Tithonia rotundifolia ‘Torch’

Position: Full sun

Flowering period: Summer to early autumn

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 1.2m

Eventual Spread: 50cm

Hardiness: 9b, 10a, 10b, 11, 12, 13

Family: Asteraceae

Tithonia rotundifolia ‘Torch’, commonly known as Mexican Sunflower or Red Sunflower, is an evergreen perennial with a upright habit. The species, Tithonia rotundifolia, is native to Central America, regions adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Islands. In its native habitat it grows within scrubby vegetation. Its orange flowers are up to 9cm across and attractive to pollinating insects, including bees. Tithonia rotundifolia ‘Torch’ may be grown as an annual in cooler climates once the frost has passed, in a mixed border in a sunny location. Due to its height, this plant may require support as it matures. Removing old flowers will prolong the flowering season of this plant. Tithonia rotundifolia ‘Torch’ is drought tolerant once established.

Tithonia rotundifolia ‘Torch’ (08/09/12, Kew Gardens, London)

Tithonia rotundifolia ‘Torch’ Flower (08/09/12, Kew Gardens, London)

Landscape Architecture

Bothriochloa bladhii

Position: Full sun

Flowering period: Late summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 1m

Eventual Spread: 1m

Hardiness: 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11, 12

Family: Poaceae

Bothriochloa bladhii, commonly known as Australian Bluestem or Caucasian Bluestem, is a deciduous perennial grass with a clump forming habit. Bothriochloa bladhii is synonymous with Bothriochloa caucasica and is native to Africa, tropical and temperate Asia, and Australia. In its native habitat it grows in open grasslands. Its mid green to light leaves may turn red in autumn. Its flowers appear green to purple in late summer. Bothriochloa bladhii may be used as part of a prairie type planting scheme. This grass may be cut to ground level in March to keep a tidy appearance. Once established this grass is drought tolerant.

Bothriochloa bladhii (08/09/12, Kew Gardens, London)

Bothriochloa bladhii Flower (08/09/12, Kew Gardens, London)

Landscape Architecture

Tulbaghia violacea

Position: Full sun

Flowering period: Late summer to early autumn

Soil: Well drained and moist

Eventual Height: 50cm

Eventual Spread: 30cm

Hardiness: 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Tulbaghia violacea, commonly known as Society Garlic, is a deciduous perennial with a spreading, clump forming habit habit. Tulbaghia violacea is native to South Africa, in its native habitat it grows in rocky grasslands and stream banks in semi-desert to boggy areas. Its mid green leaves are strap shaped. Its fragrant violet flowers appear as terminal umbels and are attractive to pollinating insects, including bees. Its roots are tuberous which aids its spread Tulbaghia violacea may be used as a fragrant specimen perennial suitable for sunny, well drained locations. When crushed its leaves and flowers smell of garlic. Once established, this plant is drought tolerant.

Tulbaghia violacea (28/07/12, Kew Gardens, London)

Tulbaghia violacea Flower (28/07/12, Kew Gardens, London)

Landscape Architecture