Nandina Twilight

Description:Nandina ‘Twilight’ is a compact, ornamental shrub known for its dazzling variegated foliage and ever-changing colour throughout the year. New growth emerges in soft pinks and reds before maturing to green splashed with creamy-white margins, providing a stunning contrast. Its tidy, rounded shape and vibrant colouring make it ideal for borders, feature planting, or container displays in formal or contemporary landscapes. Flowers:Small, delicate white flowers bloom in clusters during late spring to early summer. Though not the main feature, they add seasonal charm and lightness to the foliage. Foliage:New leaves emerge pink to red and mature into green with striking white and cream variegation. Cooler temperatures bring out stronger red tones, especially in autumn and winter. Fruit:Occasional small red berries may form after flowering, though less common on this compact cultivar. Form & Size:Neat, compact shrub growing approximately 60–70cm high and wide, with a naturally rounded habit. Growing Conditions: Position: Prefers full sun to part shade. Soil: Best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil with organic matter. Tolerates a range of soil types. Climate: Performs well in cool to subtropical climates. Handles light frost and dry periods once established. Watering: Low water needs once established, but regular watering helps maintain vibrant colour in hot, dry periods. Uses: Perfect for borders, low hedging, and mixed garden beds. Excellent for pots and small-space gardens. A vibrant accent in modern, cottage, or Japanese-style landscapes. Maintenance: Very low-maintenance and naturally tidy. Light trimming can be done to shape or control size. Feed in spring with a general-purpose fertiliser to support new growth and colour. Notes: Non-invasive and sterile—will not spread or self-seed. Adds year-round colour without being reliant on flowers. Fire retardant and suitable for use in bushfire-prone areas. Companion Plants:Pairs beautifully with Lomandra ‘Lime Tuff’, Westringia, Gardenia, and Liriope for a clean, colourful landscape design. Common Name: Twilight NandinaBotanical Name: Nandina domestica ‘Twilight’Family: BerberidaceaeOrigin: Asia (cultivar)

Cuphea White

Description Cuphea ‘White’, commonly known as White Cuphea, is a small, compact shrub admired for its abundant, delicate white flowers and vibrant green foliage. This versatile plant is well-suited for garden beds, borders, and containers, providing year-round interest and color. Flowers White Cuphea produces numerous small, tubular white flowers with a delicate, airy appearance. The flowers bloom profusely throughout the year, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden. Foliage The foliage of Cuphea ‘White’ consists of small, lance-shaped leaves that are bright green and densely packed along the stems. The lush foliage forms a neat and attractive mound, adding to the plant’s ornamental value. Form and Size Cuphea ‘White’ typically grows to a height of 30-60 cm with a similar spread. It has a compact, rounded form that makes it ideal for use as an edging plant or in mixed borders. Growing Conditions Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soils but can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Water: Requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Climate: Suitable for warm, temperate climates. It is frost-sensitive and should be protected from cold temperatures. Uses Garden Beds and Borders: Ideal for adding color and texture to garden beds and borders. Its compact size makes it perfect for edging. Containers: Can be grown in pots and containers, making it a versatile choice for patios, balconies, and small garden spaces. Ground Cover: Works well as a ground cover, providing a lush, green carpet dotted with white flowers. Maintenance Pruning: Light pruning is beneficial to maintain a compact shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove spent flowers to promote continuous blooming. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to support healthy growth and flowering. Pest and Disease: Generally pest-resistant but can occasionally be affected by aphids or whiteflies. Monitor regularly and treat as needed. Notes Cuphea ‘White’ is a charming and low-maintenance plant that adds a touch of elegance to any garden setting. Its continuous blooming and compact form make it a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Companion Plants Salvia spp. (Sage) Lavandula spp. (Lavender) Gaura lindheimeri (Gaura) Heuchera spp. (Coral Bells) Common Name White Cuphea Botanical Name Cuphea ‘White’ Family Lythraceae Origin Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, Cuphea has been cultivated widely for ornamental use in gardens around the world.

Carissa Desert Star

Description:Carissa 'Desert Star', commonly known as Desert Star, is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its glossy, dark green foliage and fragrant, star-shaped white flowers. This hardy and drought-tolerant plant is ideal for low-maintenance gardens, borders, and container plantings. Its dense growth and rounded form make it an excellent choice for hedging or ground cover in both coastal and inland gardens. Flowers:In spring and summer, 'Desert Star' produces small, white, star-shaped flowers with a delightful fragrance. These blooms appear intermittently throughout the year, especially in warm climates, attracting bees and other pollinators to the garden. Foliage:The plant features small, leathery, dark green leaves that are glossy and dense, creating a lush appearance year-round. The foliage remains vibrant even in hot, dry conditions, making it perfect for xeriscaping. Fruit:Occasionally, 'Desert Star' may produce small, oval, red fruit that matures to black. These berries are primarily ornamental but can attract birds to the garden. Form and Size:This shrub has a naturally compact, rounded growth habit, reaching a height of about 0.5 to 1 meter and a spread of approximately 1 meter. Its dense form and low height make it ideal for borders, small hedges, or ground cover. Growing Conditions:Desert Star thrives in full sun to partial shade and is highly adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy and well-draining clay soils. It is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. This variety also tolerates coastal conditions and is resistant to salt spray, making it suitable for seaside gardens. Uses:This versatile plant is perfect for low-maintenance landscapes, borders, rock gardens, and container plantings. It also works well as a low hedge or ground cover in dry, sunny locations. The fragrant flowers and attractive foliage make it a great addition to Mediterranean-style and coastal gardens. Maintenance:This variety is low-maintenance and easy to care for. Light pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourage dense growth. Fertilize with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy foliage and blooms. It is generally pest and disease-resistant. Notes:Desert Star is valued for its drought tolerance, compact form, and fragrant flowers. Its resilience and adaptability make it a popular choice for gardeners looking to create water-wise, low-maintenance gardens. Companion Plants:Pairs well with other drought-tolerant plants like Lavender, Westringia, and Grevillea. It also complements ornamental grasses and succulents for a cohesive, water-wise garden design. Common Name: Desert StarBotanical Name: Carissa 'Desert Star'Family: ApocynaceaeOrigin: South Africa