Plant Profile Also known as: Growing Conditions: Propagation Uses This plant is a wonderful way to find buzz-pollinating bees in your garden. It delivered my first Teddy Bear Bee sighting and numerous Blue-banded Bee sightings. It is a classic understorey plant from subtropical and tropical rainforests and can therefore be used in shady places in… Continue reading Native Ginger or Alpinia caerulea
Category: Plant Profiles
A True Wildflower of the Tamborine Bush – Slender Hyacinth Orchid
Dipodium variegatum The Slender Hyacinth Orchid is truly a wildflower. Orchid enthusiasts have tried to cultivate it, but have been unsuccessful due to its unique growing conditions. Dipodium variegatum is leafless and the only part of it that appears above ground is the stalk and flower. It is a saprophyte meaning that it is not… Continue reading A True Wildflower of the Tamborine Bush – Slender Hyacinth Orchid
A Garlic for Subtropical and Tropical Climates
Society Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) is the perfect way to grow garlic flavours in warm climates. I love garlic flavours, but try as I might, I just can’t get garlic to grow in my subtropical climate zone. The solution? Society Garlic or Tulbaghia violacea! This strappy leaved plant with lovely purple flowers will grow as an… Continue reading A Garlic for Subtropical and Tropical Climates
Hardenbergia violocea or Happy Wanderer
Plant Profile Did you know that Indigenous Australians have used this plant as a tea and medicine for thousands of years? It is known by many names: Hardenbergia violacea, False Sarsparilla, Purple Coral Pea, Wild Sarsparilla, Waraburra, Vine Lilac. This lovely vine clambers and wanders over anything in its path. It makes a great groundcover… Continue reading Hardenbergia violocea or Happy Wanderer
Plant Profile – Spotted Gum – Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata
Also known as: Eucalyptus maculata (historical, no longer used by herbariums for this species) Corymbia maculata (historical, no longer used by herbariums for this species) Eucalyptus citriodora (historical, no longer used by herbariums for this species) Growing conditions: Prefers well-draining soils Like growing on slopes Prefers full sun Drought tolerant Propagation: Seeds in shallow trays… Continue reading Plant Profile – Spotted Gum – Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata
Plant Profile – Brisbane Wattle
Wattle or Acacia trees are iconic in Australia because of their golden blooms. This variety is just as striking as the Golden Wattle which is Australia’s floral emblem. Also known as: Acacia fimbriata Fringed Wattle Fringed Brisbane Wattle Growing Conditions: Full Sun/Part Shade Protected positions Will tolerate most soils but prefers well-drained loamy soils Drought… Continue reading Plant Profile – Brisbane Wattle
Plant Profile – Perennial Basil
Also known as: Growing conditions: Propagation: Uses: I originally purchased this plant from Mudbrick Herb Cottage because I liked the idea of fresh basil all year. It has delivered, but I still grow sweet basil for those dishes that need its pungent sweetness. During Wild Pollinator Count Weeks it’s the first plant I visit. It… Continue reading Plant Profile – Perennial Basil
Plant Profile – Native Mulberry – Pipturus argenteus
This plant is a biodiversity hub in my garden. A few moments of close observation on any given day reveals species galore. From the Eastern Sedge Frog family to Rainbow Lorikeets to countless insects, I am never disappointed. My children are also regularly drawn to the tree to gather and gobble the tiny sweet fruits… Continue reading Plant Profile – Native Mulberry – Pipturus argenteus
Plant Profile – Aloe Vera
Also known as Aloe barbadensis miller Aloe Barbados Aloe Growing conditions: Full Sun/Part shade/Bright shade Succulent Well-drained soil/sandy loam Suitable for pots/indoor pots/garden beds/rockeries Propagation: Propagation is easiest by separating pups from a “mother” plant. Demonstration available on my YouTube channel Click here to watch When I think of Aloe Vera, I think of sunburn. I… Continue reading Plant Profile – Aloe Vera
Plant Profile: Commelina diffusa – Climbing Dayflower
Also known as: Commelina cyanea (in New South Wales, possibly a different species, scientific analysis ongoing) Scurvy Plant Native Wandering Jew Creeping Christian Climbing Dayflower Spreading Dayflower Growing conditions: Part shade/Shade Tolerant of most soils Groundcover (can become invasive in good conditions) Suitable for rockeries and hanging pots Perennial in tropics and subtropics, annual in… Continue reading Plant Profile: Commelina diffusa – Climbing Dayflower
Jane Grows Garden Rooms 