Crocosmia

The 7 Species of corms in this south African iris family genus are widely cultivated as ornamental though some of them are considered weeds in various parts of the world. They have long sword-shaped  leaves, sometimes conspicuously veined or pleated that may be near evergreen in mild climates.Flowering  occurs mianly during summer and autumn when arching sprays of usually 6-petalled flowers in bright orange and red shades appear. Cultivars cover a wide color range from yellow  to rusty brown and they last well when cut. The genus name  derived from greek krokos (saffron) and osme (smell) was given because the classifying botanist noticed a saffron-like scent when water was spilt on a dried specimen. They are commonly known as montbretia. 

CULTIVATION

Surprisingly hardy, they are easily grown  in full or half sun moist-drained soil. In areas where the soil freezes the corms may be stored dry over winter and replanted in spring. Propagate from offsets which are often numerous.             

Colhicum

This  genus of around 45 species of corms is found from eastern Europe to northern Africa and eastwards to China. Although not related to the true crocuses, the common name autumn crocus is an apt description of the habit  and appearance of many of the species. The are dormant and leafless  in summer. Their flowers have 6 petals, usually in 2 whorls and start to appear from early autumn before the foliage develops. Double flowered forms are available. This genus is famous as the source of the cancer treatment drug cochineal a mutagen that affects cell division it is sometime use by plant breeders to produce new cultivars.

CULTIVATION

Hardy and adaptable plants that are great favorites with enthusiasts of rockery gardens,  Colchicum species thrive in zones that have 4 distinct seasons. Some species require a hot dry summer to flower well but most plants are happy in any fertile well-drained soil in either full or half sun. they alson do well in containers.

SCABIOSA

An unpleasent sounding name, scabiosa is derived from scabies a Latin  word for scurf or mange the itchiness of which was said to be relieved by rubbing the affected area with the leaves of these plants. The genus, a member of the teasel family (Dipsacaceae), is composed of around 80 spaces of annuals and perennials found from Europe and north Africa to Japan.

CULTIVATION

The Plants are hardy and easily grown in any sunny position with moderately fertile, moist, free draining slightlu alkaline soil. deadhead to  prolong flowering, the annuals are raised from seed and the perennials can be propagated from seed from basal cutting or by division.

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.

Begonia

This this genus belongs to the begoniacae family and contains around 900 species of perennials, shrubs, and climbers that are found throughout the tropics and subtropics. The most diverse species occur in the Americas.

Cultivation

Outside of tropical climates, begonias are best grown as indoor container plants. They grow well in a bright but not sunny position with cool, moist, humus-rich soil and  need to be watered and fed well. Begonias are susceptible to fungal diseases so they need to have good air flow around them.

Top Tip     

The many varieties of begonia offer a range of choices for the keen gardener. Some are suitable for basket planting, others as bedding annuals, while some cultivars are suited to terrarium planting.                                                     

DAHLIA

This daisy family genus consists of around 30 species of tuberous rooted perennials and sub-shrubs. They  have attractive foliage, with deep to bright green lobed leaves, hollow stems, and bold flower heads that, due to much cultivation, may vary greatly. Dahlias can be broadly divided into tall border plants  and low-growing bedding dahlias, though a more detailed classification sorts them into 10 groups based on the size and type of flower head this ranges from tiny  pompon to large giant flowered cactus types. Colors include shades of white and cream to bright yellow and deep red. Mostly native to Mexico, these flamboyant plants were originally cultivated by the Aztecs for their large edible roots.

Cultivation

Plant dahlias in sunny open position with fertile, free draining, humus-rich soil. In cold climates, where frozen or waterlogged soil is likely to occur, the tubers should be lifted and stored near-dry in a frost free place. Most species  can be propagated by dividing the tubers or by taking cuttings of young shoots.

Top Tip

When planting dahlias, select a site that is sheltered from strong winds. Even in a protected spot, dahlias will often need staking to prevent them falling over.

BOUGAINVILLEA بوگن ولیہ

Known for their brilliant floral displays and ground-covering power, bougainvilleas بوگن ولیہ  are strong-growing climbers and trailers from the tropics and subtropics of south America. their wonderful colors come not from their true flowers, which are small cream tubes, but from the leafy bracts that surround them. the leaves  are simple, elliptical and taper to a fine pint. Rather than climb by tendrils or twining bougainvilleas use their sharp thorns to gain a hold and then develop a framework of strong stems. Their genus was named in honor of the sixteenth-century explorer and scientist, Louis Antoine de Bougainvilleas, who made the first french  voyage around the world.

Cultivation

All species do well in warm to hot climates in full sun and some species will tolerate light  frosts. Although drought tolerant, they need plenty  of moisture  during the flowering season. overfeeding will produce masses of foliage but very little in the way of colorful bracts. Most  cultivators can be propagated from cuttings.

Top Tip

Be sure to wear  protective gloves when pruning  or handling BOUGAINVILLEA as their thorns are dangerously sharp.