South Africa's floral imports

By Rob Proctor, Special to the Rocky

Published June 26, 2008 at 6 p.m.

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Photo by istockphoto.com

Lily-of-the-Nile (Agapanthus)

Photo by Ellen Jaskol / The Rocky

Red-hot poker (Kniphofia)

Photo by Wikipedia.org, Wikimedia.org

Monarch of the Veld (Arctotis)

Photo by Rob Proctor/Special To The Rocky

Blue plumbago (Plumbago capensis)

Photo by Wikipedia.org, Wikimedia.org

Sun Daisy (Osteospermum)

Photo by Rob Proctor/Special To The Rocky

Ice plant (Delosperma)

Photo by Wikipedia.org, Wikimedia.org

Gazania "Denver Gold"

Photo by Rob Proctor/Special To The Rocky

Pineapple lily (Eucomis)

Photo by Ellen Jaskol / The Rocky

Summer calla lily (Zantedeschia)

Photo by Ellen Jaskol / The Rocky

Ice plant (Delosperma cooperi)

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South Africa is a treasure trove of plants. A relatively small country - slightly less than twice the size of Texas - South Africa is estimated to be home to a staggering one-tenth of the globe's plant species.

With many varied ecosystems, from swamps to grassy savannas to snowy mountains, South Africa has long been a source for fascinating flowers.

Most collectors have focused primarily on the lowland plants, especially around the area of Cape Town. Many of these stunning beauties are grown as perennials in Mediterranean climates such as California, or as annuals in colder climates such as ours.

Only in recent years have collectors focused on plants from high elevations. Denver Botanic Garden's Panayoti Kelaidis has pioneered the use of South African plants as perennials. Imagine our xeriscapes and rock gardens without ice plants (Delosperma), for example. A scant 15 years ago, these pretty ground-huggers were virtually unknown in cultivation. Now they grace gardens throughout the Rocky Mountain West.

I've been lucky to visit South Africa and view many exotic species in their homeland. It was fascinating to see ice plants and twin spur (Diascia) growing in the Drakensberg Mountains, near one of Africa's two ski resorts. In balmy Durban - situated on the Indian Ocean - I saw colorful bird of paradise (Strelitzia) in public parks and elegant calla lilies growing wild. So prolific are these high-style flowers that they're fed to livestock and referred to as "pig lilies."

And in cool Cape Town, set at the far southern end of the continent, it was delightful to watch metallic-feathered sun birds perch on the stems of lily-of-the-Nile (Agapanthus).

Now I relive these images of my trip daily. South African plants grow on my patio, in my perennials borders and in my house. Our gardens have been vastly enriched by their beauty.

ANNUALS AND TENDER PERENNIALS

Monarch of the Veld (Arctotis): Another pretty daisy with silver-gray leaves and bright gold, orange, apricot, wine or dark red flowers.

Lobelia: A classic for hanging baskets; small sapphire blue, lavender or white flowers grow well in cool mountain air.

Blue plumbago (Plumbago capensis): A small shrub that can be container-grown, producing round clusters of sky-blue blooms.

Twin spur (Diascia): Coral, pink or raspberry flowers have two small nectar "spurs." Some species are marginally hardy.

Sun Daisy (Osteospermum): Dazzling daisies in luscious colors of magenta, orange, yellow and more; flowers have an iridescent darker center.

PERENNIALS

Red-hot poker (Kniphofia): Spires of glowing orange and red flowers; also pale yellow selections.

Gazania "Denver Gold:" Low-growing gold daisy with gray-green leaves and vivid orange-yellow flowers.

Ice plant (Delosperma): Numerous species of ground- covering plants with daisylike pink, yellow, white or peach flowers.

Growing South African plants

Because the country is so geographically diverse, there's no one set of cultural requirements.

* Perennials and annuals: Most hardy perennials require full sun and are at least somewhat drought-tolerant. Most tender perennials and annuals also require full sun. Those from the Cape region, such as lobelia, blue plumbago and sun daisies, do especially well in foothill and mountain gardens. They are not well-suited for high heat and drought.

* Bulbous: South African plants, such as gladiolus, grow best in full sun and require regular summer moisture. Pineapple lily, lily-of-the- Nile and summer calla lily grow well in patio containers. Summer calla lilies and pineapple lilies may prove hardy if planted near foundations or in planter boxes attached to a house.

* Indoor plants: South African plants suitable for indoor growing include African violets, Swedish ivy (despite its name) and streptocarpus, as well as numerous succulents. Each has its own particular needs.

BULBS

Lily-of-the-Nile (Agapanthus): Though misnamed (the Nile's at the other end of the continent), these blue or purple pendant bells make good potted plants for a summer patio.

Pineapple lily (Eucomis): Small chartreuse flowers stud the stems and a tuft of foliage at the top makes it resemble a tiny pineapple; plum pink varieties are also available.

Summer calla lily (Zantedeschia): In contrast to the greenhouse-grown, winter-blooming white calla, the summer bloomers are suitable for pots; flowers may be yellow, orange, red, pink or maroon.

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