Care of the shrub Freylinia visseri or Honey bell bush |
The genus Freylinia, family Scrophulariaceae, includes 12 species of shrubs native to Africa. Some species are: Freylinia visseri, Freylinia lanceolata, Freylinia tropica, Freylinia crispa. Common names: Honey bell bush, Velddrif bell-bush. This species is native to South Africa. They are evergreen shrubs with erect growth and thin branches that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. The leaves are oblong, pointed and light green. The attractive bell-shaped tubular flowers appear in bright dark purple clusters. They bloom in spring and early summer. Honey bell bush is used to form barriers, next to walls, on sandy slopes and in bushy groups (in the background). It's ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens. Freylinia visseri needs full sun exposure and a Mediterranean climate. It resists light and occasional frosts. The soil can be a normal garden soil with 20% coarse sand or perlite. Planting is done in spring or autumn. Water regularly in spring and summer, waiting for the substrate to be almost dry. The rest of the year water moderately. Fertilize in spring every 15 days with mineral fertilizer. Prune in late winter to keep it compact. Freylinia visseri is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases. Honey bell bush is propagated by cuttings in spring, autumn or early summer (use rooting hormones) and from seeds sown in the nursery at any time of the year. |
Images of the shrub Freylinia visseri or Honey bell bush |