Plants

We provide the following plants

Exotic Cycads

Amid the multitudes of advice and inclination to make the simple into something complicated, clearly a few uncomplicated common factors emerge. There are really only two options when growing your cycads: in the ground, or in containers. Cycads adapt well to either, and require certain basic conditions, not necessarily the same in either situation or for all species:
1. Drainage
2. Nutrients
3. Water
Light and temperature are also important environmental conditions that must be considered although often cannot be changed. Climate is particularly a limiting factor in outdoors and in-ground plantings, largely restricting cycad use to subtropical and tropical regions.

Shrubs & Standards

Cycads for Pleasure have a variety of shrubs and standards suitable for our climate.
The following are examples of standard trees we normally have in stock:

Viburnums
Eugenia / Syzigium
Hibiscus
Freylinia
Gardenia
Roses

Trees

Cycads for Pleasure grows a range of over 40 trees, which are categorized as small, medium, or large garden trees. The large garden trees generally have invasive root systems, which cannot be planted within three to four metres of a house.

Further considerations will allow you to determine whether the tree is deciduous (D) or ever-green (EG). In a small complex, it is generally advisable to opt for deciduous trees, so that the sun can warm the house in winter. In summer, when you really don’t want too much sun in the house, a deciduous tree can provide both shade and a cool house.

Another important consideration in choosing a tree is whether it is frost tender (FT) or hardy (H). Planting an Acacia Fever Tree in Wakkerstroom is a challenging proposition. Frost tender trees don’t cope well with temperatures that drop below about three degrees in winter. An Acacia karoo, by contrast, is a hardy tree, which will withstand the cold winters with ease. Protected suburban gardens will allow even frost tender trees, such as the Fever trees.

Another important consideration is whether the tree prefers full sun or semi-shade. Most trees will survive in shade, but will not grow to their full potential. Leaf colour may vary in the shade (variegation may disappear), and flowers will generally only emerge if the tree is planted in the correct light. The tree fushia (Halleria lucida) should be planted in the shade if it is going to reach its true potential. Similarly, a viburnum sinensus needs full sun to flower, and the Photinia red robin will only display its magnificent red leaves in spring if it has sufficient sun/light.

Another consideration may be whether the tree will attract birds, butterflies and bees. Having small kids who regularly play in the garden may lead some parents to avoid the Calistemon endeavour (bottlebrush), as it attracts hoards of bees when in flower. The Dombeya rotundifolia is a good wildlife garden tree that attracts both birds and butterflies into the garden. Other trees that will bring in the butterflies include the Acacia xanthlphloa (Fever tree), the Acacia karoo, the Kiggelaria africana and shrubs, such as the plumbago and tecomaria.

Tree List