About Podalyria calyptrata (Retz.) Willd.
Podalyria calyptrata (Retz.) Willd. is a small, tough, fast-growing tree that reaches around 4 meters in height. It has simple, oval, silvery grey leaves that are velvety in texture. Its bright-pink, strongly fragrant flowers are very striking, and typically bloom in spring, though flowering time can vary. The flowers carry an intense sweet scent that can be detected from far away. After flowering, hard small seed pods develop considerably later, containing the plant’s seeds. This tree grows from Cape Town north to Tulbagh and extends eastward across the Cape Fold mountains. It naturally occurs in fynbos and along forest verges. Once established, Podalyria calyptrata tolerates wind, frost, and drought, but stays healthiest with regular water, and does not thrive in highly salty or alkaline soils. It is generally very easy to cultivate. It works well as an informal hedge or screen along property edges, and also makes an attractive specimen plant, valued for its bright flowers and appealing foliage. When planted in full sun and given light pruning of young shoots, it grows into a more bushy form. If planted in shade, it tends to become a taller tree with less dense foliage. This species can be easily propagated from seed. Soak seeds briefly in warm water before planting them.
