Shrubs

A Tale of Two Abelia: Abelia grandiflora vs. Abelia ‘Francis Mason‘—My Floral Dilemma As a gardening enthusiast, I’ve always had a soft spot for flowering shrubs, and that’s how I found myself captivated by two fabulous members of the Abelia family: Abelia grandiflora and Abelia ‘Francis Mason‘. Picture this: I was strolling through my garden one sunny afternoon, admiring my plants, when I realized I had a bit of a floral dilemma. “Which one do I love more?” I wondered, as I gazed at these two beauties. First up, Abelia grandiflora. This charming shrub has been a stalwart in my garden, blooming profusely with delicate white to pink flowers throughout the summer and into fall. The first time I spotted those blooms, I felt like I was in a botanical fairy tale. It was as if the garden fairies decided to sprinkle their magic just for me! The sweet, honey-like fragrance wafting through the air made me feel as though I was walking through a floral wonderland. In terms of care, I found Abelia grandiflora to be quite forgiving. It thrives in well-draining soil and prefers full sun, although it can tolerate partial shade. I planted mine in a sunny spot, and it rewarded me with lush green foliage and vibrant blooms. I still chuckle at the time I accidentally watered it with leftover coffee. “Well, at least it’s organic,” I joked to myself. Surprisingly, it didn’t seem to mind and continued to flourish! Now, let’s talk about Abelia ‘Francis Mason‘, the dazzling cousin of Abelia grandiflora. This shrub is truly a showstopper with its striking variegated leaves—green splashed with bright golden-yellow. The first time I introduced Francis Mason to my garden, I felt like a proud parent bringing home a new puppy. “You’re going to steal the show!” I announced, positioning it right in the front for all to see. And boy, did it live up to the hype! Francis Mason also produces lovely blooms, although they tend to be slightly smaller and less abundant than those of Abelia grandiflora. The flowers are similar, ranging from white to light pink, but there’s something about the way they pop against the golden foliage that makes them extra special. It’s like having a delicate dessert on a vibrant plate—so visually appealing! In terms of care, Francis Mason prefers the same sunny conditions as its cousin. However, I did notice it’s a bit more particular about its soil—well-draining is a must! I learned this the hard way when I planted it in a slightly heavier soil mix, and it sulked for weeks. “Fine, be that way!” I laughed, eventually amending the soil and watching it perk back up. One of my favourite aspects of both Abelia grandiflora and Francis Mason is their resilience. They’re both relatively drought-tolerant once established, making them perfect for South Africa’s climate. I remember a particularly dry spell when I was worried about my plants. I joked with my friends that I’d have to start performing rain dances in the garden. Thankfully, both of these shrubs thrived, proving that they’re tough cookies! When it comes to pruning, both Abelia grandiflora and Francis Mason appreciate a light trim in early spring to encourage new growth. I find this time of year to be particularly fun, as I get to give my shrubs a fresh haircut. “Don’t worry, you’ll look fabulous!” I assure them as I snip away. In conclusion, both Abelia grandiflora and Abelia ‘Francis Mason‘ have their unique charms. Abelia grandiflora dazzles with its abundant blooms and lovely fragrance, while Francis Mason steals the show with its stunning foliage. Together, they create a vibrant tapestry in my garden, and I wouldn’t trade either for the world. If you’re looking to add some beauty to your outdoor space, I wholeheartedly recommend giving these two lovely shrubs a try. After all, who can resist a garden filled with vibrant colours and sweet scents? Blog FAQs

Shining Bright: My Journey with Duranta erecta ‘Gold’ If there’s one plant that can turn heads and brighten up any garden, it’s Duranta erecta ‘Gold.’ The first time I laid eyes on this beauty, I was smitten. Those striking golden-yellow leaves practically glow in the sunlight, making it look like a ray of sunshine decided to take root in my garden. I can still remember the day I brought it home, practically skipping down the garden path like I’d just won the plant lottery! As I settled my new Duranta into a sunny spot, I quickly learned that it thrives in well-draining soil. I mixed some compost into the ground, thinking, “This plant deserves a five-star soil experience!” I was so excited to give it the best possible start. It felt a bit like preparing a fancy meal; I even considered naming it “Goldie,” because why not? Watering became a fun little ritual. Duranta erecta enjoys regular watering, but I quickly learned not to drown it. I still chuckle at the memory of my first watering session—I may have gotten a bit carried away, creating what resembled a small pond. After that, I refined my approach, allowing the top layer of soil to dry out before giving it a drink. The plant rewarded me with lush growth, and soon I was thrilled to see delicate clusters of lavender-blue flowers blooming like confetti against the golden foliage. Sunlight is another ingredient in the recipe for a happy Duranta. I found that it thrives in full sun, so I made sure to give it plenty of exposure. I still laugh when I recall one particularly sunny day when I caught myself talking to my plants, saying, “You’re the star of the show, Goldie! Shine on!” It’s amazing how these little moments can bring so much joy. As time went on, I noticed that my Duranta had a habit of becoming a bit unruly—growing like it was training for a plant marathon! Pruning became an essential part of my routine, and I must admit, I approached it with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The first time I pruned, I felt like a hairdresser giving a radical haircut. Snip here, trim there, and before I knew it, I had a beautifully shaped plant. Plus, it felt great to maintain its vibrant golden look! While my Duranta was thriving, I also learned that it can be a bit prone to pests, particularly aphids. The first time I spotted them, I may have gasped a little too dramatically. Armed with insecticidal soap, I felt like a botanical superhero battling against the tiny invaders. “Not today, aphids!” I declared, spraying my plant with determination. A few treatments later, my Duranta was pest-free, and I was back to enjoying its gorgeous golden glow. Propagation was another adventure! I discovered that Duranta could be propagated from cuttings. After carefully snipping a healthy stem, I placed it in water, anxiously checking daily for root development. I was ecstatic when I finally saw little roots forming! I transplanted my cutting into the soil, and I can still recall the joy of watching it grow. It felt like I was expanding my little Duranta family. As I sit back and admire my Duranta erecta ‘Gold’ in full bloom, I realize how much joy this vibrant plant has brought into my life. It’s more than just a pretty addition to my garden; it’s a reminder of the adventures and experiences that come with nurturing plants. So, if you’re looking for a stunning and low-maintenance addition to your garden, consider Duranta erecta ‘Gold.’ With its dazzling leaves, charming flowers, and the ability to thrive in sunny spots, it’s a true showstopper. Here’s to vibrant gardens and the joy of cultivating beautiful plants! Blog FAQs