Plants that clump are an interesting group - they multiply in size by the growth of shoots produced at ground level.
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Australia has produced some absolutely gorgeous examples that are hardy and decorative, so hardy that you can divide them with an axe or sharp shovel and they live and grow well.
If you’re choosing plants for your garden for animal habitat it’s necessary to use a variety of different growth types to accommodate different animal species – dense clumping plants for lizard and frog refuge and trees that may produce hollows for larger birds or possums and of course some spiky shrubs for safe bird nesting sites.
If you’re only planting for aesthetic value then clumping plants look good in most gardens.
Clumping plants are valuable in the garden.
- Deb Delahunty
They work well with rockeries and water features and are at their best when mass planted.
A few popular clumping plants include:
- Anigozanthos species, the Kangaroo Paw. These plants are available in a number of different flower colours and height ranges. This Western Australian plant grows in a wide range of soils. There are a number of hybrids available and are valuable as a source of food for nectar-eating birds.
- Dianella revoluta, the Flax Lily, has strap-like dark green leaves and flower stems up to 1.5 metres tall. This plant produces flowers from whitish to blue with blue/purple shiny berries. This Australian plant is an adaptable species that will grow in most soils.
- Lomandra longifolia. This Mat-rush will grow in most soil types and situations. This plant is valuable as an insect attractant that in turn attracts insect-eating birds. Large clumps of Lomandra can become nesting sites for some birds.
One of the most valuable assets of clumping plants is the ease in which they can be propagated.
Division is one of the simplest forms and with clumping plants, it’s merely just a case of digging up a section to divide.
Clumping plants are valuable in the garden, for their appearance and also for their use by birds and animals.
Diary
Save the date everyone. The South and West Regional Orchid Show will be held in Albury this year. The dates are Saturday, September 30 and Sunday, October 1. More information will be provided closer to the date.