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Cape Drumsticks

Zaluzianskya capensis

SA tree number

English: Cape Drumsticks, Drumsticks, Night Phlox, Midnight Phlox, Rudolf's flower, Wild Phlox

Afrikaans: Verfblommetjie, Nagkatjiepiering, Dromstokke, Nagblom

Synonyms: Nycterinia capensis, Nycterinia lychnidea, Zaluzianskya villosa

Zaluzianskya capensis, commonly known as Midnight Phlox or Nagkatjiepiering, is a delightful annual herb that forms a low-growing cushion or small, erect plant. It is particularly known for its sweet-scented white flowers that open at dusk, revealing dark purple or maroon backs.

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Distinguishing features:

Produces numerous small, white flowers that open at dusk, releasing a strong, sweet, vanilla-like fragrance.
The reverse of the petals is distinctly dark purple or maroon, giving it a 'two-tone' appearance when closed or seen from behind.
Forms a low, spreading cushion or small, erect annual plant.
Leaves are small and often hairy.

Overall appearance:

A charming, low-growing, compact annual herb, typically forming a cushion-like plant, or sometimes more erect, growing up to 300 mm tall. It is often covered in fine hairs (hairy to villous).

Height:

Up to 300 mm.

Width:

Forms a cushion up to 300 mm wide.

Leaves:

Leaves are simple, usually opposite at the base, becoming alternate further up the stem.
They are narrowly lanceolate to linear-lanceolate or oblanceolate in shape.
Leaves typically measure 10 mm to 40 mm long and 2 mm to 10 mm wide.
The margins are usually entire (smooth) or sometimes shallowly toothed towards the apex.
Both surfaces of the leaves are often covered in fine hairs (hairy to villous), giving them a slightly greyish-green appearance.

Flowers:

Flowers are abundant, often covering the plant.
Each flower has a long, slender tube and five spreading lobes (petals) that form a star-like shape.
The petals are pure white on the upper surface when open.
The reverse (outer surface) of the petals is distinctly dark purple, maroon, or brownish-purple. This contrast gives a striking effect when the flowers are closed or viewed from behind.
Flowers typically measure 10 mm to 20 mm in diameter when fully open.
They open at dusk or on dull days, releasing a powerful, sweet fragrance, often described as vanilla-like or resembling night-scented stock.
They close during the day or in bright sunlight.
The calyx (outer part of the flower) is often sticky.

Flowering season:

Late spring to early autumn (September to April in South Africa), with peak flowering in spring and early summer.

Fruits:

The fruit is a small, oval capsule.
It splits open when mature to release the tiny seeds.

Seeds:

Small and numerous, contained within the capsule.

Stems:

Slender, often branched from the base.
Can be erect or sprawling, forming a cushion.
Often covered in fine hairs.

Soil type:

Prefers well-drained soils, including sandy soils, and is adaptable to a range of soil conditions.

Aspect:

Thrives in full sun.

Ecology:

Pollination: The strong, sweet evening fragrance and white colour of the flowers are adaptations to attract night-flying pollinators, particularly moths.

Distribution and habitat:

Indigenous to the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa.
Naturally found growing in a variety of habitats, including sandy flats, coastal areas, open grassland, and disturbed areas. It is often seen along roadsides.

Derivation of name:

The genus name Zaluzianskya honours Adam Zaluziansky von Zaluzian (1558–1613), a Czech botanist and physician.
The species name capensis means 'from the Cape', referring to its origin in the Cape region of South Africa.

Interesting facts:

Ever heard of a flower that only truly comes alive at night? Zaluzianskya capensis is that kind of rock star! Its incredible vanilla-like scent fills the air after sunset, making it a garden superstar for evening strolls.
This plant is a bit of a fashionista, with petals that are pure white on the top but a deep, moody purple or maroon underneath. It's like having a secret, stylish lining!
Its common name "Drumsticks" might refer to its appearance when its small flower buds are tightly clustered before opening, looking a bit like tiny drumsticks.

Growing tips:

Zaluzianskya capensis is an annual that is best grown from seed.
Sow seeds directly into well-drained soil in a sunny position in late winter or early spring.
Ensure consistent moisture during germination and establishment, but avoid waterlogging.
It is a relatively low-maintenance plant once established.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding if not desired.
It performs best in full sun.
Ideal for rockeries, containers, and borders where its evening fragrance can be enjoyed.

This plant is a fantastic alternative for:

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