With the summer fires soon to be in full effect, disaster management efforts must be in place. By adding fire-scaping ground covers, you are alleviating the wildfire problems.
Landscaping your garden area fire-wise requires planting the right plants to protect your garden and your home. This starts by knowing which plants to use as protection.
Plants for firescaping
Rock Rose (Echeveria Succulent)
Also known as the Echeveria, they are succulents used for fireproofing scape gardens. They are good for the buffer zone, as they are drought tolerant and their fleshy leaves will temper down fires trying to engulf your garden.
These short-stemmed succulents form beautiful rosettes of silver-blue leaves, often with pink to rose-red margins around them. On top of the rock rose being a great fire-wise plant, they are maintenance-free, and adapt to different soil types with ease.
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Ice Plant (Delosperma)
These small succulents are often used in fire-scaping gardens that are prone to wildfires, especially in buffer zones. They are drought-tolerant, and their fleshy leaves can help mitigate fires by catching embers from advancing flames. These succulents typically bloom from October to February, showcasing vibrant purple flowers when the heat is at its peak.
Spekboom
The spekboom is highly recommended for fireproofing gardens, particularly in the Cape provinces. These plants are effective for buffer zones because they are heat and drought-tolerant. The dwarf spekboom serves well as ground cover, while other variations can function as low-growing shrubs or hedges.
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Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Perennials such as yarrow are excellent plants for establishing a non-burn zone around your home. It is best to plant these perennials in clumps rather than spreading them out like a carpet. They are highly regarded as effective fire-resistant plants due to their low ignitability, making them less likely to catch fire. Additionally, they are great for attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
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If you live in a dry climate or are prone to summer fires, it is advantageous to do research.
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Originally published in Garden&Home Magazine.
