Page 61 - Tropic Magazine Issue 30
P. 61
TROPIC • GARDENING
Foliage fillers
SAVING WATER
The dry season is being
embraced by Far Northerners,
but with Cairns Regional
Council forecasting a water
shortfall, we’re being urged Lomandra Lucky Stripe
not to head for the hose just Lomandra hystrix
yet. So, Tropic has engaged the The Hedgehog Agave Flowing and strappy-leaved, you will
expertise of horticulturalist Agave geminiflora want to mass plant this beauty.
Lomandra has long been a favourite
and founder of the Jurassica A longtime favourite in the plant for its water-wise and erosion control
Project, Matt Mitchley, to kingdom, the Agave have been featured in properties, and now its variegated
provide some advice on many gardens across the world. varieties display all kinds of colours!
plants that can survive a long This newcomer, the Hedgehog Agave, will
grow into large balls over the landscape.
tropical winter. Here are his A lover of full sun, it will always look
top trending foliage fillers to healthy, even on the hottest of days.
ensure you keep your little Featuring soft green leaves with white
patch of nature water-free thread-like filaments, this really is an
interesting plant.
and green.
Blue Grass Tree
Xanthorrhoea glauca
Research the natural A true plant icon, Aussie grass trees are
loved worldwide. Luckily in Australia we
habitat of each species have many species, but you can’t beat
to understand its the blue grass. This grand glauca has a
requirements. showy ball of foliage and is much larger
For example, Lipstick Rush-leaf Bird of Paradise than its common cousin (Xanthorrhoea
Palms are native to swampy Strelitzia juncea johnsonii). There are now more in
areas in Malaysia Fresh off the shelf, this plant is the little cultivation, so this species is starting
brother of the original Bird of Paradise, to pop up in designer gardens across
though it tolerates very hot, sunny the country.
conditions and has a more striking leaf
structure beside brilliant orange flowers
that will brighten up any garden. MORE: designergarden.com.au
Matt Mitchley,
Horticulturalist
Dry tropical plants...
Thrive during both a wet Require free-draining soil,
season and a long dry spell. free-flowing air movement
and full sunlight.
61 • tropicnow.com.au
