Stachys Aethiopica – A South African Beauty

by Hannetjie Du Toit | Jan 18, 2021 | Alimandi Tips

African Stachys, Katbossie. The hardy all-year-round beauty

This evergreen, hardy and fast-growing groundcover occur naturally in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State and Kwazulu-Natal, in full sun to shade. It appears delicate, but is very tough, particularly when in full bloom. The African Stachys mainly blossoms in spring, but with a few flowers almost year-round.

Perfect for summer and winter

African Stachys aethiopica can be planted under large trees, used as an edging along the informal garden border, to cover a shady bank or in hanging baskets or containers. It is also a good fynbos garden plant. For best results plant in well-drained, compost-enriched soil and water regularly. Mulch with compost once a year in spring. Once established, it is frost and drought hardy.

Strong smelling means no pests!

Being from the mint family (Lamiaceae) the stems are short, stiff and 4-sided with egg-shaped to triangular leaves with a toothed margin and soft green in color. The leaves are intensely aromatic and hairy. Because of these hairy and fragrant leaves, the African Stachys do not have any major pests. The flowers are spikes of tiny tubular white to pale mauve flowers with a few darker spots. This spreading groundcover is very attractive during spring when in full bloom and attracts bees, butterflies, and birds to the garden. Remember any plant that attracts these helpful insects are lovely to have in your garden as they ensure pollination and distribution of the seeds from the other plants or flowers in your garden.

After flowering trim back to encourage bushier plants and also longer flowering season.

Good for the garden and for you

This African Stachys is used as a medicine to cure feverish delirium, influenza and liver disorders. This hardy plant can also be used for internal haemorrhoids as well as gynaecological problems.

Stachys aethiopica is an attractive groundcover for both sun and shade; it is low maintenance and is an excellent addition to any water-wise garden. Hardy and long-lasting, beautiful all year round.

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Gomphostigma Virgatum Shrub

by Hannetjie Du Toit | Nov 30, 2020 | Alimandi Tips

Gomphostigma Virgatum Shrub is indigenous to South Africa and Zimbabwe, and occurs naturally alongside water streams and rivers in Kwazulu-Natal. It is a fast-growing, hardy shrub and is evergreen, frost-resistant, and an extremely low maintenance plant. It releases a curry-like fragrance that is pleasant to humans and animals alike when it has rained wet.

Delicate Comphostigma Virgatum Shrub

Gomphostigma Virgatum Shrub has a delicate narrow silver-grey foliage with a vase-shaped growth habit and is a shining light in your garden among all the green-leaved shrubs. Spikes of white star-shaped flowers in late spring to early autumn is sweetly fragrant. It is happiest in full sun but needs regular irrigation to keep it comfortable. Being low maintenance, it only needs pruning after flowering to encourage bushiness and more flowers for the following season. A mulch of compost to keep roots cool in the heat of the day and regular watering will keep these beautiful shrubs happy. Gomphostigma is a winner plant around a water feature in well-draining and well-composted soil.

Birds nesting in your garden

Gomphostigma Virgatum Shrub attract birds and butterflies to one’s garden. Birds use the young branches for nest building because of their flexibility. It is also a specific host for endemic dodder, and if you spot these dodder on your plants in your garden, please remove before it spreads to other plants.

This plant, the Gomphostigma Virgatum Shrub does have a medicinal purpose as well. It is used traditionally to restore strength to a fatigued person. Serviceable brooms are also made from the longer twigs of the Gomphostigma Virgatum, which are cut before the flowers appear.

Looking for the contrast

This graceful shrub is best planted close together for the best and striking effect in any garden and makes a tremendous contrasting plant, whether it is winter, summer, autumn or spring!