The best large shrubs in the garden at the moment are 2 species of Bowkeria illustrated below. The bright yellow flowered species is B. citrina; growing immediately under a large Wellingtonia. The white flowered species on the right is B. verticillata. Both have been in the garden in sheltered spots now for over 20 years and have experienced temps down to approx -5C. There is 1 other species B cymosa which I did grow from seed collected by the wonderful late couple Rachel and Rod Saunders of Silverhill Seeds in South Africa. I have lost this species now so must make an attempt to grow another.
They are perfectly happy in a sunny dryish position here which they are certainly getting this year. We haven’t had any rain for several weeks now and none on the radar for a while yet which makes these Bowkeria plants pretty special with our changing seasons. They are perfectly happy in what makes a hot summer in Cornwall. Many young plants in the garden will need a water this week but the Bowkeria plants wont be on the to do list!
