October 8th, 2026Beetham’s Botanicals
Well here I am again penning another article for you, the reader, to enjoy…
This time I’ll be showcasing five plant species that shine in the latter part of September into October here in the Central Highlands of Victoria.
1. Malus x floribunda (Japanese flowering crabapple) is one of many iconic blossom trees (of garden origin) that can be seen at this time of the year. It will eventually grow to around 5 x 5m and reward you with a fabulous floral display year after year. (See image top right taken in our back garden in Hepburn.)
2. Syringa x persica (Persian lilac) is a small tree (perhaps 4 x 4m) of garden origin that is often overlooked by its flamboyant cousin syringa vulgaris with its colours ranging from white to deep purple. The flowers exude a subtle perfume that intensifies in full sun. (See image second from top right taken in a private garden in Daylesford.)
3. Staphylea holocarpa (Chinese bladdernut) is a rare Chinese small tree (think 5 x 4 metres) that is worth seeking out for its attractive nodding trusses of flowers, pink in bud, opening to white. The emerging pinnate foliage can be tinged with bronze which is another bonus. (See image middle right taken in a private garden in Daylesford.)
4. Ugni molinae (Chilean guava) is a small to medium shrub native to the Valdivian temperate rainforests of Argentina and Chile, with dimensions of about 2 x 2m. The small flowers give way to deliciously sweet strawberry-red fruits that can be eaten straight off the bush. (See image second from bottom right taken in our garden in Hepburn.)
5. Wisteria floribunda ‘Violacea Plena’ (double-flowered Japanese wisteria) is an interesting take on the traditional single-flowered version of this popular vigorous climber, not often planted but I like the fluffy appearance of the hanging racemes. (See image bottom right taken in a private garden in Daylesford.)
Spring anywhere in the world is perhaps the most ebullient of all the seasons and, as the days get longer and temperatures rise, our moods tend to change into a higher gear after dreary winters past.
And here is a shortlist of other genera that make up the palette of spring flowering plants: aesculus, amelanchier, camellia, ceanothus, cornus, iris, laburnum, magnolia, paeonia, prunus and rhododendron…I mean how long is a piece of string?
Cheers JB (trading as Trees in Australia).
Next time: Gondwanaland connections with cultivated plants.
Scan the QR code to see JB’s Instagram post.
