I love July. It has to be my favourite month. Not only is it my birthday month but my favourite plant is starting to flower. I first discovered this plant when I was a little girl climbing trees in my parent’s garden. At the time I thought that my mother and father had especially planted this tree for me so I had flowers on my birthday. I just could never work out why they planted it under my sister’s window and not mine! Even when I smell the flowers today I get transported back to their garden and a time of simple existence.
I find the best way to give my life some TLC especially during one of the coldest months of the year is to have a Rogiera amoena. Many of you would know it by it’s old botanical name Rondeletia amoena. Whether it be in the garden or a pot this plant is a must for all gardeners. Some may class it as old fashioned, for me it’s timeless!
Previously the genus name, Rondeletia, commemorates Guillaume Rondelet, a 16th century French naturalist. The species name, amoena, is from the Latin meaning 'lovely' and lovely it is.
Rogiera amoena is an evergreen shrub or small tree to around 3m tall. It has dense green foliage making the perfect tree for hedging or as a feature. Energex even thinks it’s a wonderful plant and recommends it for planting under power lines.
By July Rogiera amoena are just beginning to produce their clusters of deep pink buds which will slowly open to salmon-pink, perfumed flowers. They will flower from July until the end of spring. These deliciously scented flowers do not have an overpowering scent. If you are anything like me though you’ll want to sit all day in the garden and breathe in this divine scent.
Rogiera amoena’s are a versatile plant that can be grown in full sun or part shade. It is a very tough, drought-tolerant plant for any style of garden from tropical to formal. These plants are hardly bothered by pests or disease and they even attract butterflies!
Whether you have a green-thumb or slightly brown tinged one Rogiera amoena are for you.
A light prune after flowering and a seasonal fertilise with an organic slow release fertiliser, I use Organic Link, will promote a denser form and more beautiful plant.
This weekend spoil yourself and take a trip back to your childhood. Rogiera amoena are the best and easiest way to give yourself and garden some TLC during the cold month of July.