Growing Guides

Botanical Name: Abutilon x hybridum
Family: Malvaceae
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Size (HxW): 30-60cm x 30-60cm.
Depth & Spacing: Plant at the same depth as in the pot with roots spread just below soil surface, see above for spacing. Closer for a more immediate effect.
Soil: Moderately fertile to humus rich, well drained soil.
Aspect: Full sun to semi shade, protect from hot afternoon sun.
Climate: Cool to Sub Tropical
Frost: Half hardy, protect while young. If you get hard frosts it is best that they are protected.
Water: Water to establish, then only if rainfall is low. Don’t forget it takes plants around 4-6 wks for their roots to penetrate out into the surrounding soil where they can gain better access to nutrients and water, so you need to water regularly.
Fertiliser: As they establish, ideally you could add some fertiliser and mulch in spring to keep them looking good.
Flowering Time: Year round, predominantly spring to autumn.
After Flower Care: Quick to grow, responds well to pruning, winter is the perfect time for this as flowering slows.
Notes: A nice feature shrub, hedge or potted plant. They don’t have a super long life (five years) but they will usually produce offspring to succeed their throne without you having to lift a finger. The flowers are edible.

Botanical Name: Achillea ptarmica
Family: Asteraceae / Compositae
Plant Type: Semi Evergreen Perennial
Size (HxW): See plant label.
Depth & Spacing: Plant at the same level as in the pot with roots spread evenly below soil surface. Space 30-50cm apart.
Soil: Moderately fertile to humus rich, well drained soil. Not too fussy but needs good drainage.
Aspect: Full sun to light shade
Climate: Cool to Mediterranean
Frost: Hardy
Water: Water to establish, it takes around 4-6 wks of regular watering, for the roots to penetrate the surrounding soil. Then you only need to top up if rainfall is low during active growth, they are quite dry tolerant once established but tend to flower better with a little moisture.
Fertiliser: Add a general purpose fertiliser when you see the new growth. They actually seem to prefer poor soil, so don't go too overboard.
Flowering Time: Late spring to autumn
After Flower Care: Regular dead heading will extend the season, cutting spent flower stems back to the base. Or cut back to half midsummer and lightly apply a well balanced fertiliser, you should have a second flush of blooms in no time. At the end of the season, the spent flower heads can make an attractive winter feature, especially when covered in frost. Cut flowers can be dried.
Notes: Ensure good air flow around the plants to avoid mildew. Avoid open, windy spots as the tall stems may flop in harsh weather. Mulch in winter. Keep protected from aphids. Propagate by division, divide every three to four years in spring/autumn. Can self seed, these are easily removed or shared.

Botanical Name: Osteospermum ecklonis
Family: Asteraceae
Plant Type: Evergreen perennial
Size (HxW): 20-50cm x 20-70cm
Depth & Spacing: Plant at the same level as in the pot with the roots spread evenly below the soil. Space 20-50cm apart.
Soil: Moderately fertile to humus rich, well drained soil is ideal.
Aspect: Full sun to semi shade
Climate: Cool to Sub Tropical
Frost: Hardy to -5C
Water: Water to establish, this takes 4-6 wks of regular watering, then keep moist during flowering to ensure the best show.
Fertiliser: A regular application of liquid fertiliser once a week during flowering and they will go nuts! You could also use a slow release once a month. Of course they will flower without it, but this recipe will get you the best results - fertiliser is particularly important if you are growing them in pots.
Flowering Time: Spring to winter
After Flower Care: Remove spent flowers to promote more blooms, and keep the plants tidy. You can do this a couple different ways: 1. Cut back to half early summer, after the first flower flush begins to wane, then add some fertiliser, this will keep the bushes compact and encourage a resurgent rebloom. 2. Regularly cutting blooms.
Notes: The flowers last well in a vase. Great in gardens or pots. If you get prolonged frost, it is a good idea to mulch or you may need to treat them as annuals or take cuttings. They overwinter with ease here in the Dandenongs.

Botanical Name: Agastache aurantiaca
Family: Lamiaceae
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Size (HxW): 60-120cm x 40-60cm
Depth & Spacing: Plant at the same level as in the pot, see above for spacing, closer for a more immediate, full effect.
Soil: Moderately fertile to humus rich, well drained soil, they are not too fussy.
Aspect: Full sun to semi shade, better flowers in full sun.
Climate: Cool to Sub Tropical
Frost: Hardy
Water: Water to establish, this takes around 4-6 weeks of regular watering, then you only need worry if rainfall is low, impressively dry tolerant once established.
Fertiliser: Add a little well balanced fertiliser early spring.
Flowering Time: Summer to autumn
After Flower Care: To encourage more blooms you can dead head regularly during flowering. Alternatively, as the first flush begins to wane in summer, cut back to half and add some fertiliser, it will soon be in bloom again. Allow to stand in the first winter, and then cut to the ground annually winter/early spring before the new growth emerges to maintain a healthy, bushy plant.
Notes: The foliage is aromatic, so plant where you can brush against it and enjoy it. Divide in spring as necessary. It is a good idea to protect new foliage from slugs and snails. Flowers and foliage are edible.

Think warm and well drained for best success with Alliums.
Botanical Name: Allium aflatuenense
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Plant Type: Bulb
Size (HxW): 30-40cm x 30-50cm
Depth & Spacing: 7-20cm deep (2-3 times the diameter of the bulb) and 10-30cm apart (see width above) they like a bit of space to move. We suggest planting your bulbs amongst summer perennials that will emerge mid to late spring as they can help hide the fading foliage.
Soil: A sandy soil with a little blood and bone, compost and lime dug through before planting is heaven for them. It is essential the soil is well drained as they tend to rot in boggy soils.
Aspect: Full Sun – at least six hours. As the stems of some Allium are tall, they should be sheltered from strong winds.
Climate: Cool to Mediterranean
Frost: Hardy
Water: Water to establish, then it is only required if rainfall is low during active growth. Keep relatively dry during dormancy.
Fertiliser: Use a well-balanced, organic fertiliser annually in spring when they begin their growth, this is a good time to fertilise gardens in general.
Flowering Time: Late spring to summer
After Flower Care: Remove spent flowers and foliage once they begin to look untidy. Seed heads can be left on and will remain decorative. Unlike most bulbs, next season's flower is formed when the bulb is in leaf, before they flower, so there is no need to remove the flower head. The leaves can be removed as soon as they yellow. Seed is viable and takes 3-6 years to flower.
Notes: They are best left to naturalise in the garden – this means you can leave them in the ground for years. Don't forget to mark their position (we use wooden kebab sticks) as you don't want to put a spade through one! It is normal for the foliage to yellow and die as the flower stem is growing, for this reason we recommend you plant them amongst perennials – or remove the leaves once the flowers begin to bloom as they no longer serve a purpose to the plants growth. The flowers are edible.

Botanical Name: Aquilegia x cultorum
Family: Ranunculaceae
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Size (HxW): 50-60cm x 30-40cm
Depth & Spacing: Plant where the roots meet the stem with the roots spread below the soil surface. See above/plant label for spacing.
Soil: A well drained, humus rich, moist soil is ideal but they are quite adaptable.
Aspect: Full sun to semi shade. They will need more water if in full sun. A lightly shaded to morning sun position will encourage the blooms to last longer.
Climate: Cool to Mediterranean
Frost: Hard
Water: Water to establish, this takes around 4-6 weeks of regular watering, then keep moist during active growth. Dry tolerant once established.
Fertiliser: An all purpose fertiliser in early spring and in summer.
Flowering Time: Spring to summer
After Flower Care: Remove spent flowers to tidy. Prune to the ground late autumn or allow natural senescence – they tend to disappear pretty quickly and look good moments before they disappear.
Notes: Plant in a lightly shaded position for longer lasting flowers. Remove the first flowers at the base of the stem to encourage more blooms. The second round can be left on to drop seed for future generations. The seedlings may differ from the parent plant as they hybridise easily. If the foliage becomes untidy and stretched in summer, you can cut it back, add some fertiliser, then it will reshoot and remain handsome into autumn, you might even get an extra flower or two. Plants will last for many years in cool climates. In warmer climates, plants may need to be replaced every few years.

Botanical Name: Aster hybrid
Family: Asteraceae
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Size (HxW): 40-50 x 40-50cm
Depth & Spacing: Plant at the same level as in the pot, with roots spread evenly below the soil surface, see above for spacing.
Soil: Moderately fertile to humus rich, moist, well drained soil is ideal. They don't like to be cold and wet, so good drainage is important.
Aspect: Full sun to semi shade, needs six hours to flower well.
Climate: Cool to Mediterranean
Frost: Hardy
Water: Water to establish, 4-6 wks of regular watering for the roots to penetrate the surrounding soil, then you only need worry if rainfall is low. Water regularly in pots, don't forget, potting mix is perfectly drained.
Fertiliser: Apply a well balanced fertiliser in spring.
Flowering Time: Summer to autumn.
After Flower Care: Cut off spent flowers and remove dead and dying foliage.
Notes: After the first year, cut back to the ground each winter – when they begin to look untidy – this will help them look lovely and bushy. Ideally water well then mulch for spring and summer. They make great cut flowers. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew, though this plant has great resistance and avoid by ensuring the plants have room to grow. This Aster can be short lived so allow seed to fall or collect for future generations and divide every three years or so to keep them vigorous. Watch out for slugs and snails with new foliage.

Botanical Name: Astilbe simplicifolia
Family: Saxifragaceae
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Size (HxW): 30cm x 25cm
Depth & Spacing: Plant where the roots meet the stem with the roots spread evenly below the soil surface. Space 30-60cm apart.
Soil: Humus rich, moist soil is ideal. Acid to neutral PH is preferred but not demanded.
Aspect: Semi shade to bright light. The dark foliage means it is more sun tolerant than most Astilbe. Full sun (with afternoon protection) will be tolerated in cool climates if the plants are kept well watered, but if they dry out they are unlikely to flower and the leaf edges will go crispy. In too much shade they won’t flower well and become straggly.
Climate: Cool to Mediterranean
Frost: Fully hardy
Water: Water to establish and then keep moist in active growth. Be sure to keep moist in warm conditions. With water, the foliage can remain into autumn.
Fertiliser: Apply a general purpose fertiliser once the plant starts to shoot in spring, and again in summer. You could add a dry mulch and some well rotted manure or compost over winter, they revel in compost rich soils so fertilise well in poor soils.
Flowering Time: Sum-Aut
After Flower Care: Brown flowers can be removed to tidy or left on the plant for their ornamental value. Removing the flowers will not encourage more blooms. If you choose to leave the seed heads on through winter, cut right back in early spring.
Notes: Flowers suitable for picking. Add a little mulch in summer to help retain moisture in the soil. Dig and divide every 3-4 years in spring to keep your plants vigorous. Replant only the new rhizomes toss the old woody ones. Rabbit and deer don’t bother these plants.

Botanical Name: Laprocapnos spectabilis.
Family: Papaveraceae
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Size (HxW): 50-60cm x 30-80cm. ‘Valentine’: 60-90cm x 60-90cm.
Depth & Spacing: Plant with the crown of the plant at soil level, at the same level as in the pot, dig the soil deeply prior to planting. Space 30-80cm apart.
Soil: Humus rich, moist, well drained soil ideal.
Aspect: Performs best in filtered light. Also morning sun or part shade.
Climate: Cool to Temperate.
Frost: Fully hardy
Water: Water in well, it takes plants 4-6 wks of regular watering for their roots to penetrate the surrounding soil. For best effects, keep the soil moist and cool, during active growth. Applying a mulch will make this easy! They don’t like to sit in water so it is best to ensure the drainage is adequate.
Fertiliser: Use a complete fertiliser applied annually in early spring.
Flowering Time: Spring to summer
After Flower Care: Cut spent flowers right back to encourage more blooms. You can give it a mid season hair cut after flowering to refresh the gorgeous foliage – if kept moist it can remain into autumn.
Notes: Keep slugs and snails away. Flowers suitable for picking. Best in a cool spot.

Botanical Name: Bletilla striata
Family: Orchidaceae
Plant Type: Rhizomatous perennial
Size (HxW): 20-40cm x 20-30cm
Depth & Spacing: Plant with the rhizome lying flat 5-10cm under the soil surface. Space 20- 40cm apart.
Soil: Moderately fertile to humus rich, well drained soil.
Aspect: Full sun to semi shade, away from the hot afternoon sun. In warmer climates, part shade is better. They also grow well in filtered light.
Climate: Cool to Sub Tropical
Frost: Hardy
Water: Water to establish, it takes around 4-6 wks, then only if rainfall is low spring/summer during flowering. Keep relatively dry during winter dormancy.
Fertiliser: A slow release, general purpose fertiliser early spring. Or a liquid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks during flowering in pots.
Flowering Time: Spring to summer
After Flower Care: Remove spent flowers to tidy. Allow foliage to die back before removing.
Notes: Suitable for potted planting. They tend to flower best after a cold winter. To pick, simply pull stems, they last well in a vase.

Botanical Name: Blackberries: Rubus fruticosis. Loganberry: R. loganobaccus. Raspberries: R. idaeus x R. hybrids. Tayberries: R. fruticosus x ideaus.
Family: Grossulariaceae
Plant Type: Semi evergreen
Size (HxW): 150-250+cm x 150-180cm
Depth & Spacing: Plant 10-15cm deep and space 150-180 cm apart, Boysenberries 250cm apart. Provide them with a trellis to grow on. Raspberries only need one or two support wires, while the heavier brambleberries are better with two or three. A good structure will provide you with good crops. The posts need to be strong enough to tension the wires, and around 2m tall. If you run a wire on both sides of your posts you can tuck rather than tie your canes which makes it easy. Rows should be 30-40cm apart.
Soil: Well drained, moderately fertile humus rich soil is ideal.
Aspect: Full sun to light shade. Face your rows north to south, this will give them more sun. If possible, shelter from the hot afternoon sun and drying winds.
Climate: Cool to Mediterranean – better fruit with cold winters.
Frost: Hardy
Water: Water to establish then keep moist in flower and fruit. If you let them dry out while they are flowering or fruiting you will have a poor harvest.
Fertiliser: They are gross feeders, apply a well balanced fertiliser when the plant is in flower and fruit. An equal mixture of potash and blood and bone (adding a manure will help to mulch too) is ideal. Add a compost mulch in autumn and straw in summer.
Harvest Time: Summer to autumn. Don't expect much in the first year, they take a season to settle in and establish roots.
After Flower Care: Young plants will produce a lot of canes, initially thin them out to around ten per plant.
Blackberries, Boysenberries and Youngberries:
Top prune in summer to encourage branching. Prune out old canes in winter to promote healthy growth. Tie the remaining canes loosely to the trellis wire.
Loganberries: In winter, remove the weak and dead canes off at the ground that have already produced fruit. Leave around ten, strong growing, mature canes for next season's crop. An old tip is to identify the canes that need pruning at the top of the stem, cut them half way down, then once you are at ground level, they are easier to identify.
Tayberries: Water well in their first year to establish. Best supported on wires (the fruit is abundant and heavy), each plant will grow into a space of around 4 sq m. Ripe berries can be eaten from the bush and will store for a day or two. They can be frozen too.
Raspberries: Raspberries tend to renew themselves. If you plant them in a row, they will shoot from the crown. Remember they are heavy feeders so lots of well composted manures and blood and bone are good. 'Autumn Bliss': After you have harvested the last fruit, cut the stems to the ground, they grow and fruit in one season so you don't need to do any fancy pruning. They are known as Primo Cane varieties. 'Chilcotin', Tayberries and 'Heritage' will also flower on first year canes. 'Heritage': An ever bearing variety so choose which pruning method you would like based on when you would like to harvest.
Notes: Mulch for water retention and to keep the soil free of weeds. During fruiting, use nets to protect from birds. If you are growing them in pots it is a good idea to re-pot annually with fresh potting mix. Raspberries don't like to be exposed to wind so give them some protection. No pruning required in the first year unless there is a dead or diseased branch. Pests such as aphids, thrips and caterpillars can be controlled by hand or with a pyrethrum based insecticide. Yates Bug Gun is a low toxic insecticide. Should any fungal diseases affect the plants, spray with a suitable fungicide – there are lots of home recipes on the internet or in the neighbourhood!