december · festive garden · summer garden ·

December Garden Favourites & Tasks

December brings a vibrant flush of colour to our gardens. 

And certain plants shine especially brightly at this time of year!

In our garden centres, the true heroes of the season are Hydrangeas, Calibrachoa, Petunias, Dianthus, Marigolds and Sunpatiens - beloved for the instant colour they add when gardeners want their spaces looking festive and lively.

Poinsettias remain an iconic Christmas favourite, adding classic seasonal cheer, while bonsais make thoughtful green gifts for someone special.

Caring for December’s Best Performers

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas thrive in semi-shade - ideally with morning sun and afternoon shade. They require regular watering during hot summer days, but it’s important to avoid watering from above, as water lingering on the leaves overnight can encourage fungal issues. Gardeners can even change the colour of Hydrangea flowers: using Blue Hydrangea plant food encourages blue blooms, while pink formulas will shift flowers toward pink tones.

Dianthus

Dianthus prefers a sunny position with well-drained soil and benefits from slightly cooler roots, so mulching is helpful in hot weather. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering, as these plants dislike sitting in damp soil. Remove faded blooms to prolong flowering and promote fresh growth. They are sturdy, heat-tolerant perennials that add elegant pops of colour through the season.

Marigolds

Marigolds love heat and sun, making them reliable performers in the Western Cape’s dry summers. Plant them in well-drained soil and water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Deadheading spent blooms will keep plants flowering for longer. They’re tough, cheerful, and wonderfully forgiving for new gardeners.

Calibrachoa

Calibrachoa brings joy wherever it is planted. Ideal for containers and hanging baskets, it also works beautifully along the borders of walkways or garden beds. This plant loves sun and dislikes full shade. Water regularly during hot days, but take care not to overwater, as it can be sensitive to soggy soil.

SunPatiens

SunPatiens enjoy bright light and can tolerate full sun, but they perform exceptionally well with some afternoon shade during extreme heat. Keep the soil consistently moist - never waterlogged - and mulch around the plants to help retain moisture. They grow fast in summer, so regular feeding and a bit of light trimming will keep them dense and colourful.

Petunia

Petunias thrive in full sun and reward you with masses of colour when given at least six hours of sunlight a day. Water regularly during hot spells, but take care not to leave the soil soggy - good drainage is essential. Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming, and give them a light feed every few weeks to keep growth lush and vigorous.

Easy-Care Summer Plants for Beginner Gardeners

Annual flowering plants are an excellent choice for effortless seasonal colour. They perform beautifully over the festive season and can simply be removed and replaced once they finish flowering. Marigolds and Petunias are especially popular at Christmas time.

Fragrant plants are also in high demand during December, often placed at entrances or patios to provide a welcoming aroma for festive gatherings. Climbing star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) and the indigenous starry wild jasmine (Jasminum multipartitum) are two wonderfully easy options.

Bringing Colour to Homes and Small Spaces

Small gardens, balconies and compact outdoor areas can be just as lively as large garden spaces. Pots are a simple way to inject colour and interest - fill them with a mix of flowering plants for maximum impact.

Vertical gardening is another clever strategy: incorporate hanging pots, staggered shelves, decorative ladders or purpose-built vertical garden systems to maximise every bit of available space.

Essential Summer Gardening Tips

Watering Wisely:

The best time to water during hot summer days is early in the morning. This gives plants the moisture they need to handle the heat, while reducing water loss through evaporation. Watering thoroughly is more effective than frequent light sprinkles—shallow watering encourages shallow roots, which are vulnerable to heat stress.

Improving soil structure:

Sandy soils drain quickly and require more frequent watering. To improve water retention, incorporate compost, mulch and water-retaining crystals. These additions help the soil hold moisture for longer.

Mulching:

A thick layer of organic mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds and improve soil health. Apply mulch while the soil is moist - after rainfall or irrigation - for best results. When applying mulch, leave a little open space around the plant’s main stem to prevent moisture buildup and allow proper airflow.

Choosing water-wise plants:
Many beautiful indigenous South African plants are naturally adapted to hot, dry conditions. These are excellent choices for low-maintenance, water-wise gardens.

Succulents, in particular, store water in their leaves, stems or roots and come in striking shapes and colours - from Vygies to aloes, agaves, echeverias, euphorbias, kalanchoes and sedums.

Other indigenous favourites include:

December is a month of celebration, and gardens play a big role in setting the mood. Whether you’re filling large beds with festive colour, refreshing a balcony with potted blooms, or simply adding a fragrant plant by the front door, the season offers endless ways to bring nature into your home.

With the right plant choices and a few mindful care habits, your garden- big or small - will not only survive the summer heat but flourish beautifully throughout the festive season.

𝑆𝑒𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑡 𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑒 𝐺𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑛!

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