PLANTS
PLANTS IN THE
GARDENS DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THE WONDERFUL PLANTS TO LOOK OUT FOR NEXT TIME YOU VISIT THE GARDENS
Crowea exalata
AUSTRALIAN BOTANIC GARDEN
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN SYDNEY Winter is a time when our horticulturists can catch up on pruning, weeding and mulching, but there is still lots of interest in the Garden for visitors. The aloes are at their stunning best in winter and the mass plantings around the Conservatorium of Music are worth checking out. The camellias are always a winter favourite, with their variety of flower colours brightening up the winter garden landscape. The area from Woolloomooloo Gate to The Fernery is the best place to enjoy the camellias throughout the winter months. As always, the winter annuals are beautiful with this year’s display featuring Digitalis (foxglove),
26 THE GARDENS WINTER 2021
Antirrhinum (snapdragon), Viola, Ranunculus, Cyclamen, Cineraria, Bellis and Polyanthus. The Trial Garden is well worth a visit, with the veggie trial displaying some of the best heirloom winter vegetables. The sweet pea trials are also worth a look. Winter gives our skilled team of arborists a chance to have a good look at the architecture of many of our amazing deciduous trees such as our old Platanus. The Platanus x hispanica 'Acerifolia' near the Vista Pavilion overlooking Farm Cove on Lawn 52 is a particularly magnificent tree. Some of the first blossoms can be seen at the Oriental Garden, with the Prunus 'Yvonne Matthies' in flower in June and July. David Laughlin, Curator Manager Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Crowea exalata is member of the citrus family of plants and is a great little plant for a splash of winter colour. These compact emerald green shrubs – which hale from New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria – are equally at home in a pot or the ground and can grow up to one metre. They put on a spectacular show of pink flowers in a wide array of hues through summer to mid-winter. Crowea make for a long-lasting flower for display when a few sprigs are cut and put into a vase with water. A perennial favourite in nurseries, many cultivars have been developed. Plant in well-drained sandy soil and for best results provide some protection from the hot summer sun. Prune after flowering to maintain a compact habit. Simon Reid, Horticulturist, Australian Botanic Garden
Photos: David Laughlin, Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Alice Bruyn, © Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust
Camellia japonica ‘Speciosissima’
