{"id":48820,"date":"2026-05-22T07:00:07","date_gmt":"2026-05-22T05:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/?p=22242"},"modified":"2026-05-22T07:41:25","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T05:41:25","slug":"indigenous-beauties-for-pollinators","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/highway-berea\/blog\/2026\/05\/22\/indigenous-beauties-for-pollinators\/","title":{"rendered":"Indigenous beauties for pollinators"},"content":{"rendered":"

Indigenous flowering shrubs are a magnet for birds, bees and butterflies and autumn is the best time to plant.<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Cooling temperatures not only signal the coming of winter but the time to start planting! That\u2019s the advice from Leon\u00e8 Williams of Petal Faire Nursery in Pretoria for rare and indigenous plants.<\/p>\n

Planting in autumn is ideal, says Leon\u00e8, because the still warm soil encourages rapid root growth, while cooler air temperatures reduce the heat stress on plants. This allows plants to establish strong root systems before winter dormancy, leading to healthier, more drought-resistant, and earlier-blooming plants the following spring. <\/strong><\/p>\n

What\u2019s to like?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Double Pink African Mallow (Anisodontae hybrid)\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

This hardy and robust medium-sized shrub (pictured above) bears masses of double pink flowers from spring through to autumn. Bees and butterflies love its flowers that are carried about its round maple-like leaves. It has the appeal of an old fashioned cottage garden plant. Grow in full sun and soil that drains well, especially sandy soil.<\/p>\n

Purple bells (Dyschoriste thunbergiiflora)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Purple Bells (Dyschoriste thunbergiiflora).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This upright growing, medium sized shrub puts on a spectacular show of flowers throughout summer into autumn. Use it as a specimen plant in the garden or in a container for semi-shaded patios and balconies. It can also be grown as a clipped hedge or left as an informal bushy screen. It grows in sun or semi-shade in compost enriched soil. Prune lightly once a year to keep it looking neat.<\/p>\n

Dwarf coral tree (Erythrina humeana)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Dwarf coral tree (Erythrina humeana).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It should be no surprise that these brilliant nectar-rich scarlet flowers attract birds and butterflies throughout summer. This dwarf coral tree can also be grown as an upright 2 m high shrub in a container, as an accent plant or for filling the back of a bed. Plant in sun. It is deciduous and hardy and produces attractive purple-black seed pods with bright red seeds.<\/p>\n

Hedgehog sage (Pycnostachys urticifolia)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Hedgehog sage (Pycnostachys urticifolia).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It\u2019s hard to find a truer blue than these delightful \u2018hedgehog\u2019 shaped flowers that appear from autumn through winter. With nectar in short supply during the cold months, these flowers are a lifeline for nectar seeking birds, bees and butterflies. This fast growing multi-stemmed shrub has an upright growth that suits its use as an accent plant or as a hedge. It is evergreen and hardy and can be planted in sun or semi-shade.<\/p>\n

Cape Stock Rose (Sparmannia Africana)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Cape Stock Rose (Sparmannia Africana).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This fast growing spring flowering shrub has hairy, heart-shaped leaves and lovely white flowers with yellowish-orange stamens that form a crown above the petals. What\u2019s intriguing is that the stamens are sensitive to the touch, spreading out when an insect lands on them.<\/p>\n

It is a substantial spreading shrub, 3 m high and 2m wide, for shade or semi-shady areas. Plan in well composted soil and water regularly. It self-seeds when the spiky small fruit dries and splits open.<\/p>\n

Yellow mallow (Pavonia praemorsa)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Yellow mallow (Pavonia praemorsa).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This most attractive garden shrub combines pale, lemon yellow hibiscus-like flowers with glossy green leaves and purple stems. Being evergreen it looks good all year round, and it benefits from regular trimming to keep it in shape. Plant in sun or semi-shade in compost enriched soil that drains well and water regularly. Good for attracting beneficial insects.<\/p>\n