The barleria family was named after Rev. James Barrelier MD of Paris (1603-1673) who traveled widely and wrote an Encyclopedia of Plants. A copy of James’s book was sold in 2010 for £10,158; the estimate given was £3,000 to £5,000. There are about 260 species of barleria.
Barleria lupulins, is rather different from other Barleriae. It possibly came from Madagascar or Mauritius. It is an interesting plant with attractive leaves and grows easily, withstanding much neglect. It is salt tolerant and can be found growing in sand dunes.
The Latin word ‘repens’ means ‘creeping and rooting’. Barleria repens grows where few other plants would survive. It starts small time but eventually takes over. It loves to climb and will cover great heights if given the chance. Then it pops up all over the garden to the point of becoming invasive.
Barleria obtusa grows very well in both full sun and semi- shaded conditions. It is not fussy about the soil and is very drought resistant. If allowed, it can become quite large. It is easily propagated from seeds, cuttings and layering.
The Bauhinia sometimes called Camel Foot is named in honour of the 16th century identical twin brothers, Johann and Caspar Bauhin. The name is rather apt as when the two lobes of the bauhinia leaves are folded they are identical as were the twins. It is a small tree that grows easily and self seeds everywhere. If it becomes untidy it can be pruned quite hard and will send forth a crop of new growth. Bauhinias grow easily from seed.
Bauhinia monangra is not fussy about soil and is drought resistant flowering profusely after the rains. It grows in full sun and even manages shallow soil. It grows easily self seeding everywhere. All parts of the Bauhinia are poisons.
My Bauhinia tomentosa does not do as well as my Bauhinia monanara and, in spite of it having a far nicer place to grow, it still look unhappy. When it flowers they are bright yellow with a maroon center.
Beaucarnea recurvata has a misleading popular name ‘Ponytail Palm’ because it is not a palm. It is native to eastern Mexico, where it was discovered by a Frenchman in 1870. In the right conditions Beaucarnea recurvata can live a long time and, in Mexico, there are specimen’s of 350 years.
Beaucarnea recurvata thrives in hot sun and is drought resistant. Propagation by seed or side shoots from a mature plant.
Beaumontia grandiflora is a woody climber with large cup shaped, fragrant, white flowers. Once established, it grows easily, especially up Baobab trees or other strong support. Beaumontia grandiflora flowers on new growth, so it is important to prune immediately after flowering. Propagation is from woody cuttings or seeds.
Bismarckia nobilis, is native to Madagascar and is the only species in this genus. It is a fast growing, drought tolerant palm, growing to reach 15 feet in five years and can become massive, giving a dramatic effect to any landscape with its wide silver-blue fan leaves that reach up to 10ft across. The Bismarck nobilis is dioecious, (male and female flowers are on different plants). It is not fussy about the soil, and likes full sun. Propagation is by seed.
Bixa orellana or Lipstick plant is a large shrub originating from the tropical Americas. The natives originally used the seeds to make red body paint and later lipstick, and nowadays it is a colorant in many foods and drinks worldwide. It requires a lot of space and, after the pink flowers, it is covered in bright red spiny fruit. It is easy to grow from seed.
The Bougainvillea was named after the 18th c. French navigator, Louis de Bougainville, who first came across it whilst visiting Brazil.
The Bougainvillea is the most decorative shrub to be found at the coast and there is so much that can be done with this very accommodating colourful plant.
When growing Bougainvillea from cuttings it is best to plant one cutting per pot. Short term this might seem extravagant but not in the long term. Using this method, the time and loss of cuttings saved by not having to re-pot far outweighs the apparent extravagance. Take the cuttings first thing in the morning or late in the evening, prepare them for planting and let them sit in water for an hour or two or overnight – a little sugar in the water will not go amiss. Using rooting compound, plant the cuttings into the pots and leave them to take root in dappled shade, making sure that they never dry out.
The Bougainvillea, especially the white variety, has a high salt tolerance, which makes it a natural choice close to the sea front. It is pest-free and disease resistant, and rewards one with an abundance of colour and vitality when it is well looked after. It can be grown as a small manageable pot plant or in the ground to spread itself up a wall, or climb up to the top of a tall tree. It makes the best hedges, which are totally impervious, or it can be grown as a standard or a bonsai. It has two distinct growth cycles: a vegetative growth period which last for several weeks then a blooming period which can continue for 3 to 5 weeks. Bougainvillea thorns have a chemical, which makes a thorn prick more painful.
Other ideas for using Bougainvillea:
Standards. These will take time and a lot of patience but the end result is worth the effort. Grow a cutting to the required height, keeping it well staked. Once the desired height is reached pinch out the growing point and the plant will send out side shoots which need to be kept pinched until there is a well shaped ball at the top of the plant. Remove all side shoots from the ‘stem’ once this height is achieved.
The smaller growing Bougainvillea will do well in hanging baskets – the basket needs to be quite large. These require extra care.
It can be grown in containers, which can be moved around the garden filling in vacant spaces when it is hot and dry just as the Bougainvillea is at its best.
- Keep the plants properly pruned so that you have a good shape
- Watering is necessary but don’t over water.
- In pots Bougainvillea flowers best when pot-bound.
- Bougainvilleas have delicate roots, they don’t like being moved.
- Feeding your Bougainvillea. Plants in a container should have glossy stems showing signs of health. Top dress and use foliar feed on a regular basis. Adding a small amount of Epson Salts when watering helps.
Brunfelsia pauciflora or better known as Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. This is not happy in our garden. It does not like the sea breezes, finds the climate too hot, and the soil too alkaline.
Bulbine bulbosa is native to Australia where the Aborigines use the plant for food. The name Bulbine comes from the Greek for bulb but this is misleading as plants do not have a bulb. It is easy to grow, prefers light shade, and is fairly drought resistant. If grown in pots, they should be well drained. It is easily propagated by division.