Top 10 wildflowers to see in the West Coast this flower season
The top 10 wildflowers to see in the West Coast this flower season is spectacular to witness. The event takes place every year from early August to the end of September. During this time, the region's unique wildflowers bloom in colour, covering the landscape in a blanket of beauty. The West Coast National Park is one of the best places to see the wildflowers in full bloom. The park has over 800 species of wildflowers, including vygies, daisies, and bulbs. We will be highlighting the top 10.
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1.Vygies (Mesembryanthemaceae)
Vygies are classified as Mesembryanthemaceae in botany. The Greek words "mesos" (for "middle") and "embrion" (for "embryo") are the source of this name. This describes how the stamens and petals of vygies flowers have fused together to form a cup-like shape.
Vygies exist in a wide range of sizes and forms and there are over 2,000 kinds of them. The colours of Vygies include yellow, orange, pink, red, purple, and white, among others.
2. Daisies (Asteraceae)
Bellis perennis is the scientific name for daisies. The Latin words bellis means beautiful. This is a reference to daisies being a resilient flower that can endure in a range of circumstances.
Although daisies are normally little blooms, some varieties can reach heights of up to a foot. They have a solitary flower head with a yellow core and a ring of white petals around it.
3. Bulbs (Liliaceae, Amaryllidaceae)
Flowers from the Liliaceae family normally have six petals, whereas those from the Amaryllidaceae family often have six tepals. Tepals are petals that cannot be distinguished from sepals and other types of petals.
A significant component of many ecosystems is bulbs. Animals can eat from them, and they also lessen soil erosion. They come in a variety of colours and shapes, are simple to grow, and require little maintenance.
4. Candelabra flower (Brunsvigia orientalis)
The candelabra is a drought-tolerant plant, and thanks to its big bulb, it can store water for the summer when it's dry. The candelabra bloom has broad, tongue-shaped leaves that develop in a rosette at the bulb's base. In gardens across the world, the candelabra flower is a well-liked ornamental plant. Its flowers can be utilized in bouquets and arrangements, and they are also a well-liked cut flower.
5. Rooinaeltjie (Lachenalia bulbifera)
It is a perennial bulbous plant that can reach a height of 30 centimetres. One or two lanceolate to oval, typically unblotched leaves are present. The flowers are spherical, brilliant orange to crimson with darker red or brown patterns, green tips, and are on long stalks; the anthers are not exposed.
From April to September, the spring and summer seasons, the flowers bloom. Rooinaeltjie, the common name, translates to "little red onion" in Afrikaans. The plant is sometimes referred to as the "Cape tulip" and the "red hot poker".
5. Leonotis leonurus
With lance-shaped leaves that can reach a length of 6 inches (15 cm), the plant can grow up to 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) tall and wide. From late spring through fall, the clusters of tubulars, two-lipped, orange- or yellow-coloured blooms bloom.
The plant has been used as a cannabis substitute and is also claimed to have psychotropic qualities. There is, however, little solid scientific proof to back up these assertions.
6. Rooimalva (Pelargonuim fulgidum
A tiny shrub, Rooimalva can reach a height of 1 meter. It has thin stems and leaves that range in shape from rectangular to heart-shaped and have serrated edges. The leaves are smooth because they are coated in tiny, silvery hairs.
The pink to crimson flowers of Rooimalva bloom throughout the spring and summer. Although the flowers are tiny, they have a strong fragrance.
7. Bruinsalie/strandsalie (Salvia Africana-lutea)
Small to medium-sized Salvia africana-lutea shrubs are indigenous to South Africa. Other names for it include sand sage, beach sage, dune sage, and golden sage. It is a hardy plant that can survive in a variety of environments, including sandy soils, salt spray, and drought.
The plant contains clusters of funnel-shaped, brown blooms that bloom from June to December, along with scented, gray leaves. After the flowers, a pretty, purple calyx is present.
8. Chinkerinchee (Ornithogalum thyrsoides)
A tiny plant called chinkerinchee can reach a height of 12 inches. It features a basal rosette of slender, strap-shaped leaves. The blooms are grouped in a thick, conical spike and are either white or cream in colour. From late spring through early summer, the flowers are in bloom.
Growing chinkerinchee is not very difficult. It prefers soil that drains well and full light. Once planted, it is drought-tolerant; nonetheless, it needs regular watering during the growing season. Another excellent option for containers is chinkerinchee.
9. White rain daisy (Dimorphotheca pluvialis)
The white rain daisy is a little plant that can reach a height of 2 feet. It bears white blooms with yellow centers and long, slender leaves. The blooms close at night and on cloudy days, and they blossom throughout the spring and summer.
A common beautiful plant growing in gardens all around the world is the white rain daisy. Another use for it is as a cut flower. The white rain daisy is a wonderful choice if you're seeking for an attractive and low-maintenance plant for your yard.
10. Sporrie (Heliophila coronopifolia)
Heliophila coronopifolia, the scientific name, translates to "sun-loving garland leaf".
A Sporrie plant can reach a height of 30 cm. It features delicate, slender, bright green leaves and thin, short stems. The blue blooms blossom in the spring. At the ends of the stems, the flowers are grouped in little spikes. A common ornamental plant, Sporrie is cultivated in gardens all over the world. Another use for it is as a cut flower.
More interesting places to enjoy flower season
Hermanus Flower Festival
Caledon Wildflower Show
Hopefield Fynbos Show
Clanwilliam Flower Festival
Darling Wildflower Show
The Bergriver Flower Affair
Book your stay with Whalesong Beach Cottage
Our cottage is the perfect place to base yourself for exploring the flower season at the West Coast National Park. We're close to all the major wildflower viewing areas, and there is a variety of activities to experience, such as hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Book your stay today and enjoy the beauty of Spring!
