Audouinia

(Audouin'ia)

DESCRIPTION: This is a South African, heathlike shrub that is planted outside in mild climates such as that of California, or in cool, sunny greenhouses where weather doesn't permit outdoor cultivation. A capitata can grow up to 2 feet tall and it produces crimson flowers in spiked heads.

POTTING: These plants need a greenhouse with a minimum winter temperature of 40 degrees. Repotting should be done in early summer and their compost should be a porous, sandy, peaty soil. When they have finished blooming, the shoots should be shortened by two-thirds. Sprits the foliage quite often to encourage the growth of new shoots. They can then be repotted in slightly larger pots. Make sure to firm the compost with a potting stick. Supply shade until they are established, then they may be fully exposed to sunlight to ripen the shoots for flower production.

PROPAGATION: In the spring, side shoots may be taken off with a heel of the old branch still attached, and inserted in sandy peat. Keep them under a bell jar until they've formed roots, after which they may be potted separately in 2-inch pots and subsequently into larger ones. Water them very carefully until they have a good supply of roots.

VARIETIES: A. capitata.

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