This month we’re planting… Osteospermum ecklonis ‘Purple Sun’, a new variety with vivid flowers that announce the beginning of spring.
The blooms feature several shades of orange that fade into a deep purple ring at the centre of the flower.
Plants form a compact, well-branched plant, 25cm high and 40cm wide, with an abundance of flowers.
Grow ‘Purple Sun’ in full sun and in ordinary garden soil that’s been well composted. They also look good in containers and hanging baskets.
In coastal gardens, plants should be sheltered from the wind.
Fertilise in spring and again in autumn. Water regularly but don’t over water as plant can tolerate moderately dry soil.
Indoor/ patio plant of the month … is the beautiful indoor mini-arum lily (Zantedeschia) that is now available in sizzling shades of pink, deepening into burgundy.
The trumpet-like flowers are available in eight different colours and many varieties have shaded or speckled leaves.
They enjoy a warm, sunny room as plants can take some morning sun.
Water the plants as soon as the soil’s surface is slightly dry.
During spring and summer, add liquid fertiliser to the water about every two weeks. The leaves are toxic to cats and dogs so keep the plants out of reach.
