Each issue we ask five horticulture experts to list their favourite plant types on a selected theme.

Previously we would only ask for two favourites each to be listed, however, we have expanded their initial selection to five favourites from which they choose their top two to focus upon.

The decision can depend upon many factors such as soil, climate, drought tolerance, aesthetics or just plain personal preference!

Grewia occidentalis – Lavender Star Flower
Megaskespasma erythrochlamys – Red Cloak
Mussaenda philippica cultivars – Bangkok Rose
Nerium oleander – Oleander
Pavetta natalensis – Bridal Bush

Bambusa textilis var. gracilis – Slender Weaver’s Bamboo
Bartlettina sordida (syn. Eupatorium magalophyllum)
– Mexican Mist
Graptophyllum excelsum – Native Holly
Hibiscus rosa–sinensis ‘Ritzy’ – Hibiscus ‘Ritzy’
Xanthostemon chrysanthus – Golden Penda

Acmena hemilampra – Broad-leaved Lilly Pilly, Blush Satinash
Backhousia myrtifolia – Cinnamon Myrtle
Callistemon pearsonii – Bottlebrush
Pilidiostigma rhytispermum – Small-leaved Plum Myrtle
Pittosporum undulatum – Sweet Pittosporum

Cyrtostachys renda – Lipstick Palm
Cleistanthus apodus – Weeping Cleistanthus
Ptychosperma lineare – Fine Leaved Clumping Palm
Polyalthia longifolia ‘Pendula’ – Indian Mast Tree
Polyscias cumingiana ‘Aurea’– Golden Aralia

Cleistanthus apodus – Weeping Cleistanthus
Coffea arabica – Coffee
Costus stenophyllus – Bamboo Costus
Euclinia longiflora – African Tree Gardenia
Synsepalum dulcificum – Miracle Fruit