Plant Care Guides / Outdoor & Coastal / Groundcovers
Indigenous | Easy Care | Groundcovers
If you have ever driven along the West Coast or through the Overberg in spring and seen entire hillsides lit up in orange, pink or purple, you were looking at lampranthus.
These are the classic South African vygies: low, spreading succulent shrublets that produce masses of shiny, metallic-looking, daisy flowers in spring so thickly that the foliage vanishes under a sheet of colour. The flowers only open in sunshine, closing on cloudy days, which is part of their charm. The Darling vygie is one of the best forms for garden use. They are completely at home in the sandy, dry, coastal conditions of St Francis Bay and make some of the most spectacular seasonal displays you can plant.
15 to 30 cm tall, spreading to a metre or more.
Moderate to fast.
Bank cover, rockery, mass planting for spring colour, edging, container, dry sunny beds. Plant large drifts for the best impact.
Full sun. The flowers only open in direct sunlight.
Sandy, well-drained soil. They thrive in the poor, sandy conditions here. Avoid rich, heavy or waterlogged soil.
Very drought-tolerant. Water while settling in, then leave them to it.
None needed. Rich soil reduces flowering and encourages soft, leggy growth.
Trim after flowering to keep plants compact and prevent them becoming woody and bare in the centre. This also encourages better flowering next season.
Ask about availability. WhatsApp us to check what is currently in stock, or visit the nursery and we will help you choose the right plant for your spot.
