Gomphostigma virgatum White Candy

Gomphostigma 'White Candy' is a small South African bush that is quite surprising and should be seen more in gardens with mild climates. It cultivates paradox with undeniable talent: growing its roots in water in its country of origin, it proves to be relatively resistant to drier conditions, which will, however, dry up its flowering in summer. A flexible, bushy habit, with a large silver-coloured cluster sprinkled with small white flowers that the wind tousles, that's the charm of this plant full of poetry, to be absolutely paired with the Angel's Fishing Rods by the water's edge. In drier soil, with weekly watering in summer, its candid flowering will enhance that of red shrubby salvias or the 'Old Blush' rose.

Gomphostigma virgatum is an evergreen bush from the Scrophulariaceae family, just like buddleias, Paulownia or Digitalis. In its country of origin, South Africa, it is called 'Riverstar'. Indeed, it chooses the edges of watercourses in this vast country to flourish. It is also widespread as far as Zimbabwe. 'White Candy' will reach about 1.50m (4ft 11in) in height and 1.20m (3ft 11in) in width, sometimes up to 2m (6ft 7in) in height depending on growing conditions. It develops into a sparsely branched bushy clump, composed of numerous slender, flexible stems, silver-coloured, with very narrow leaves, similar to those of rosemary, also grey-silver in colour. Its long arching branches give it an attractive habit, both bushy and slightly trailing. It is fast-growing and flowers in May-June in a Mediterranean climate, but from June to September-October in a watered oceanic climate or in moist soil. Its small flowers, with 4 round petals of pure white colour around a small green heart, bloom abundantly along the stems. They release a very pleasant but discreet fragrance.

Whether planted alone or in groups, in a hedge or at the back of a perennial bed, Gomphostigma 'White Candy' will enhance the garden. It can withstand temperatures below -10°C (14 °F), allowing it to be grown in the ground along the Atlantic coast and in Mediterranean climates. Its subtly silver-coloured foliage will highlight the red flowers of Grevillea, the pink flowers of Leucophyllum frutescens, and the purple foliage of Loropetalum 'Fire Dance'. It is magnificent by a pond, with the water reflecting the moving mass of its moonlit foliage. You can also plant it at the top of a retaining wall, with broom Genistas, moderate-sized evergreen Ceanothus (C.dentatus, C. griseus 'Yankee Point'), shrubby heathers like E. multiflora in neutral to alkaline soil or E. lusitanica in slightly acidic soil. It adapts well to coastal areas and can be grown in large pots. You can associate this very white Gomphostigma with shrubby Potentillas with yellow or orange flowers, or with daylilies, for an elegant contrast.

In South Africa, birds use the young branches for nesting purposes due to their flexibility. Gomphostigma virgatum is a specific host for a dodder, a curious parasitic plant almost devoid of chlorophyll.