gardenandhome.co.za | SEPTEMBER 2019 83
TRIALLED ANDTESTED
TrialsconductedatBallStraathofinJo’burg,andvariousotherlocationsaroundthe
world,haveshownBeacontobethemoreresistantvarietyatpresent.
“SusceptibleSuperElfinvarietieswereplantedinbetweenBeaconandImarain
October,”explainsKathyVarney,productmanageratBallStraathof.“ByJanuary,
theSuperElfinvarietieshaddownymildew,andbytheendofFebruary,they’d
beendecimated.Imarashoweddownymildewsporesontheleavesanddropped
thelowerleaves,buttheykepttheirflowers.Beaconnevershowedanysporesand
maintainedtheirneathabit.Boththeresistantvarietiescontinuedfloweringinto
thecoldermonths.”BEACON
Growing 25–30cm high and wide, the
colours in this range include bright
red, salmon, white, violet, orange and
coral. New shades will be introduced
annually. Plants are identifiable in stores
by a colourful Beacon label.
IMARA
Compact and floriferous, Imara has
a similar colour range that extends to
‘Rose’ and even one with an orange
star. Both varieties do best in shade
to semi-shade and should be planted
in well-composted soil. Apart from
regular watering and feeding with a
liquid fertiliser once a month, they don’t
require any special care.
Clockwork ‘Orange’,
‘Purple’ and ‘Orange Stripe’Imara mixed Beacon‘Coral’Beacon Imara
Super Elfin Super Elfin