What better way to celebrate the colourful, diverse and unique heritage of South Africa than by planting some indigenous favourites in your garden? Here are three plants that have been here even longer than bobotie and braais to add to your botanical collection this weekend:

Water wise Bird of Paradise

Bird of paradise, or Streliltzia, is not only beautiful when flowering, but can survive long dry-spells. They are low-maintenance and ideal for dry or drought-stricken regions.

If you have planted your own Strelitzia, water it regularly in the first 6 months, aiming for not too wet or too dry. Yellow leaves indicate too much or too little water. After the plant has established itself, water often in the growing seasons of spring and summer. Let the soil dry between each watering session. Only water when the soil is dry to the touch in winter.

Help the bees with a Spotted Aloe

Spotted Aloe, especially the aloe greatheadii var davyana, is indigenous to South Africa and important for bees. Planting a bee friendly garden helps to protect and encourage bees and support biodiversity broadly. This particular aloe is the most important South African aloe for bees.

It flowers in the winter months, and like all aloes, is low maintenance. It’s also perfect for growing your succulent feature garden.

Add aroma with Rock Jasmine

Androsace, or rock jasmine, thrives in full sun and is known for its fragrant flowers. When pruned, it can be grown as a shrub, but otherwise makes for a wonderful climber. Here are our tips for growing climbers.

Rock jasmine needs good drainage. It should be mulched with stone chips. It does well across a range of climates but does best with partial shade in very hot areas. These plants need regular watering, especially in dry months or periods of drought.