Plants D-K

Often referred to as Ligularia, this evergreen species and its relatives are native to temperate Asia. Ideal for moist shady spots with free draining soil it is fully frost hardy. The creamy leaf variegations add welcome highlights to shaded areas. In late summer and autumn clusters of yellow daisy flowers are produced on stems up to 1 m tall

Often referred to as Ligularia, this evergreen species and its relatives are native to temperate Asia. Ideal for moist shady spots with free draining soil, it is fully frost hardy. The golden yellow leaf spots add welcome highlights to shaded areas. If exposed to strong direct sun light the spots will discolor. In late summer and autumn clusters of yellow daisy flowers are produced on stems up to 1 m tall

There are about 100 fuchsia species and thousands of hybrids and cultivars grown for their beautiful flowers. Nearly all of the species are from South and Central America in areas of high rainfall. Those in cultivation commonly require a moist well drained soil in light shade or a sheltered sunny spot, and can be kept bushy by pinching out the tips. They are generally frost tender. Fuchsia arborescens is a handsome shrub for a sheltered sunny part of the garden where the soil is moist and there is a degree of humidity. In my Perth garden the shrubs are semi deciduous in winter.

There are about 100 fuchsia species and thousands of hybrids and cultivars grown for their beautiful pendulous flowers. Nearly all of the species are from South and Central America in areas of high rainfall. Those in cultivation commonly require a moist well drained soil in light shade or a sheltered sunny spot, and can be kept bushy by pinching out the tips. They are generally frost tender. Thalia is a vigorous upright shrub which may be grown in a lightly shaded part of the garden.

The name Geranium is frequently misapplied to members of the genus Pelargonium. True geraniums are distinguished by their symmetrical flowers, simple seeds lacking awns or plumes and their often mounding growth habit. Pelargoniums on the other hand have flowers with two petals pointing up and three pointing downwards, are more often shrubby and have plumed seeds. True geraniums are a collector''''s delight and fit well into less structured gardens. Geranium 'Azure Rush resembles, but has lighter blue flowers than G. ''Rozanne'' PBR, a naturally occurring hybrid between Geranium himalayense and G. wallichianum Buxton''s Variety'' first found in Germany and brought to the gardening public by Blooms of Bressington. It can be grown in pots, hanging baskets or in the garden, and usually dies down completely in the coldest months. The leaves re-shoot in spring and form a green mound, followed by floral stems that lengthen over summer and produce flowers constantly. Another color form of what is arguably the best of all the true geraniums.

The name Geranium is frequently misapplied to members of the genus Pelargonium. True geraniums are distinguished by their symmetrical flowers, simple seeds lacking awns or plumes and their often mounding growth habit. Pelargoniums on the other hand have flowers with two petals pointing up and three pointing downwards, are more often shrubby and have plumed seeds. True geraniums are a collector''s delight and fit well into less structured gardens. Geranium 'Rozanne' PBR is a naturally occurring hybrid between Geranium himalayense and G. wallichianum Buxton's Variety' first found in Germany and brought to the gardening public by Blooms of Bressington. It can be grown in pots, hanging baskets or in the garden, and usually dies down completely in the coldest months. The leaves re-shoot in spring and form a green mound, followed by floral stems that lengthen over summer and produce flowers constantly. Arguably the best of all the true geraniums.

The name Geranium is frequently misapplied to members of the genus Pelargonium. True geraniums are distinguished by their symmetrical flowers, simple seeds lacking awns or plumes and their often mounding growth habit. Pelargoniums on the other hand have flowers with two petals pointing up and three pointing downwards, are more often shrubby and have plumed seeds. True geraniums are a collector's delight and fit well into less structured gardens. Greanium traversii comes from coastal cliffs of the Chatham islands off the southern coast of New Zealand. The cultivar Seaspray has 15 mm pink flowers held above the silvery grey-green foliage, and is an easy to grow variety suited to hanging baskets, rockeries or under planting shrubs such as roses. It is best grown in moist improved soil in a shelters sunny position or in dappled light in hotter areas, and is tolerant of frosts.

From a small genus all found in Brazil, these epiphytic free-branching succulents have pendulous jointed stems ideally suited to a hanging basket. Best grown in gritty free draining soil and allowed to dry out between waterings. Position in full sun or light shade and protect from heavy frosts. Drunkard's Dream can be treasured for its name alone, but it is also such an unusual succulent it makes a good contrast in a mixed planting. Great if looking for something that resembles coral. Water only occasionally

Hibiscus is a genus of more than 200 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs, trees, annuals and perennials widely distributed in the warmer climates of the world. Best grown in moderately fertile soil with two deep waterings a week in summer, hibiscus need long hot summers to flower best. From tropical Africa, H. schizopetalus has unusual and extraordinarily beautiful flowers. Although they appear delicate, the shrub is none the less extremely hardy and well suited to gardens in warmer parts of WA. Unfortunately it will be difficult yo grow in frost-prone areas. It requires no pruning and in my garden has been pest free.

There is only one species in this genus from eastern Asia. It is a creeping perennial dying back in winter and re-shooting in spring. Best grown in a sheltered sunny spot or in light shade in hotter areas, it prefers a moist somewhat boggy area and can even be grown in shallow water.Tthe leaf colours are best seen in sunny areas. Houttuynia produces flowers with four petals in summer. Can be invasive in very moist areas.

A diverse group of about 130 species mainly from tropical Africa and Madagascar. It includes annual, and perennial succulents as well as shrubs, l nd small trees. The majority are grown for their attractive and structural foliage but several varieties also have good floral displays. Grow in a sunny or lightly shaded position in well drained soil with only light watering during the winter months. They are very drought tolerant but are not frost tolerant. K. grandiflora is a valuable landscape addition with its beautiful blue green leaves. It is also an easy plant to grow in a pot and it can then use as an accent.

A diverse group of about 130 species mainly from tropical Africa and Madagascar. It includes annual, and perennial succulents as well as shrubs, l nd small trees. The majority are grown for their attractive and structural foliage but several varieties also have good floral displays. Grow in a sunny or lightly shaded position in well drained soil with only light watering during the winter months. They are very drought tolerant but are not frost tolerant. Kalanchoe quicksilver is a wonderful drought tolerant succulent for use in full sun or light shade. It also makes a spectacular easy care hanging basket.