Hidden Gems

Gem of the Week: Clematis Every gardener has that one plant that feels like a hidden treasure, waiting to be discovered. For me, that plant is Clematis, often referred to as the “Queen of Climbers.” I first encountered Clematis during a visit to a friend’s garden, where its vibrant blooms were cascading over a pergola, creating a stunning floral canopy. I was instantly captivated and knew I had to bring this beauty into my own garden. Clematis is a versatile and stunning climber known for its spectacular flowers that come in a wide range of colors and shapes. Native to regions like China and Japan, Clematis has been a favorite in European gardens since the mid-19th century. In South Africa, with a bit of care, it can thrive beautifully and become a showstopper in your garden. Finding the perfect spot for Clematis is crucial. It loves a sunny location but prefers its roots to be cool and shaded. This can be achieved by planting it behind other shrubs or using mulch to cover the root area. I remember planting my first Clematis behind a row of lavender. Not only did it keep the roots cool, but the combination of their blooms was a visual treat! Clematis prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter. When planting, ensure the crown of the plant is about 5-8 cm below the soil surface to encourage new shoots. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells, but be careful not to overwater. I learned this the hard way when I overwatered my first Clematis, thinking more water would mean more flowers. Instead, I ended up with a sad, wilted plant. Lesson learned! Feeding your Clematis with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season is crucial. A high-phosphorus fertilizer (like 5-10-5) works wonders. Stop feeding once the plant starts blooming to prolong the flowering period. I once experimented with bonemeal as a natural fertilizer, and the results were fantastic – vibrant blooms that lasted longer than usual. Pruning Clematis can seem daunting, but it’s quite simple once you get the hang of it. Prune lightly in late winter to remove dead or weak stems and encourage fresh growth. For large-flowered varieties, prune after the first flush of flowers to encourage a second bloom. I remember my first attempt at pruning; I was so nervous I might ruin the plant. But with a bit of guidance and patience, my Clematis came back stronger and more beautiful. Clematis is relatively pest-free but can occasionally be troubled by aphids, slugs, and snails. Regular inspection and using organic pest control methods like neem oil can keep these pests at bay. Fungal diseases like powdery mildew can also affect Clematis, but proper spacing and good air circulation usually prevent this. Clematis can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in spring or early summer. Use a rooting hormone to increase success rates. I remember the excitement of seeing my first Clematis cutting take root – it felt like a small victory in my gardening journey. Companion planting can enhance the beauty and health of your garden. One of my favorite combinations is planting Clematis alongside Roses. Both climbers thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, and their intertwined blooms create a stunning visual display. I remember the first time I saw this pairing in a friend’s garden; the mix of Clematis’s vibrant flowers with the classic beauty of Roses was simply breathtaking. The Roses provide a sturdy structure for the Clematis to climb, and together they create a lush, colorful tapestry that is hard to beat. So, if you’re ready to add a touch of elegance and a splash of color to your garden, give Clematis a try. Just think of it as your garden’s new star performer – always ready to dazzle with its blooms and charm with its climbing prowess. With a bit of care and attention, you might just find yourself hosting the most admired garden in the neighborhood. Happy planting, and may your garden be filled with beauty and joy! Strawberry Pot Blog FAQs

Gem of the Week: Pandorea Jasminoides As the years go by, cultivators and suppliers manage to create new plants or hybridize the old to give us stronger, more colorful, healthier, and overall unique plants that we know and love today. However, when I was doing my weekly orders for the nursery, I stumbled upon a plant that felt long forgotten—a stranger to our wonderful plant world. Fewer cultivators are propagating this plant due to the decline in demand, which is understandable as people forget what they once knew and learn about the new. This week, I will re-introduce Pandorea jasminoides. This vigorous, fragrant, evergreen climber is native to Australia and known for its vibrant pink, white, or purple shades of trumpet-shaped flowers from September to February. Although popular for its luscious foliage, it also attracts beneficial insects to your garden like bees and butterflies. Who doesn’t enjoy watching butterflies chase each other like children on a Sunday morning with a fresh cup of tea? The scent is often described as sweet and jasmine-like, making it a pleasant addition to gardens and outdoor spaces. This fragrance is most noticeable in the evening and early morning when the flowers are fully open. If you have a warm and bright sunny spot in your garden with enough space for the plant to climb upwards, this is the perfect plant for you. Common areas used are against pergolas to eventually form a roof covering, around pillars, or against a dull wall with the necessary trellis, as they can grow up to 10 meters. Be aware of where your sewer pipes are located as their roots grow quite vigorously. While the roots are not large enough to cause damage to walls or structures, the soft hair-like roots will definitely find their way into a pipe for additional water. They prefer, much like us, not to have wet feet, as they are susceptible to root rot if overwatered. To prevent this, plant in well-draining soil and ensure proper drainage. If planted in the ground, ensure that the area does not retain water after heavy rain. They do appreciate water, requiring their soil to be consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply and regularly during dry spells, meaning every 2-3 days during hot summer months. Using the area examples above, you are probably wondering, if it is out in the open will winter temperature not harm it? Well, not exactly. Although they want warm spots in your garden, they are hardy, meaning that they can tolerate mild winters. When the temperature reaches 5 degrees Celsius, that is when they need to be protected. Fertilize during spring and summer with a balanced 2:3:2 slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth and flowering. Once your plant has flowered, make sure to prune it back once in the growing season to help maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Unfortunately, such a beautiful plant does not go unnoticed by the little predators in the plant world. Common pests terrorizing this plant include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Inspect your plant regularly and treat it with neem oil if infestations occur. Fungal diseases like powdery mildew plague this lovely plant, but this can be treated with Orius fungicide. If your monthly budget to feed your plant “shopaholism” has been depleted and you want more than one, don’t fear as they can easily be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Seeds can be sown in early spring while cuttings can be taken in late spring or early summer. Fruit pods are oblong capsules with a prominent beak. They start off green and mature into woody pods containing winged seeds. Companion Planting with Pandorea Jasminoides Companion planting can enhance the beauty and health of your garden. Pandorea jasminoides pairs well with several plants that share similar growing conditions. One of my favorite combinations is planting Pandorea alongside Clematis. Both climbers thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, and their intertwined blooms create a stunning visual display. I remember the first time I saw this pairing in a friend’s garden; the mix of Pandorea’s pink flowers with Clematis’s deep blue blooms was simply breathtaking. Another great companion is Jasminum. Both plants have fragrant flowers that complement each other beautifully. Planting them together near a seating area can create a delightful aromatic experience. I once planted Jasminum and Pandorea on either side of my garden bench. Sitting there in the early morning, surrounded by their sweet scents, became my favorite way to start the day. Additionally, Lavender makes an excellent companion for Pandorea. Lavender’s purple flowers and aromatic foliage not only look great but also help repel pests that might otherwise bother your Pandorea. Plus, the combination of their scents is wonderfully soothing. By choosing the right companions, you can create a garden that is not only visually appealing but also healthier and more resilient. So, if you’re ready to add a touch of elegance and a splash of color to your garden, give Pandorea jasminoides a try. Just remember, this plant is like a diva – it loves the spotlight, enjoys a good drink (but not too much), and appreciates a little pampering. And who knows? With the right care, you might just have the most popular garden on the block. Happy planting, and may your garden be ever in bloom! Strawberry Pot Blog FAQs