{"id":121436,"date":"2024-07-04T05:52:33","date_gmt":"2024-07-04T12:52:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/plantlust.com\/blog\/?p=121436"},"modified":"2024-07-04T05:52:33","modified_gmt":"2024-07-04T12:52:33","slug":"discover-the-wonders-of-waltzing-matilija-nursery-unique-plants-to-transform-your-garden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/plantlust.com\/blog\/gardens\/discover-the-wonders-of-waltzing-matilija-nursery-unique-plants-to-transform-your-garden\/","title":{"rendered":"Discover the Wonders of Waltzing Matilija Nursery: Unique Plants to Transform Your Garden"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fellow garden enthusiasts, we have such a treat for you! We\u2019re so excited to welcome the enchanting Waltzing Matilija Nursery<\/a>, a treasure trove of botanical wonders nestled in Southern California which specializes in Australian and South African Plants. This nursery is a paradise for those who adore the rare and exotic. So, grab your sunglasses and a glass of something on ice, and let\u2019s explore some of the nursery\u2019s most covetable plants, along with their fascinating histories and the gardens they\u2019ve graced around the globe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Grevillea ‘Fanfare’. Photo by Waltzing Matilija Nursery.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Grevillea ‘Fanfare’: The Cascading Beauty<\/span><\/h4>\n

First on our list is the stunning Grevillea ‘Fanfare’. With its vibrant red, spider-like flowers and delicate fern-like foliage, it\u2019s a plant that\u2019s sure to make a statement. It can grow to cover a 15′ area. Now that’s a groundcover! Native to Australia, Grevillea ‘Fanfare’ is cherished for its resilience and its ability to add both color and texture to gardens.<\/span><\/p>\n

This delightful plant was introduced by the renowned horticulturist Peter Olde, a true aficionado of Grevilleas. You\u2019ll find it flourishing in the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney, where its vibrant blooms create a breathtaking display year-round.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Protea magnifica. Photo by Waltzing Matilija.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Protea magnifica: The King Protea<\/span><\/h4>\n

Next, we have the majestic Protea magnifica, also known as the queen protea. This South African native is celebrated for its large, dramatic blooms that look as though they\u2019ve been plucked straight from a fairy tale. Each flower head is composed of hundreds of tiny individual flowers, surrounded by striking, colorful bracts. Esteemed garden designer Piet Oudolf has embraced the bold, architectural form of Protea magnifica in his renowned designs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Waltzing Matilija has many stunning proteas but I chose to share this one with you because of its possible cold-hardiness and striking contrast between silvery foliage and vivid red blooms. WOWEEE!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Phylica pubescens. Photo by Waltzing Matilija.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Phylica pubescens: Featherhead<\/span><\/h4>\n

Let\u2019s move on to Phylica pubescens, affectionately known as featherhead. This charming plant brings a soft, downy texture to any garden. With its dense, velvety foliage and tiny, star-shaped flowers, it\u2019s a unique and delightful addition to any plant collection.<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s particularly quirky about Phylica pubescens is its irresistibly soft foliage. It\u2019s so feathery, you\u2019ll want to reach out and touch it every time you walk by. This plant has found a special place in Mediterranean gardens\u2013just imagine the sun-catching capabilities of that fine foliage. No wonder it\u2019s in such hot-demand at Annie\u2019s Annuals who report that they often have long waiting lists for it. Apparently it\u2019s very challenging to propagate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Geum Pretticoats. Photo by Waltzing Matilija.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Geum Pretticoats\u2122 Peach: The Delightful Perennial<\/span><\/h4>\n

Next up, Geum Pretticoat Peach. I feel like geums are much underused and I\u2019m not sure why. Maybe too delicate to catch attention away from more boisterous flowers? I find them so charming. This one is a true delight, with its frilly peach-colored flowers and extended blooming season. It\u2019s a relatively new cultivar but I think it will quickly catch on for its hardiness and popular flower color.<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019m happy to read that Geum Pretticoat Peach has been showcased in the renowned gardens of Great Dixter in England. Evidently the late, great garden designer Christopher Lloyd also had a particular fondness for geums, often using them to create vibrant, colorful borders. As usual,\u00a0the English know.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Cussonia paniculata. Photo by Waltzing Matilija.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cussonia paniculata: The Cabbage Tree<\/span><\/h4>\n

Now, let\u2019s talk about Cussonia paniculata, also known as the cabbage tree, or Dr Seuss Tree (ok, it\u2019s only known by that name by me as far as I\u2019m aware). I first saw this from the comfort of my bubble bath in a dogeared Annie\u2019s Annuals catalog over a decade ago. Isn\u2019t it just incredible\u2013both charming and somewhat silly-looking? It hails from southern Africa and is celebrated for its unique, sculptural appearance. With its thick trunk and umbrella-like canopy of leaves, it certainly brings an exotic touch to any garden.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cussonia paniculata has a storied history of use in traditional medicine among the indigenous peoples of southern Africa. You\u2019ll find this striking plant featured in botanical gardens like the Pretoria National Botanical Garden, where its distinctive form never fails to capture the attention of visitors, I\u2019m sure.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fabiana imbricata f. violacea. Photo by Waltzing Matilija.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fabiana imbricata f. violacea: The False Heather<\/span><\/h4>\n

Last but certainly not least, we have Fabiana imbricata f. violacea, or false heather. This Chilean native is beloved for its delicate, heather-like appearance and beautiful violet flowers. It\u2019s a tough, drought-tolerant plant that thrives in Mediterranean climates.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gertrude Jekyll, the legendary garden designer, was quite taken with this plant, admiring its fine texture and resilience. You can see it gracing the stunning gardens of Hestercombe in Somerset, England, where Jekyll\u2019s influence continues to shine through.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tips for Plant Care<\/span><\/h4>\n

To ensure your new botanical friends thrive, here are some care tips:<\/span><\/p>\n