South African Standouts for Southern California

For full-sun, low-water plants, look no further than these unique, colorful exotics

South Africa has a few similarities with Southern California . Both are hot slur of biodiversity . South Africa , like California , is agnize as a floristic responsibility . That means that both have been identified as having decided plant life that is endemic to their region and not native to anywhere else in the populace .

South Africa , like Southern California , has a Mediterranean climate . We are both accustomed to wet winters and dry summer . Our climate law of similarity mean that plants from one area are well suited for introduction to the other . I love South African plants not only because they are well adapted to our climate , but because of their unique characteristic .

Many plants from South Africa have distinct appearances that add great points of punctuation mark to gardens . They are eye - catching specimen that really pop as focal full stop . The plant I am move to highlight here all have this in common . Let ’s take a feel at some bold South African beauties to enhance your plant palette .

Galpin’s conebush

Leucadendron galpinii , Zones 9–11

This plant has an interesting , unique grain . Galpin ’s conebush is a member of the protea kinsperson and has conelike heyday . It ’s not only beautiful but is virtually pest and disease complimentary . This conebush make a great specimen plant . It uses little water and can be used in xeriscaping . If left unpruned , it will turn 6 foot tall and 4 to 5 foot all-encompassing but can also be reduce hard per year for a more compact habit . industrial plant in full sunlight with upright drainage .

Tilt-head aloe

Aloe speciosa , Zones 9–11

This small tree aloe is a deary of mine . It reach 8 to 10 feet tall in maturity and has beautiful gamy - green leaf that forms a big rosette atop its bole . Tilt - head aloe salad days in Southern California around March . I have a go at it the gradient of color on the inflorescences . lurch from bloodless to orangish pink , the flowers egress like gargantuan candy Indian corn and summon nearby hummingbirds . This aloe is super drought tolerant and best planted in full Sunday .

Lion’s tail

Leonotis genus Leonurus , Zones 8–11

The orange flowers on this perennial will draw hummingbirds and your eye . Lion ’s tail is a member of the mint family . It is very stout , drought broad , and get it on full sun . This is one South African native that does extremely well in Southern California . Cut it back comparatively hard in February for a fresh hot flash of growth and a renewed show . Lion ’s buttocks flowers from late outflow all the way to fall . It will extend to 4 to 6 metrical unit tall and extensive and needs fast - draining dirt .

Finger aloe

Cotyledon orbiculatavar.oblonga‘Flavida ’ , Zones 9–11

This aloe is another striking foliage addition plant for any Southern California garden . It has a calcareous , white , succulent visual aspect that put up alone texture and dividing line . digit aloe is more stocky than other survival mentioned here , place upright at about 2 understructure tall and 4 feet wide of the mark . It makes an excellent specimen mass planted or as a ground cover and could also be a swell addition to your rockery . The flowers calculate like parasols and are quite magical . Finger aloe has low water requirements , and full sun is required for the best flush .

‘Safari Sunset’ conebush

Leucadendron‘Safari Sunset ’ , Zones 9–11

Add this conebush to your garden as a dramatic specimen industrial plant . The deep red ink of this plant ’s flush is striking . you’re able to keep it more compact with pruning , but left on its own it can pass on up to 6 feet tall . The flowers can be cut for arrangements and are long lasting . This is an adaptable cultivar that is even tolerant of cadaver . ‘ Safari Sunset ’ conebush wants full Lord’s Day , and I recommend finding a berth facing due west where it can get backlit by the setting sun .

For more South African plants for Southern California , seeReflecting on Mirror Plants .

— Cara Hanstein is a fountainhead nurseryman at the Huntington Library , Art Museum , and Botanical Gardens in San Marino , California .

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