Are you looking for a winter wonderland in Cape Town?
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden’s Blooming Winter Flowers
2023 – Look no further than Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, where stunning blooms await you even in the coldest months!
Here are some of the most enchanting flowers that you’ll fall in love with at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden this winter:
Fynbos Walk
Fynbos Walk
During winter, the Fynbos Walk is a great place to visit due to the abundance of flowers, birds, and bees. The walk passes through various gardens, including the Restio, Protea, Buchu, and Erica Gardens. Visitors can see King Proteas (Protea cynaroides), Wagon Trees (Protea nitida), Bredasdorp Sugarbush (Protea obtusifolia), Bokkeveld Sceptre (Paranomus bracteolaris), and Liebencherry Proteas in bloom. The Mossel Bay Pincushion (Leucospermum praecox) and Bokkeveld Sceptre (Paranomus bracteolaris) also flowers early and can be found where the Restio Garden meets the Protea Garden. The Proteas serve as a feast for the sunbirds, sugarbirds, and honeybees, who visit these flowers to feed on their nectar and pollen.
False Buchu (Agathosma ovata)
Garlic Buchu (Agathosma apiculata)
Discover the Buchu Family: A fragrant addition to the fynbos
The Buchu family is one of the seven main components of the fynbos, prominently found in the arid regions of South Africa. Currently, the False Buchu (Agathosma ovata) and Garlic Buchu (Agathosma apiculata) are in full bloom, and are known to attract bees with their sweet aroma. If you ever come across these plants, take a moment to enjoy their pleasant scent – the foliage is especially fragrant!
Krantz Aloe (Aloe arborescens)
Rush-leaf Crane Flowers Strelitzia juncea
The perfect pairing: Aloe and Strelitzia
The Krantz Aloe (Aloe arborescens), located on the north-facing slopes on the left of the Main Lawn, is a highlight every winter. Additionally, the Crane Flowers (Strelitzia reginae) and Rush-leaf Crane Flowers (Strelitzia juncea), such as the yellow Rush-leaf Strelitzia, can be found flowering throughout the winter season.
Cobra Lilies (Chasmanthe floribunda)
Cobra Lilies in bloom at the Centre for Home Gardening
At the Centre for Home Gardening (Gate 2), visitors can catch a glimpse of the stunning Cobra Lilies, also known as Chasmanthe floribunda, in full bloom. This captivating species is one of the first of the Cape bulbs to flower, with its striking spikes of tubular, orange flowers adding a delightful touch to any winter garden.
Winter is an excellent time to explore the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Despite the colder temperatures, the Garden is bursting with life and colour during this season. Many of the plants and flowers that thrive in this climate are in full bloom, creating a stunning display of vibrant hues and textures. Visitors can wander through the various gardens, taking in the unique beauty of the winter landscape.
Photos: Alice Notten
Written by and photographs sourced by: carmen@fusiondesign.co.za
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ONE DESTINATION, SIX UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
There is no one way to explore all of the Cape Town Big 6, and much of what makes each of them so special is the variety of things to see and do at each. So if possible, take your time to explore each of the city’s most visited tourist attractions in as much depth as possible – as any local will tell you, you can spend a lifetime at each of the Big 6 and still not tire of them. Find the 3 and 4 day itineraries and tips here.