Your office property, inside and out, is a reflection of your company. If being water-conscious is important to your business, indigenous landscaping is the way to go. Luckily, we have many beautiful plants native to South Africa that thrive in our climate and varying terrains. Some of these species are able to withstand warmer temperatures and arid environments.
The key to water-conscious landscaping is choosing plants that are natural to that environment, so keep your company’s location in mind when you are in the planning phase.
Indigenous landscaping: Top plant picks
Increase your kerb appeal with an attractive, indigenous garden. When doing large-scale indigenous landscaping, work with ground covers, herbaceous perennials, shrubs and trees for an effective and balanced look. Let’s take a closer look at a few examples that work well together.
Fill in the bare spaces with green ground covers
Aptenia Cordifolia
This succulent plant makes an excellent ground cover and is a vibrant green with pretty pink flowers. Aptenia Cordifolia is a great lawn replacement for a corporate landscape and works well in areas susceptible to erosion and run-off.
Bulbine
The Bulbine varieties are also effective ground covers, working well in office park landscapes. They have succulent leaves and beautiful yellow and orange star-shaped flowers. Bulbines help young trees retain water when planted at their base, so are a great choice for water-conscious landscape design.
Asparagus Densiflorus
This drought-resistant bedding plant is an excellent ground cover and grows well in semi-shaded areas. The Meyersii variety, commonly known as Foxtail Fern has long, fox-tail like fronds. The Sprengeri variety is typically used as a ground cover, spreading easily and preventing soil erosion.
Add herbaceous perennials for a pop of colour
Dietes
This grass-like plant is well-known in our country, and is hardy and drought-resistant. Dietes comes in two varieties: Dietes Grandiflora with white flowers, and Dietes bicolour with yellow flowers.
Agapanthus Praecox
The agapanthus is one of the most popular plants in South Africa. The purple and white flowers are unmistakable and are a statement addition to any garden. This drought-resistant plant flowers in summer and has evergreen foliage, making it an attractive choice for a corporate landscape that needs to look vibrant all year round.
Chlorophytum Comosum
Chlorophytum Comosum, also known as Hen-and-chickens, creates a stunning forest effect, and spreads easily in semi-shaded areas. This plant is beneficial in a water-conscious garden as it prevents soil erosion and aids in water retention. If your company landscape needs a low-maintenance update, this plant would be a good choice to add as it needs very little attention.
Place a few shrubs for added height
Aloe
South Africa is famous for these stunning plants, and there are many varieties to include in indigenous landscaping projects. Aloes work well as structural plants and shrubs, and with their brightly coloured flowers, they are always a stand-out feature. Aloes also attract birds, making your company landscape even more appealing to visitors.
Sansevieria
Commonly known as Mother-in-laws Tongue, Sansevieria plants are another good choice for your business’ large-scale landscape design. When cared for properly, they can look very smart in potted plants outside an entrance. Mother-in-laws Tongue is a hardy and requires little maintenance. It is best suited to shaded environments. If you are interested in this plant for your company landscape, we suggest you choose from our indigenous species: S. Hyacinthoides, S. Aethiopica, and S. Pearsonii.
Indigofera Jucunda (River Indigo)
These small trees are ideal for intricate corporate landscapes. They are easy to grow from seed and are fast-growing. The River Indigo has little pink and white flowers, giving a subtle pop of colour to a predominantly green landscape.
Plant a tree or two for impact
Heteropyxis Natalensis (Lavender Tree)
This tree has a beautiful shape, with pale bark and semi-deciduous foliage. If your company’s landscape is larger in size, consider planting a few of these. They are slow to grow, but well worth the wait.
Dais Cotinifolia (Pompon Tree)
These trees are particularly beautiful. They display a stunning burst of pink flowers in summer – a statement in any outdoor setting. Pompon trees grow quickly, and can reach about 8 metres in height.
Dombeya Rotundifolia (Wild Pear)
This deciduous species grows to about 8 metres high. The Wild Pear is suitable for planting next to walls and paving, as its root system is unobtrusive. In summer, the Wild Pear explodes with white flowers – a beautiful tree in a corporate landscape.
Indigenous landscaping made easy: We’re here to help
There are plenty of sustainable plants to choose from when planning your indigenous landscaping project. If you’re interested in incorporating some in your company landscape, our professional landscaping service can assist you with the process. Give us a call and we can make a plan for your property.
