PLANTS IN THE GARDENS

cold winds. A mild to warm humid environment is ideal. Plants will always need regular watering until they are established, whether grown in the ground or in containers. However, over-watering or poorly drained soil or potting mix will cause roots to rot.

In the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney we have a good range of begonias including the shrubby cane-stemmed variety. There are a number of these plants in the Middle Garden (beds 30 and 31) not far from the Spring Walk and Visitor Centre.

Begonia

(a selection of cane-stemmed varieties)

Family Begoniaceae

There are around 2,000 species of begonias native to tropical and warm areas of the world, especially the tropical regions of the Americas and Asia. Added to this number are seemingly endless cultivars of numerous species.

Begonias have been widely hybridised over many years and are popular potted plants as well as fine garden specimens. Some people associate begonias with the small bedding plants often used in public parks and gardens, or with the vibrant showy tuberous begonias sold in florist shops. The Begonia genus, however, includes quite a range – from small plants to medium-tall shrubs suitable for a wide range of garden applications and as potted plants.

A great many begonias are grown for their foliage alone, with the genus offering a diverse range of leaf shapes, textures and colours.

Their main flowering period is generally from late spring into autumn if conditions are excellent, although not all begonias have long flowering periods.

This large group of ornamental plants is named for Michel Begon, a 17th century French government official in SaintDominique in the Caribbean and a great patron of botany. They may be broadly classified into a group that is defined by their mode of growth: rhizomatous, cane, fibrous-rooted or tuberous.

The ideal location for begonias in the garden is a sheltered position with protection from strong winds and direct summer sun. Most species and cultivars thrive in high light but few are adapted to full sun. They can be great understorey plants as long as there is good light exposure. A majority of species and cultivars are suited to container growing too. Soil or potting mix should be friable (‘crumbly’) and well-drained yet moisture retentive. Some begonias will tolerate winter sun with protection from

Growing Friends Plant Sales generally sells a good range of begonias with varying growth habits, including the taller, showy cane-stemmed begonia. These include: the striking Irene Nuss (adorned with showy bronze leaves with red undersides and dark coral-pink flowers), Sophie Cecile (mid-pink flowers and dark-green leaves marked with silver spots) and White Cane (showy white flowers). There are also species such as Begonia aconitifolia (pink or white flowers), Begonia scharffii (bronzegreen leaves with red undersides and pink and white flowers) and the compact Begonia listada (succulent green leaves with a prominent rib of lighter green and a reddish underside).

Can you feel the cold winter air in the early morning and at night? It has a habit of making people hide indoors. But for me, winter presents unique opportunities to appreciate the plants around us.

We grow thousands of species at the Royal Botanic Garden, and I still get surprised by something that perhaps hasn’t caught my eye in previous seasons.

One thing that’s hard to go past is the camellia collection. This year we are recognising 200 years since the first camellia was planted in the Royal Botanic Garden. To enjoy the collection, enter the Garden from the Woolloomooloo Gate and pass Rathborne Lodge. It never disappoints.

If you’re into Australian native plants, I recommend spending time viewing our Native Border or The Rockery. Here you will get to see some of the delightful banksias, grevilleas and acacias flowering. It is hard not to appreciate the beauty of Australian flora, particularly plants from the Proteaceae family. They are truly marvellous. Alternatively, you may enjoy some other natives flowering through winter such as Hardenbergia, Callerya or Lechenaultia

A plant I wanted to mention this month is Tetradenia riparia, commonly known as Misty Plume Bush. It originates from Africa and this beauty is a member of the Lamiaceae family, which includes commonly known plants such as mint, basil, oregano and lavender. Tetradenia riparia is semi-deciduous and can be grown as a shrub or small tree. Its stems are semi-succulent and brittle. Flowers are clustered at the end of branches in shades of white to lilac and even pale pink. When the plant is doing well it is often completely covered with flowers and just about everyone who walks past will stop and take a picture. When people do this, you know the plant is something special.

Interestingly, the Misty Plume Bush was used in traditional medicine for many ailments. It’s said to relieve chest complaints, headaches, stomach aches, malaria and more. We have Tetradenia riparia on display in Bed 7 near the Levy Fountain and the Herb Garden.

Remember to use Garden Explorer when navigating our collection. It will help you locate what you are looking for.

Enjoy your winter gardening.

Jarryd Kelly, Acting Curator Manager

Rare in cultivation, Rhododendron macabeanum x R. magnificum features huge dark green leaves up to 70cm long, with downy silver undersides.

With some of the largest leaves of any rhododendron, R. macabeanum x R. magnificum also exhibits some of the most beautiful flowers of any “rhodo,” with sulphur-yellow and baby-pink flowers bursting from buds the size of a fist in early winter.

seasonal weather and humid conditions, even with grafting and the right bed preparation, it really is pot luck.

It is worth keeping in mind that east coast species still flower in autumn and winter, are excellent for attracting birds and creating habitat, and are more suited to our soil types and climate.

Towering above the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens’ Visitor Centre, this moody tree was originally introduced into gardens around the world by renowned plant hunter Francis Kingdon-Ward, the man made famous for introducing the blue poppy, Mecanopsis, to the horticultural world. Marion Whitehead, Supervisor Ornamental Gardens and Nursery Winter is the perfect time to take in our spectacular collection of banksias in flower at the Australian Botanic Garden. Head straight for the Connections Garden and the Banksia Garden for some of the best displays.

If you wanted to have a crack at growing some of your own native species, banksias are worth the effort – they’re beautiful, enjoy a relatively long flowering period and attract birds (what more does the home gardener want?).

Some of Western Australia’s Banksia species are standouts – Banksia menziesi, for instance, will make you stop in your tracks. However, are they the right plant for growers here on the east coast? With our current crazy

With a wide range of forms and cultivars available, you can have it all – from groundcovers and dwarf forms, to select colour and flowering forms. They are all worth trying and much longer-lived than their WA counterparts.

No doubt when it comes to plants, we are all guilty of wanting it all, but try to remember the benefits of keeping your plant selections local, or as close to that as possible.

Chris Cole, Senior Horticulturist, Horticultural Projects

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Mon–Fri 11am–2pm, Sat & Sun 10am–2pm

Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan Mon–Sun 9am–4pm

Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah Mon–Sun 9.30am–4.30pm