinca minor / major
Periwinkle as ground cover Vinca has always been a “must-have” for me. I love it for its shiny dark green leaves and the bright blue, purple, or white “pinwheel” flowers, appearing between February and May and for some varieties again in late summer. In the front garden near the entrance portal are some Eleagnus and…
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Plumbago auriculata / capensis
Plumbago auriculata or capensis is a native of South Africa where it is typically part of the undergrowth under larger shrubs and bushes. It has become quite popular as a smallish climber in regions with mild winters. The foliage will be killed off by frost but a well-established plant can withstand up to -8°C, growing…
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Lavandula
One of the quintessential Mediterranean plants, lavender comes in a variety of types, differing in size, height, and blooming season. It is not easy to tell them apart and depending on where you buy them they may all just be called “Lavande” (this is my major beef with most regular garden centers). All lavenders are…
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Tropaeolum
Since Tropaeolum majus stems from rather more humid and/or mountainous places in South America it’s easy to see that this is not really a Mediterranean or rather a drought-resistant plant. That said it will work in late spring and early summer as an aphid trap in the vegetable garden. In the heat of summer it…
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Tulbaghia violacea
With a Filippi “code de secheresse” of 5 and its pretty as well as edible leaves and flowers, Tulbaghia violacea is an excellent plant for mediterranean gardens. This plant of the Allium family comes from South Africa and flowers in spring and fall in my garden. It tolerates up to -10°C and needs a light,…