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KALANCHOE
This genus contains about 125 species of succulent shrubs, herbs, and climbers distributed mainly all through tropical regions of Africa and Madagascar s nicely as parts of Asia. They are ordinarily grown for their fascinating foliage forms despite the fact that a couple of bear vibrantly colored tubular flowers, including flaming Katie (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana), which make them well-known houseplants. Growth habits range from low sprawling sub shrubs to tall treelike plants, with a similarly Wide variation in leaves, from little to huge, glossy to felted, and gray-frosted to dark green. The genus has been extensively hybridized and, although the original species bore bright red flowers, the choice now includes white-, yellow-, pink-, and p e-flowering forms.
CULTIVATION
In all but the Warmest climates these plants require indoor or greenhouse cultivation and will need to be grown in a moderately fertile gritty potting mix. If grown outdoors, they have to have a Sunny sheltered position in humus-rick effectively drained soil and must be kept reasonably dry in inter Propagation is frequently by stem or leaf cuttings, or from seed sown in spring.
ABOVE AND BELOW:-Kalmia latifolia bears highly distinctive flowers: the buds are crimped round the edges and open to reveal pink flowers. Several fairly cultivars have been developed, such as 'Olympic Fire', above, with deep red buds opening to huge pink flowers, and 'Carousel', below, which has white flowers delicately flushed rosy pink.
KALMIA
This genus of 7 species of shrubs in the loved ones Ericaceae was named for Dr. Pehr Kalm, a botanist and explorer of the east coast of North America in the 1770s. Most species are evergreen and native to northeastern U.S.A., with a single species occurring in Cuba. They are grown for their attractive foliage and showy flowers, which range in color from pale pink to deep red. The leaves are smooth, opposite or alternate, deep green on the upper surface but paler on the underside, and occasionally stalkless. The attention-searching for flowers are bowl- or saucer-shaped and are commonly borne in dense clusters, held effectively clear of the foliage. All make ideal border plants.
CULTIVATION
Kalmia species are at household in slightly acid peaty soil. Dappled shade under tall deciduous trees in a cool moist climate is perfect. Small pruning is vital apart from the removal of spent flower clusters. Propagate from seed, which should certainly be collected as soon as ripe and sown the following spring.
LEPTOSPERMUM
This genus is made up of about 80 species i of evergreen shrubs or small trees that have narrow leaves that are typically aromatic, or occasionally lemon-scented, when crushed. All are Australian, apart from 1 species widespread in New Zealand and 2 located in Southeast Asia. They are collectively recognized as tea-trees since the leaves of some species had been utilized as a tea substitute by Captain James Cook's crew and early settlers to Australia. The smaller open flowers with five petals are mostly white and pink or occasionally red, and are commonly produced in profusion throughout the flowering season. The tiny woody capsules commonly persist for a long period. As a group, they are extremely favorite in cultivation, and quite a few are in fantastic demand as cut flowers.
CULTIVATION
Very good growers, most plants will tolerate an occasional light frost. They are finest suited to properly-drained soil in full sun, but some species can cope with wet conditions and practically full shade. Standard pruning from an early age and each and every year after flowering is advised to retain bushiness. Cultivars ought to be propagated from cuttings to preserve their characteristics.
Leading Tip
These graceful screening plants will adapt to a selection of soil sorts and conditions a light feeding with slow-release fertilizer in spring is helpful.
Ideal: - Leptospermum polygalifolium could vary in size from shrub to bushy tree. It has narrow aromatic leaves and bears masses of white flowers along the branches. The new growth is frequently a coppery red shade.
