At this point in February we begin to appreciate the first signs of how vegetation is advancing by leaps and bounds towards spring. These circumstances remind us that we should not forget about the garden in these winter months, as soon temperatures will allow us to fully enjoy it again.
And for this the Nursery already has some of the early flowering species, which are in perfect condition to incorporate new plants in our garden or terrace.
One of these plants, which begins its flowering in the middle of winter and extends until the entrance of spring is Diosma hirsuta “Pink Fountain”
This shrub with a light appearance, native to South Africa, is in full bloom. This is slightly scented and very abundant throughout the winter. It is composed of small pale pink flowers, almost whitish, that are very interesting to provide light and color among other plants, in which at this time green tones dominate.
Its size and compact bearing make it a very suitable plant to be grown in pots, and therefore suitable not only for the garden, but also for other types of spaces such as terraces and balconies.
The small and narrow leaves, light green in color, sit on short and flexible stems, which gives it a slightly ungainly bearing, although compact. This fact implies that the Diosma will appear graceful before the breeze, granting a certain movement in the garden, while offering an interesting contrast with other woody plants of more rigid appearance.
It should be located in a place with adequate sun exposure, as this species likes direct sun and this is necessary to enhance its profuse flowering, especially considering that this occurs during winter.
In addition, it is a plant with low irrigation requirements, very resistant to lack of water, but if we grow it in a pot, we will have to be more attentive to watering than if we plant it directly in the ground. Regarding the type of soil, it prefers loose and well-drained substrates.
This perennial shrub, from warm areas, has a certain tolerance to low temperatures, although it only resists moderate frosts, but does not present problems down to temperatures below -5ºC. An alternative in built spaces is to place it next to a well-sunned wall or wall that generates a warmer environment, which will give it greater resistance to low temperatures.