This pretty new Arctotis has been bred to perform. Give it a sunny spot and well drained soil and its flowering will be exceptionally long, from very early spring right through to autumn. One of the great things about Arctotis ‘Louise’ is its adaptability. It will grow in very poor and dry soils just as easily as it does in well enriched ones.
Extreme drought and wind tolerance means it will grow happily by the sea, where it makes a superb accompaniment to tough succulents and grasses, yet it is equally at home in the most sheltered gardens where it looks stunning among pink roses, purple penstemons and pretty lavenders.
It’s also an ideal plant to grow in raised beds and on sun drenched banks. Try it in such situations as a foreground to pink and white marguerite daisies, blue echiums and lavenders for a beautiful combination of colours.
Use it as part of a colourful mix of ground cover plants. With sprawling Verbenas it’s a delight and there are some exciting new varieties of these plants to choose from in the garden centres, with pink, purple and white flowers. Or mingle it with the sprawling African daisies, the Osteospermums, which go on flowering for ages.
Among variegated flaxes with a hint of pink to the foliage is another attention grabbing way to use Arctotis ‘Louise’.
The grey foliage can be used to advantage with other grey foliage plants such as the NZ native Pachystegia insignis in seaside gardens and where there’s very good drainage.
Arctotis ‘Louise’ also grows well in large containers where its free flowering habit is much appreciated.
It needs very little work to keep it looking perfect. A little light pruning when flowering finally finishes, with secateurs or hedge clippers, will keep it compact and robust.
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Schemes & Themes
using Liddle Wonder Plants