Fabulous Fynbos

Fynbos and proteas come into their own during the winter months in the Cape. They are, of course, ideally suited to our local climate as they thrive on cold, wet winters and hot, dry summers.

Here are a few tips to help them flourish in your garden :

• Plant fynbos in full sun, in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic (a pH of 5 to 6 is ideal).
• They fare best in poor soil, as their root systems have adapted to extract the nutrients that they need from relatively infertile soil. Do not feed them with mushroom compost, bonemeal, phosphates or any kind of manure.
• Although they are fairly drought tolerant, they need to be well established before they can tolerate long, dry periods. Water immediately after planting and keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged in the weeks to come.
• Once your fynbos is established it should be pruned every year after it has finished flowering.