MAGNOLIA

A member of Magnolia family this large and varied genus consists of around 100 species of deciduous and evergreen trees as well as countless cultivars, and occurs naturally throughout Asia and North America. the Leaves are usually  large, oval and smooth edged. The handsome flowers are generally large, fragrant and solitary ad vary in shape from almost flat and saucer-like to a narrow goblet shape. They occur in shade of white, pink, yellow or purple. The fruits that follow are often pink or red, cone-like, showy clusters, with colorful seeds. Magnolia takes its name from the French botanist Pierre Magnol (1683-1715).

CULTIVATION

Generally fast growing, magnolias prefer light shade and sheltered spots in the garden away from the wind and late frosts. Although some species are lime tolerant, most prefer well drained acid soils that are rich in humus. propagate from cutting summer by sowing seed in autumn or by grafting in winter.

LEWISIA

This genus consists of around 19 species of exquisite, Semi-succulent, evergreen and deciduous, alpine and sub alpine perennials of the portulaca family (Portulacaeae). They are found in the rocky mountains from New Mexico in U.S.A to southern Canada and usually form rosettes or tufts of fleshy, linear, Lance or spatula-shaped leaves. 

CULTIVATION

Most species have deep taproots and prefer a gritty, humus-rich, free-draining soil that remains moist in the growing season but is otherwise dry. The deciduous species generally only reproduce from seed, but evergreen plants can be propagated from seed or offsets.

MECONOPSIS

Found mainly in the Himalayan  region, this genus of more than 40 species is a member of the Papaveraceae family and includes annuals, biennials and short lived perennial..Compact mounding  plants they have core hairy leaves that are simple, round or lobed and deeply toothed. The attractive saucer-to cup-shaped flowers usually grow singly on short or tall stems , open in spring or summer and have papery petals with contrails cluster of stamens. 

CULTIVATION

Most species grow best in woodland conditions in a cool temperature climate  with reliable rainfall.

Hibiscus

This Genus over 200 annual or perennial herbs, shrubs or trees is found throughout warm-temperate,  subtropical, and tropical regions of the world. the Species are mostly grown for their large, open, bell shaped flowers, which  grow as singe flowers or in clusters. They are made up of 5 overlapping petals with central column of fused stamens surrounded b a darker coloring in the center of the flower. Colors include  white, yellow and orange  as well as dramatic pinks, purples and reds. The beautifull are followed by a fruit capsule. The light dark green  simple leaves grow alternately on the stem and take the shape of an outspread hand. Hibiscus Breckenridge is the state of flower of Hawaii.

CULTIVATION

Most species of  hibiscus are susceptible to drought and are frost tender, needing a position in full sun with a rich and moist soil.  The annuals are best grown from seed, while perennial varieties of hibiscus are propagated from seed or by division.

Mandevilla

This large genus   from south and central America consists of around 120 species of mainly tuberous-rooted twining vines, and some perennials and sub shrubs. Rather beautiful fast growing climbers, they have large, deep green, elliptical to lance shaped leaves with prominent drip tips. They produce large numbers of showy trumpet-shaped flowers through out the warmer months  which makes them popular plants for the garden trellis or arch. The 5-lobed flowers grow singly on long stems, and are often large, fragrant in some species  and occur in white to cream and various shades of pink. The genus Mandevilla was named for the nineteenth century British diplomat and gardener Henry Mandevill.

Mandevilla species should be watered regularly during the growth period and    blooming season. Reduce watering during autumn and  keep to bare minimum  during winter.                                                                                          

CULTIVATION

Only few species will tolerate frost the majority generally preferring  a mild to warm climate, dappled sunlight and moist, humus-rich  well drained soil. Occasional feeding will produce  lush foliage but will lead to rampant growth. Propagate from seed in spring or from cuttings in spring or summer.

Osteospermum

Found  mainly in Southern Africa, this genus consists of some 70 species of annuals, perennials, and  subshrubs of the daisy  family (Asteracease). The plants  are generally low, spreading or mounding in growth habit with simple, broadly toothed, elliptical  to spatula-shaped leaves. Ostepermum plants are valued for the cheerful carpets of flowers they provide through warmer months. The flowers are daisylike: a large outer ring of petallike ray florets, mainly pink, purple or white surrounds a central disc, often an unusual purple-bearing  anthers which add to the plant beauty.

CULTIVATION

Most species will tolerate only light frosts and prefer a sunny position in light well drained soil. Avoid over-watering as this can lead to straggly growth.Pinching back and deadheading keeps the plants compact. Propagate  annuals from seed and perennials from tip cuttings.