Keeping colour alive in a Lowveld summer

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In the Lowveld of Mpumalanga, summer is not a gentle season. It arrives with heat, humidity and sudden downpours. Any garden that thrives under these conditions does so through careful plant selection and sound planning. Colour can last for months when plants suited to local conditions are used.

One of the most effective ways to keep a garden flowering from late spring through to early autumn is by combining annuals and perennials. Each plays a distinct role in the landscape.

Annuals: fast colour for a long, hot season

Annuals are plants that complete their life cycle in a single season. In the Lowveld, most summer annuals are planted from September to November, once the risk of cold nights has passed. From that point, they flower strongly and often continue well into autumn if cared for correctly.

Since annuals must grow, flower and set seed within a short period, they produce an impressive display. Reliable choices for Lowveld gardens include zinnias, cosmos, vincas, marigolds, petunias and salvias. These plants tolerate heat and summer rainfall well when grown in soil with good drainage.

Annuals are well suited to containers, hanging baskets, borders and open gaps in garden beds. They are also useful for refreshing areas where spring plants have finished or where permanent plants are still establishing.

Regular care remains essential. In the Lowveld heat, annuals require consistent watering, particularly during dry spells between summer rains. They are heavy feeders, and fortnightly liquid feeding helps maintain steady flowering. Removing spent flowers encourages further blooms and keeps plants looking neat.

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Perennials: structure that lasts

Perennials form the backbone of a Lowveld garden. These plants return year after year from the same root system and often increase in size and strength over time. While many do not flower continuously, they provide shape, height and permanence.

Well adapted summer perennials for the region include agapanthus, daylilies, gaura, echinacea, society garlic, ornamental grasses and hardy salvias. Most of these plants cope well with heat and seasonal rainfall, provided drainage is adequate.

Perennials usually flower for a defined period rather than throughout the season. For this reason, thoughtful planning is important. Selecting plants with different flowering times allows colour to be maintained over several months.

Early summer interest can be provided by gaura and early flowering salvias. Midsummer colour often comes from daylilies and echinacea. Late summer structure and texture are added by ornamental grasses and sedum as the season draws to a close.

Using annuals and perennials together

In well planned Lowveld gardens, annuals and perennials are used together rather than in isolation. Perennials create long term structure and help shade the soil. Annuals are used to add colour and fill spaces where it is needed.

Planting annual salvias or vincas around established agapanthus or daylilies is a practical example. The perennials anchor the planting, while the annuals maintain colour before and after peak flowering periods.

This layered approach keeps the garden looking full and intentional, even during the hottest months when some plants slow their growth.

Gardening with the Lowveld climate in mind

Successful gardening in Mpumalanga’s Lowveld depends on working with local conditions. Heat tolerant plants, well prepared soil, mulching and sensible watering all contribute to long term success.

By combining reliable perennials with adaptable annuals, gardeners can enjoy colour from early summer through to autumn. Careful plant choice and steady maintenance allow the garden to thrive throughout the season.

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