PLANT GIFTS

Another favourite is the cyclamen

Plant gifts
Plants solve all sorts of present buying dilemmas. There is really something for everyone (who likes plants), from novice gardener to expert. For people who appreciate houseplants, the traditional gift is Euphorbia pulcherrima, better known as the poinsettia. It’s main interest is the showy red, pink or white bracts (leaves) that come as the same time as the tiny flowers. The plants survive all right in room temperature but they do tend to be short lived. I have tried on many occasions to make them last for a year but have come to the conclusion that the end up on the compost bin some time in February. If you want to try to make the bracts come again next year then water them sparingly and put them in total darkness for two months prior to flowering (October).

Another good one is the Madagascar jasmine, Stephanotis floribunda. This climbing plant is usually sold on a hoop or wire where the glossy dark green foliage is best displayed. The main reason these plants are so attractive is the abundance of clear, white, highly perfumed flowers. Give this to someone who has a bright, sunny window and won’t mind misting the foliage regularly and watering with a liquid feed every week or so during the flowering period. The sweet fragrance of the flowers fills the house.


Outdoor plant gifts
There are plenty of outdoor plants that look good at this time of year. Try Chimonanthus praecox, the winter sweet. This deciduous Chinese plant is often overlooked in favour of more showy summer performers but in winter few plants match it. The deep yellow flowers have strap like petals and a spicy fragrance. It makes a great specimen fan- trained against a wall or fence.

One of the most reliable plants for winter flowers has to be Viburnum x bodnantense ‘Dawn’ . This produces a mass of delicate looking, highly fragrant, pink flowers from November to March. It is best suited to a sunny position in moist soil, close to a path where the fragrance can be appreciated.