Ornamentals
A guide to the ornamentals growing on my small north/west facing block in southern Sydney, Australia. Information detailed includes: plant requirements, location, growth rates, harvest times, noted issues, pests and disease problems. A photo log of all plants and their progress is also included at the bottom of the page.
PONYTAIL PALM
Names
- Common: Ponytail Palm
- Botanical:
Description
- Flowers: In flower late Feb 2012 for the first time.
- Propagation: From pups or if female plant (identified by red berries after flowering) with seed.
- Age: Approx. 20 years
Care and maintenance
- Water: Drought tolerant
- Position and light: Full sun
- Pruning: Only to remove dead leaves
BLUE DANUBE ageratum
Names
- Common: Blue Danube ageratum
- Botanical: Ageratum houstonianum
Description
An easy-to-grow annual and an old-fashioned favorite that produces a steady show of colorful powder-puff like flowers from late spring through frost. It’s also rarely bothered by pests, so you count on it to look good.
- Sow seeds: Plant in spring after all danger of frost has passed.
- Flowers: Blooms all summer and into autumn.
Care and maintenance
- Water: Drought tolerant
- Position and light: Full sun. Planted at front entrance.
- Pruning: Deadhead flowers regularly
- Fertiliser:
- Propagation: seeds (collected in July 2013).
SACRED LILLY OF THE INCAS
Names
- Common: Sacred Lilly of the Incas. Also: Spider Lily, Peruvian daffodil’, ‘Ismene’ and sometimes Sea daffodil
- Botanical: Hymenocallis x festalis
Description
Lush, glossy green foliage, with white spider-like flowers. They will clump well if left undisturbed for at least 3-4 years. Also for large pots and tubs
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Location: Nature strip & front garden beds
- Bloom Time: Early December (in full flower at Christmas)
Care and maintenance
- Water: Water weekly in summer. Do not water whilst dormant or when entering dormancy
- Position and light: Full sun/Part shade
- Pruning: Let plants die back naturally to feed the bulb for next years flowers
Pests and disease
Generally pest and disease free. Watch for snails.
ORNAMENTAL PEAR
Names
- Common: Ornamental Pear
- Botanical: Pyrus calleryana
Description
- Plant Type: Deciduous tree
- Location: Planted at front entrance
- Bloom Time: Blooms start first week of August 2013
Care and maintenance
- Water: Drought tolerant
- Position and light: Full sun
- Pruning: Normal pruning for shape and to remove cross branches and dead branches. Best done when dormant.
Pests and disease
Each year the trees develop a fungal disease which causes early leaf drop. Possibly shot hole. Is difficult to manage. Have tried dormant sprays of lime-sulpher and Mancozeb to no avail. Raking up leaves is not practical. Am not watering leaves. Disease seems a little more delayed with each year.