Cabbage Tree, an old fave grower for cool subtrops ..

Dichroa versicoloured the evergreen hydrangea
Dichroa versicolor the evergreen hydrangea ..

Shady beautiful from Jon & Terry at Cabbage Tree …useful evergreens flowering shrubs to less than 3m are always good to find. Especially ones like the Evergreen Hydrangea, Dichroa versicolor that favour the southern house side where they grow without losing condition during sunless winter months AND conceal the boundary fencing.

Sandy slightly alkaline soils produce rose shades
Sandy slightly alkaline soils produce rose shades for Paradisus design
Epidendrum hybrids at Cabbage Tree
Epidendrum hybrids at Cabbage Tree
Crucifix Orchids used as part of xerophytic rooftop mix
Crucifix Orchids used as part of xerophytic rooftop mix for Paradisus design

Self Water storage is the imperative if your selection is going to match to rooftop low water use growing conditions.  Contrasting textures bring year round interest yes and if there are seasonal flowers as a bonus, why not consider Epidendrum ibaguense hybrids. Also perfect for within drip-lines of crunchy, dry gum leaves where little else does so well …

Solandra longiflora the Dwarf Hawaiian Chalice
Solandra longiflora the Dwarf Hawaiian Chalice

If shady evergreen shrubs are good to find, interesting climbers are scarce as hens teeth. Enter Solandra longiflora, little sister to S. maxima and an extremely useful subject for converting pvc mesh fencing to ‘green fencing’. ‘Green Fencing is where certain climbers that are flexible but woody enough to hold position,   are woven loosely through mesh and effectively disappear into the garden but have the advantage of keeping your client’s dog and the neighbour’s dogs out.

Solandra longiflora a medium weight climber for frost free cool sub-tropics
Solandra longiflora a medium weight climber for frost free cool sub-tropics – Paradisus design

Garden variety bromeliads that make good garden plants are a low risk option for bright but dry shade. Virtually no maintenance or predation, Billbergia (‘Domingos Martins X ‘Ed MacWilliams’) ‘Hallelujah’ is high on this list and if you have a featured east facing spot for morning sun only, expect to be rewarded with stained glass winter colour through low angled sun light and flower flashes during any of the warm weather.     

Billbergia ('Domingos Martins X 'Ed MacWilliams') 'Hallelujah'
Billbergia (‘Domingos Martins X ‘Ed MacWilliams’) ‘Hallelujah’

Go on, make a garden from plants I dare you and call Jon or Terry now !!!

Jon Williams & Terry Castle for Cabbage Tree Nursery

64 Quarry Road, Dural 9651 1851‬

 

 

   

 

      

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