With it’s cool wet winters and hot dry summers Auckland's weather is ideally suited for the growing of a large range of South African Fynbos species, in many instances the Cape Fynbos species grow better in this region that in their native surroundings, a good example being Amaryllis belladonna. The main plants families that make up the fynbos are the Proteaceae (genera Protea, Mimetes, Leucadendron, and Leucospermum), Ericaceae (erica family), Restionaceae (reed family), Iridaceae (bulbous plants like iris and gladiolus), and Asteraceae (daisy family).

There appears to be only one big drawback to growing some of the Cape species in particular some Proteaceae and that is the poorly drained, heavy yellow clay soils found in most of the area, which although they are deficient in phosphorus, which is a requirement if one wants to successfully grow these plants, most Proteas prefer sandy, well drained soils. This problem can mostly be overcome by the addition of sand to the clay soil, making a raised bed filled with sand or by only planting these species in well drained locations in particular on a slope much as they would grow in their natural habitat. The Proteas mostly require an acidic, well-drained and aerated soil with a cool root system. Proteaceae have a network of fine surface roots called called 'proteoid roots' that allow the plants to survive dry periods. The roots should not be disturbed during cultivation.  Phytophtera cinnamonnii, a soil-borne fungus, attacks the roots of most fynbos species. It prevents the uptake of water causing plants to die. The fungus is most active when the soil temperature is high, especially during summer. Remove infected plants and use soil mulch to reduce the soil temperature.

Buffalo grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) indigenous to the Western Cape region, the east coast of Africa and the oceanic islands such as Mauritius is especially suitable for lawns, requiring minimal watering. Furthermore it is low-growing and tolerates shade well.

Before continuing a word of caution
If you are not a hobby gardener or plant enthusiast then I suggest that you do not grow exotic plants in your garden, I suggest that you grow only New Zealand native plants.

Secondly when growning any exotic plant do so in a responsible manner, this applies in particular to many South African plants here in Auckland in particular Agapanthus. Always remove old flower heads to prevent the formation of seed and always dispose of cuttings or any other plant material in a manner that will prevent the unwanted spread of the plant concerned.

Protea cynaroides

Many fine specimens of Protea cynaroides are to be seen growing in gardens in Auckland, this Protea occurs naturally in fire prone vegetation, where natural fires occur every ten to thirty years as a result of this Protea cynaroides has adapted to survive these fires by evolving a thick underground stem, which contains many dormant buds; these will produce the new growth after the fire. To keep the plants in good condition one must simulate the effects of fire, correct pruning can easily do this. On older plants the side shoots tend to become shorter and shorter, so to encourage the development of new healthy shoots and long stems, the old flower bearing stems should be cut back to ground level. Older plants eventually in particular if they were not regularly pruned become woody and may need to be cut back to ground level, where they will soon sprout new healthy growth from the thick underground rootstock. Plants grown from seed flower in four to five years enter here for more information on Protea cynaroides