Mandevillas are among some of the prettiest of our summer flowering vines, producing numerous trumpet-shaped, showy, vanilla-scented flowers in colours of pink, red, yellow and white that bloom prolifically for months whether festooning an archway, covering a fence or twining through a tree.
These tropical and sub-tropical members of the Apocynaceae family originate from Central and South America and are named after the British diplomat and plant hunter Henry Mandeville who found plants while serving in Argentina in the 1800s.
The deciduous mandevillas are the variety best suited for colder districts as they will re-shoot from the base if cut back by cold.
Grow in dappled shade in humus-rich soil. Good drainage is vital as over-watering causes many failures.
The tuber-like roots which are very efficient at holding water are likely to rot if they remain wet for any length of time. If the soil is heavy and drainage could be a problem, it’s best to grow them in large pots. Keep soil moist in summer.
Some varieties can look very impressive planted in large terracotta pots giving a touch of elegance to a sheltered patio or decking area.
In cold areas you may have to put them undercover for winter depending on the variety. Potted plants may need to have the side branch spurs pruned to lessen congestion.
To prune cut back in late winter to early spring to about four buds per stem before the new growth starts. Propagate from half-hardened stems in summer.
Feed every two weeks during the growing season with an all-purpose fertiliser.
Some like it hot
Like most herbs horseradish has been valued and grown through the ages for its medicinal and culinary properties.
The grated root has a distinctive pungent taste and has long been known as a stimulant for many parts of the circulatory system as well as having antiseptic qualities.
Related to mustard, cress, wasabi, broccoli and cabbage, horseradish is thought to have originated in Eastern Europe where it was considered a delicacy when combined with vinegar to make a sauce for serving with fish.
The root system comprises a white tapered root about 30cms long and 12mm thick with several smaller roots branching out from it at different angles. The leaves are an attractive large, dark green.
Propagation is by root cuttings in winter. Every two years pull the whole plant out and keep the long main roots for replanting.
When replanting, select four straight main roots about 20cms long, cut off side roots and plant horizontally in a prepared bed.
Make a furrow 30cms long and 25cms wide for each root then pour a little sand around the sides before covering with soil. Potted plants are available in nurseries.
Keep plants watered so that the roots don’t become coarse.
September 15-16: The Launceston Horticultural Society presents its Spring Show featuring daffodils and camellias at St. Ailbe’s Hall, Margaret Street, Launceston. Saturday 2pm -5pm and Sunday 10am-4pm. Admission adults $3.
September 18: Australian Plant Society meets at the Max Fry Hall on Gorge Rd, Trevallyn at 7.30pm. Speaker Ian Thomas’ topic is Paleobotany of NE Tasmania. Visitors welcome.
September 19: The Launceston Horticultural Society meets at Windmill Hill Hall, High Street, Launceston at 8pm. Guest speaker is Mark Hay with new nursery plants for spring. Home-made supper.
September 21, 22, 23: The Launceston Orchid Society’s annual show, Glenara Lakes Retirement Village, Hobart Road. Featuring Australian natives, modern cattleyas, cymbidiums, oncidiums, paphiopedilums and phalenopsis. Details next week.