FLOWERS FORMED BY FIRE

FYNBOS

This is a type of vegetation found in South Africa’s Western Cape. Gladioli, proteas (pictured above), pelargoniums, ericas, agapanthus, nerines and restios are among the better-known fynbos plants grown in Britain, but this is the tip of a huge floral iceberg – Table Mountain alone has 1,500 endemic species. Trees are scarce and the vegetation at first might seem uniformly green and tough, but very soon the richness and diversity becomes apparent. The climate is harsh – relentless summer heat and drought followed by fierce winter storms. Fire is both a constant hazard and, for some plants, a necessity. Most fynbos areas burn every 12-15 years and the plants have evolved to make the most of this. Dominant shrubs such as proteas and leucadendrons are burnt right back but their seeds survive and are often triggered into growth by the heat. Lower shrubs such as osteospermum will sprout from below ground the first year after a fire, giving them a chance to grow and establish before the more vigorous plants can dominate, and bulbs such as watsonias will make a spectacular flowering following a seemingly devastating fire.

PELARGONIUMS

There are more than 125 species of pelargonium around the Cape. But if you’re growing them back home it’s time to think about keeping them healthy over the winter. Those growing in a border should be lifted and potted up over the next few weeks. Store in a light, cool but frost-free place. Cut back any long, straggly growth plus any shoots that are weak or damaged, but leave at least half the plant. Water very sparingly in winter, letting the compost completely dry out in between, and do not feed.