This herbaceous perennial is widely planted in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden for its rich yellow-green foliage, showy flowerheads and its prolific flowering during late spring into summer. It should be borne in mind, however, that it does have toxic properties and so should be planted with caution in gardens where it may be ingested by small children or animals.

Lasiospermum bipinnatum is easily grown from cuttings that can be taken throughout the year. For optimum results, take cuttings of 30-70 mm length, dip the bases of these into a rooting hormone powder and plant in a 1:1 mixture of polystyrene and bark. These should then be left on a heated bench (to aid the rooting process) in a mist unit. Under these conditions rooting usually takes two to three weeks. If a heated bench is not available, the roots could be grown under normal conditions. An alternative medium can also be used, as long as it provides proper drainage.

If the seed is available, it should be sown in spring. Use a well-drained and level medium. Sow seed evenly and cover lightly with fine bark or river sand. Water lightly and do not allow the medium to dry out. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough for transplanting into bags or directly into the garden.

In the garden, L. bipinnatum requires little attention but to prolong the flowering season it is advisable to continually remove any spent flowers. T he plants should also be severely pruned during autumn or winter to maintain their aesthetic shape and to remain floriferous. Plants can be kept in the garden for about two to three years, after which they should be replaced.

In larger gardens , L.bipinnatum makes for an excellent border plant and in smaller gardens it is well suited to mixed plantings. In gardens where summer annuals are extensively used, this plant is often used in combination with other perennials to provide colour and interest in the interim until the annuals come into flowers.

The ganskweek performs well with: Felicia echinata , F. dregei , Geranium incanum , G. multisectum , Lobelia valida , Cineraria saxifraga , Diascia species, Pelargonium ionidiflorum , Monopsis unidentata , Helichrysum cymosum and Arctotis arctotoides.

Photos: Anthony Magee