
This captivating alpine perennial, native to southern Africa, unfurls its fragrant, whirligig-like blooms from red buds during sunny summer days. Growing up to 25cm (10in) tall, its sticky, toothed leaves frame the 2.5cm (1in) wide flowers, each adorned with crimson-red backs and notched petal tips that emit a sweet perfume in the evenings. Highly prized for its fragrance, Zaluzianskya ovata is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in pots on patios, filling the air with its delightful scent all summer long.
How to care for Zaluzianskya ovata:
Water sparingly in winter and provide protection from cold. Cut back hard immediately after flowering has finished.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.25m
Eventual spread:
0.6m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
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This perennial is semi-evergreen so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.