Dawn, from Midrand, wrote in and asked me for some information on the Scabiosa, the Stella and the Osteospermum plants. To be honest, Dawn, I also hadn’t heard much about these plants and even my local nurseryman wasn’t too clued up on them either. I had to do a little research, but still wasn’t able to find much information at all. The Osteospermum is apparently a brand new hybrid and not widely known. I hope this helps you.

The Scabiosa

The Scabiosa Columbaria plant is a herbaceous perennial, of unknown origin and grows to a height of between 40 to 60 centimetres. It is almost as wide as it is high and has blooms of butterfly blue, or misty pink. It makes a lovely display in a garden and flowers from late winter, through to summer. The plant has a base of greyish green leaves, of various shapes. Some are serrated and divided, while others are spear shaped, or oval shaped. The thin, wiry stems, carry the flat heads of pincushion- like flowers, up above the foliage. These pretty plants are ideal to fill in gaps, in a spring bed and they flower for long periods.

This plant is also very attractive, when planted in a pot, or other container and attracts butterflies, bees and birds. This is a very popular plant, as it is versatile, easy going and cold resistant. The Scabiosa plant grows best, in poor, to moderately fertile soils, as long as it is well drained and friable.

New plants should be transplanted out, every 2nd or 3rd year, to re-invigorate growth. To maintain it’s compact growth, with strong flower spikes, this plant should be situated in full sun. Dead flower heads should be removed, to prolong the flowering period. An application of plant food, should be given to the plant every month from late winter, through to autumn. This will also help to prolong the flowering period and keep the plant healthy. Once the plant is established, water requirements are minimal, but if the leaves begin to wilt, water immediately.

This plant is most rewarding and an attractive addition to any garden and there are several choices of variety available.

The Stella

Ruby Stella. This variety has red flowers, that give off a slight fragrance. It is a hardy plant, as it can tolerate the cold, doesn’t need much water and is a prolific bloomer. It likes full sun, for a minimum of 6 hours a day. It matures quickly and develops into clumps of about 30 to 45 cms in size and then requires very little care.

Stella Supreme. This variety is quick to establish and produces an abundance of beautiful, fragrant blooms, of soft lemon to yellow. They are also held high, above the foliage. This plant begins to flower at the beginning of spring and repeats this blooming process until the first frost. The Stella Supreme is a plant that requires little water and is fairly resistant to cold. They are similar to Day Lilies, as the closer together they are planted, the more attractive the display. 

The Osteospermum

The Osteospermum is a new hybrid, which comes in colour varieties, of dark lavender, pink, purple, white and a beautiful sunburst yellow. The most spectacular variety is the Osteospermum Bliss, which blooms in lavender and white colours and has “twirly” petals. The Osteospermum Serenity is a beautiful range of perennial, which are easy to grow and develop into upright, compact bushes, of between 30 and 40 cms high, with shiny green foliage. This is a low maintenance plant , which grows in virtually any soils, requires full sun and regular watering. If planted in spring, or early summer, it will produce lovely blooms in autumn. This plant is ideal for use in mixed borders, or in containers, or window boxes.

If you long to have a beautiful garden, whether that means flowers, or vegetables, indoors, or out, this book should be of real value to you. The book called The Gardener’s Handbook will give you lots more advice. This is the secret to having a beautiful garden. It is available here http://dersalsites.com/ghand/

Sally Robson is an up and coming, South African internet marketer, with a vision of empowering all fellow South Africans and non U.S folk, to have equal opportunity and success on the internet. She and her husband Derek, have started a string of sites, resources, courses and articles, as part of Dersalsites. She also has a passion for gardening.

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