Choosing waterwise plants

Pelargonium flower

"Waterwise gardening aims to make use of the best of indigenous plants to green our garden environment", Ernst van Jaarsveld.

The key to waterwise gardening is to create a garden that is suitable for your area, so that it becomes easy to choose the right plants and they will require less watering once establish. When choosing waterwise plants look out for some of these features: leaf colour, hairy leaves, small leaves, and succulent leaves.

Crassula ovata

Common name: jade plant

Family: Crassulaceae

Origin: South Africa

Plant description: succulent, branching shrub with glossy, fleshy leaves, oval in shape and rounded heads of pink flowers in winter-spring.

Use: Wonderful sculptural plant for pots indoors and outdoors.

Light and position: Prefers full sunlight, but tolerates filtered sun.

Water requirement: It needs little water so water sparingly in summer if over-watered it will rot, therefore allow the soil to dry out before watering. The plant tolerates long period of drought.

Special care: Re-pot every third year. Easily grows in loam and well-drained soil.

Pest and diseases:  Aphids and spider mites.

Propagation: Tip and leaf cuttings are taken at any time of the year, but the ideal time is summer.

Compost

A compost heap is a marvellous investment for any garden, large or small.

Propagating Ruschia macowanii

Ruschia macowanii cuttings

If you are looking for a good succulent groundcover we suggest Ruschia macowanii. A round spreading succulent bush covered in purple-pink flowers from July to October. A lovely vygie to add to any garden. Not only does it thrive in different soil types it is also suitable for water-wise and coastal gardens. It requires full sun and little watering.