Growing Friends 2018 Spring Plant Sale

The Growing Friends spring sale is scheduled for Saturday 10 November. 2018

Pomaderris eriocephala (M.Fagg, 2014. Image : Australian Plant Image Index)

Pomaderris brunnea, P. eriocephala, and P. velutina are rare in cultivation and are species that are on show in the ANBG’s new Pomaderris garden.

More generally, Growing Friends will be offering a range of Brachyscomes, Correas, Pomaderris  and the following feature plants:

Prostanthera rotundifolia (M. Fagg, 2014. Image : Australian Plant Image Index)

Prostanthera rotundifolia (Round-leaved Mint Bush) is dense, bushy shrub up to 1.5 m height and width that has a natural range extending from NSW down to Tasmania. This plant prefers a well-drained, moist position with some shelter from direct summer sun; under dry conditions it will wilt but recovers quickly when watered. Being quick growing, it should be pruned back annually by about one third if you want to maintain a bushy shape. It responds well to annual fertilising after flowering. The form we have propagated has prolific purple flowers in spring and its leaves are small, ovate, dark green and highly aromatic. The leaves of this plant can be dried and ground and used as a herb, especially with poultry, pork, and lamb. Do a ‘Google’ search and you will quickly find some tasty looking recipes!

Chrysocephalum apiculatum (M.Fagg, 1975. Image : Australian Plant Image Index)

Chrysocephalum apiculatum (Common Everlasting or Yellow Buttons) is an attractive spreading perennial herb that occurs naturally across all states and territories. With such a large range, there is much diversity within the species. The form we have propagated has a height of up to 15 cm and it can reach 0.5 m to 2 m in width. In the warmer months, its small heads of golden yellow flowers contrast beautifully with the grey-green stems and leaves of the plant. It is moderately drought tolerant and frost hardy to -7°C. Plant it in full to part sun and use it to great effect in a rockery or draping over low walls.

Olearia floribunda (M. Fagg, 1988 Image : Australian Plant Image Index)

Olearia floribunda (Heath Daisy-bush) is a shrub to 1.5 m in height and 0.5-1.0 m in width. The erect branches and tiny green leaves made the spreading plant from which we took cuttings look a little like a miniature pine forest. As the name floribunda suggests it has masses of daisy white flowers. Native to the ACT, NSW and Queensland, it is a hardy plant that attracts wildlife, can be pruned hard, and should be planted in full or part sun. Mulch well.