Euryops pectinatus, commonly known as Euryops, Savannah Daisy and Yellow Marguerite, is a hardy perennial shrub to 1.5m high and around 1m wide. There is a compact form, E. pectinatus ‘Little Sunray’, which grows to 1m. Euryops has silvery green foliage and is covered in brighter than bright yellow flowers over an extended period from winter to late spring, which are attractive to bees and butterflies.
Euryops grows well in a sunny to partly shaded aspect and grows in a moderate to well-drained soil with neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It tolerates moderate frost and is drought resistant. Top with a layer of organic matter and mulch each season, avoiding the main stem; and give a light prune after the main flowering to promote a bushy habit.
Euryops suits mixed shrub plantings, background plantings, mass plantings, and can be grown in a large pot.
In the garden this week
- Protect frost sensitive plants with cloches made of frost cloth, shadecloth, thick layers of mulch on the eastern side, or similar. In the long term, consider growing hardier shrubs in frost prone areas, to help protect more frost sensitive plants growing nearby, and to assist with the diversion of cold air away from your garden.
- Maintain soil moisture but avoid overwatering, as it will cause related pest and disease problems. Some plants, such as succulents, prefer dry conditions over the winter months.
- Apply shallow layers of mulch only, to protect the soil’s surface while still letting in warming winter rays.
- Plan for warm season veg crops, including early sowings of veg seeds indoors or in warm glasshouses.
- Remove diseased fallen leaves from fruit trees to prevent further contamination – recycle them in your green waste bin or local green waste facility.
Upcoming talks
Composting in your garden: Come and join local horticulturist and Canberra Daily garden writer Tracey Bool as she introduces you to the wonderful world of backyard composting. No matter how large or small your gardening space is, or the volume of garden and kitchen waste you produce, anyone can compost. Topics to be covered include the how and why of hot and cold composting methods, composting with worms, and also Bokashi composting.
When: Saturday 8 June 2-3pm.
Where: Tuggeranong Library, Cowlishaw Street Tuggeranong.
Cost: This talk is free.
Creating a garden for the Canberra climate: Are you making the most of your garden in Canberra’s unique climate? Are you flummoxed by your plants having to cope with frosty cold winters as well as hot dry summers? In this introductory workshop you will learn how to set up your garden so that it thrives year-round. Benjamin Taylor from Good Ground Horticulture will take you through a simple process that will enable good gardening in Canberra’s sometimes harsh climate.
When: Thursday 20 June 6-8pm.
Where: Canberra Environment Centre corner Lawson Crescent and Lennox Crossing, Acton.
Cost: $30
Bookings: For both events are via Eventbrite.
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