Proteas
Not just any old blossom, protea flowers are blooms with attitude. If you can give them full sun and reasonable drainage, proteas will love you.
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If you’re looking for a wonderful green ground cover that does well in the shade, then Baby’s Tears is your answer. Native to the Mediterranean region, Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) have small green leaves and are also a classic addition to your indoor space, they are easy to maintain and propagate by dividing. They suit most climatic conditions, but cannot withstand frost.
How to grow Baby's Tears in a garden
- Choose a full shade to dappled sun position which receives regular moisture - moist or boggy areas are ideal.
- Enrich the soil with Yates Thrive Natural Blood & Bone with Seaweed. If the soil is clay based, add gypsum and fork in well.
- Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the plant from the container and gently tease the roots.
- Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Form a raised ring around the plant, creating a well so that water will go where it’s needed most. Water in well.
- Water regularly, keeping moist at all times.
- Feed with Yates Thrive All Purpose Granular Plant Food. TIP: for an added boost apply Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate.
How to grow Baby's Tears in a pot
Baby's Tears can be grown as a groundcover in terrariums and larger style bonsais. Also great for delicate foliage contrast in pots and hanging baskets.
- Choose a pot, any size large or small is suitable - the bigger the pot, the bigger the plant will grow.
- Position in full shade to dappled sun and fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix.
- Remove the plant from the container and gently tease the roots.
- Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Water in well.
- Water regularly, keeping moist at all times - do not allow to dry out in between waterings.
- Feed regularly with Yates Thrive All Purpose Liquid Plant Food. TIP: for an added boost apply Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate.
Growing tips
- They look very beautiful in hanging baskets or terracotta pots.
- As a ground cover you can grow them around rocks, but avoid direct sunlight.
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Recommended products
Yates Thrive All Purpose Granular Plant Food
Easy-to-use granular plant food specially formulated with both fast acting and gradual feeding for up to 3 months, in the garden or pots.
Yates Thrive All Purpose Liquid Plant Food
A liquid plant food suitable for most types of plants and provides balanced feeding to promote stronger, healthier growth and greener foliage. Feeds through the leaves and roots for fast results.
Yates Premium Potting Mix
A premium potting mix, ideal for all potted plants and shrubs, including ornamentals, fruit trees, vegies and herbs.
Yates Thrive Natural Blood & Bone with Seaweed
A certified organic garden input boosted with NZ Seaweed to gently nourish plants, enrich the soil and encourage a strong healthy root system.
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