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Top 10 Shrubs
1. Abutilon
There are about 150 species of these broadleaf evergreens in the mallow family (Malvaceae). Abutilons are found in the tropical and sub-tropical areas all over the world and can grow anywhere between 1 – 10 metres tall depending on variety, but most readily available varieties only grow 1 - 2 metres. The flowers are generally pendulous and similar in shape to Chinese lanterns (hence the common name), mostly coloured red, pink, orange, yellow or white. Abutilons make an attractive small feature shrub in the garden or an interesting pot specimen. Pruning is required after flowering to encourage bushy growth and they perform best in full-sun to part-shade in well-drained, rich soil.
2. Choisya ternata
Choisya Ternata, also known as Mexican Orange, is a small evergreen shrub in the family Rutaceae. Native to southern North America from the southwest United States ( Arizona , New Mexico , Texas ) and south through most of Mexico , Choisya ternata grows 1 – 3 metres tall. It is a glossy leafed shrub that flowers profusely through the warmer months with clusters of white star-shaped flowers that are very fragrant, similar in smell to orange blossom. A beautiful ornamental shrub well worth a place in any garden.
3. Coleonema
Also known as Diosma and one of the best known garden shrubs around, Coleonema is a tough shrub growing between 1 and 2 metres depending on variety. Drought tolerant and frost tolerant makes it a wise choice where a soft, fluffy look is needed in the garden. There are a few varieties with the most common being the Golden Diosma with its gold coloured aromatic foliage and profusion of tiny pink flowers in late Winter and Spring. Being a native to the Cape Province of South Africa, Coleonema loves a warm, sunny spot with excellent drainage in the garden and does not tolerate humidity which can cause fungal problems.
4. Convolvulus cneorum
Convolvulus cneorum, also known as ‘Silverbush', is a fantastic contrast shrub due to it's dense silver foliage and masses of large circular white flowers appearing throughout the warmer months. Tolerant of most soil conditions, except boggy areas, Convolvulus cneorum performs well in conditions where most plants would struggle. Growing up to 1 metre high and wide, although can be kept shorter by regular pruning, this is a must have drought tolerant shrub. Originally from Southern Europe, Sicily and Croatia , Convolvulus cneorum is fast becoming a favourite for those who have a hot, dry spot in their garden.
5. Hebe
Native to New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Rapa Nui, the Falkland Islands, and South America. Over 100 species exist with 90 of those occurring in New Zealand and are named after the Greek goddess of youth, Hebe. They range in size depending upon variety, but most grow between .5 of a metre to 1.5 metres tall and wide. Used widely as a drought tolerant flowering shrub with glossy foliage, Hebe's provide growers with a beautiful flower display during Spring and Summer when their flower spikes are in abundance. Flowers can come in a variety of colours including white, pinks, purples, lilacs, burgundy and two-toned. Hebe's tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and positions, but thrive in well-drained conditions in full sun. They also attract butterflies!
6. Heliotrope arborescens
Also known as cherry pie, is an evergreen shub growing to 1m tall by 1.5m wide. Originally from tropical Peru , Heliotrope is a fantastic foliage and fragrance plant with mauve/purple flowers appearing in clusters in the warmer months with a strong vanilla fragrance. The large, dark green foliage is slightly crinkled with the variety ‘Lord Roberts' being purple leafed. Heliotrope grows best in well-drained, rich soil in full-sun or part-shade. A hardy plant that likes to be pruned in early Spring to promote bushy growth and flowering shoots.
7. Murraya paniculata
Native to south-east Asia, Murraya paniculata is a hardy evergreen shrub growing to 3 metres tall with dark green, glossy foliage and clusters of creamy-white, fragrant flowers through the warm months and periodically throughout the year. It is a very dense grower making it an ideal screening plant requiring pruning after Autumn flowering. Best grown in a full-sun position, although will tolerate part-shade, in well-drained, rich soil.
8. Pennisetum setaceum
Native to Africa , Pennisetum setaceum, also known as Fountain Grass, is a perennial that can grow up to a metre high. It has tightly bunched purple flowers in the warmer months which makes it popular as an ornamental garden addition. Best grown in full-sun, but will tolerate light shade, in free draining sandy soil. Another variety, Pennisetum Burgundy , is a much showier specimen with its broad, deep burgundy foliage and purple flowers. Growing between 4 and 6 feet tall depending on conditions, Pennisetum Burgundy is an eye-catching addition to the garden.
9.Phormium tenax
Also known as New Zealand Flax and Harakeke by New Zealand Maori for many centuries, is still one of the most versatile plants in the world because of their tough characteristics. It is found mainly in swamps or low lying areas but will grow just about anywhere and is also used in gardens as an evergreen drought tolerant decorative plant worldwide. The sword-shaped leaves can grow up to 3 metres long and up to 125 mm wide, but there are cultivars that grow less than 1 metre high. The cultivated varieties have foliage colour ranging from light green through pink to deep russet bronze and almost black. There are numerous variegated cultivars with leaves marked by contrasting stripes in shades of green, red, bronze, pink and yellow. Maoris collected the abundant nectar from the flowers for centuries to make a crude honey to sweeten foods and was also used for medicinal purposes.
The roots were boiled and crushed then applied externally for boils, tumours, abscesses and varicose ulcers. The juice from the pounded roots was used as a disinfectant and also taken internally to relieve constipation or expel worms. The sap produced by flax contains enzymes that give it blood clotting and antiseptic qualities to help with healing. The Maoris were unaware of the enzymes but were fully aware of it's mild anaesthetic properties, and applied the sap to boils, wounds, aching teeth, rheumatic and associated pains, skin irritations and burns. Splints were made from flax leaves, and thin strips of fibre were disinfected in the gel before being used to stitch wounds. Flax leaves were also used as bandages and to stable broken bones the same way as plaster is used today and the pounded leaves were applied as dressings. Further research into modern medicinal and cosmetic uses are currently underway.
10. Strobilanthes anisophyllus
Also known as Goldfussia, Strobilanthes anisophyllus is small, evergreen shrub growing to 1 - 2 metres tall. It has glossy, metallic purplish black foliage and mauve tubular flowers appearing late Spring through to Autumn. Strobilanthes thrives in rich, well-drained soil in full-sun or part-shade. They require pruning after flowering and regular watering. It forms an impressive feature plant or can be used as an attractive screen. |
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