The genus Hoya contains between 200 and 300 different species. In addition, there are also lots of hybrids and cultivars of certain species, making it an incredibly diverse group of plants. Hoya plants go by numerous different names: waxflower, wax plant, wax creeper, wax vine, porcelain flower and Mary’s tears, to name just a few.
These plants have a home range that stretches from India in the west to China in the east, and reaches downward through Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia, through all the Southeast Asian islands, and even extends to the northern parts of Australia. Because of this wide distribution range, which includes many different habitats, these plants have varying growing requirements, which we need to keep in mind when we want to keep them here in South Africa.
In general, most of the hoyas can be described as tropical, while certain species are subtropical. The subtropical species are the easiest to grow in our climate, as the tropical ones need high temperatures coupled with high humidity throughout the year to perform at their best.
This story is from the September 2020 edition of The Gardener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2020 edition of The Gardener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A Touch of Class
A cut above the rest and attractive enough to fill all the spaces you can see in your garden or in pots...
Bordering on food aggression!
The economy, fires, drought, Russians, fuel prices, and politicians, dictated what we ate in my youth. The only exception was that Eskom worked...
Quarantining new koi fish
Give your new koi the best start
Big deal GLADIOLI
To get balance in a flower bed, we rely on tall flowering plants to provide height and show off amazing blooms. One of our favourites to plant are gladioli. They might look impressive, come in some gorgeous colours, and are great for a vase, but they are also easy to grow with a few golden rules.
PRETTY FILLER Scabiosa
There are over 70 varieties of Scabiosa (pincushion flower) in both the annuals and perennials categories with arguably some of the best ones local to our country, and excellent pollinator attractors too.
TRIPLE treat
A floral combo that's bursting with colour
CHLOROSIS how to fix it
Chlorosis is not a death sentence for your plants. With prompt identification and the right interventions, you can restore your plants to their lush, vibrant selves.
COREOPSIS 'UpTick'
For an easy-to-grow, tough perennial, with masses of pretty blooms, plant Coreopsis hybrids and watch the bees and butterflies come into your garden.
Decorative Dahlias
With a little basic care, you can grow these showstopping plants in your own backyard with minimal effort.
The beauty of BEGONIAS
For endless colour and a garden that looks vibrant throughout the seasons, these are your go-to choices.