Indigenous plants that will thrive in your garden during summer

Summer is in full swing and you might be considering adding some colour to your flowerbeds or perhaps you're just looking for some new plants to give your property a garden makeover. Whatever your reason, it is a great idea to plant some indigenous plants in your garden.

Landscape architecture student Lee Burrell speaks about the importance of planting indigenous plants in your garden and gives us some ideas of what to plant:

"We live in arid conditions, in an overpopulated city which cannot continue to meet our needs. We are constantly fighting the risk of droughts and food insecurity. Indigenous plants are adapted to the climate we live in. You only need to put in minimal amounts of effort to keep up and maintain your garden once you establish a functional plant community."

African Lily (Agapanthus)

(Agapanthus Africanus)

Agapanthus are a hugely popular addition to South African gardens, largely due to their lovely blue and white flowers which bloom during the summer. The Agapanthus is an evergreen plant which is known for being hardy and can continue to flourish through throughout the year making it a great plant to have in your flower beds.

(image source: https://www.dearplants.com/agapanthus-africanus-african-blue-lily/)

Asparagus densiflorus

Asparagus densiflorus is a lush green plant which is characterised by its fox tail-like fronds. The Asparagus densiflorus is a versatile and extremely resilient plant, thriving in full sun or full shade, making it a fantastic addition to any South African garden.

White Honeybell Bush

(Freylinia tropica)

The Freylinia is a lovely shrub which is characterised by its loose spreading branches and its small, beautiful flowers which range in colour from white to bright blue. The Freylinia is a hardy, evergreen plant which flowers beautifully in late spring and early summer. 

(image    source: https://www.randomharvest.co.za/South-African-Indigenous-Plants/Show-Plant/PlantId/155?Plant=Freylinia%20tropica)

Wild Garlic

(Tulbaghia violacea) 

Wild garlic is hugely popular with avid gardeners country-wide due to its resilience and its beautiful mauve flowers. Wild Garlic can survive a variety of weather conditions, including dry spells and heavy rain. If planted in the semi-shade, Wild Garlic can be a low-maintenance, hassle-free plant to have in your garden.

(image source: https://www.penlanperennials.co.uk/plant/pond-and-bog-plants/tulbaghia-violacea/)

Gazanias

(Gazania Rigens)

Gazanias are indigenous to South Africa and known for their cheerful, brightly coloured flowers. A must-have in any South African garden, gazanias are a wonderfully low maintenance addition to any garden and thrive in hot, dry weather. Gazanias are perennial plants and as such can easily survive the winter in warmer climates.  

(image source: https://www.thegardener.co.za/gazanias/)

With the continuous droughts in our country people need to be water wise and savvy when it comes to planting their gardens. Choosing indigenous plants for your garden is not only necessary as they use less water, but indigenous plants are also better equipped to survive and thrive in the hotter, dryer climate.

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