Explore Our Garden: 5 Fascinating Fynbos Plants

The word fynbos means “fine bush” in Afrikaans, a reference to the slender leaves and delicate stems of the region’s native vegetation. Despite its unobtrusive appearance, this floral kingdom is the richest on Earth, boasting over 9 000 species! These plants are resilient and deeply adapted to coastal winds, sandy soils, and the seasonal rhythm of veld fires and subsequent rain.

Designed with sustainability in mind, our garden blends water-wise planting with natural textures and seasonal colour. The result is a haven for pollinators and birds, and an open invitation for guests to connect with nature.

No fynbos plant is more recognisable than South Africa’s national flower, the King Protea. With its enormous, velvety head edged in pink, cream, or deep red, its pincushion appearance makes a striking impression. Look for these sculptural blooms in sunny areas of the garden, where their sturdy stems stand proudly above the shrubs.

The King Protea isn’t just beautiful; its nectar-rich centre attracts birds, bees, and beetles, ensuring pollination through every season. To sit nearby and watch a sunbird dip its curved beak into a protea is to experience a moment of quiet contentment.

A burst of orange within the green, the Cape Honeysuckle is one of the brightest sights in the garden, with flame-coloured flowers that bloom almost all year round.

You’ll find it tumbling along fences and walkways, its tendrils reaching toward the light. The Cape Honeysuckle is a magnet for sunbirds, making it a favourite among gardeners who love to watch the fruit of their efforts being enjoyed by all.

Delicate and abundant, the Erica family is what most imagine when they think of fynbos. These small shrubs carry clusters of little flowers in shades of pink, mauve, and coral, often blooming together in soft drifts. In the Knysna region, more than 600 Erica species occur naturally, making it a hotspot for this flower type!

At Knysna Hollow, you might spot them edging the pathways or growing in mixed beds alongside grasses and other plants. Their charm is best appreciated at closer inspection, where the delicate beauty of their small flowers can be observed.

At first glance, you might mistake Cape Snow for a shrub dusted with frost. Its silvery-white bracts shimmer in sunlight, giving this hardy fynbos plant its evocative name. Found throughout the coastal belt, it thrives in sandy soil and salty air, perfectly at home in Knysna’s maritime climate.

Besides adding visual brightness, Cape Snow supports local insects and butterflies, contributing to our garden’s ecological balance. It’s also used traditionally for its aromatic foliage, often crushed to release a gentle, herby scent.

If you catch a whiff of something fragrant in the garden, it might be Wild Rosemary, a soft, feathery shrub with tiny white flowers and aromatic grey-green leaves. Though not a true rosemary, this fynbos plant shares a similar scent and has long been prized in traditional Cape remedies.

Its essential oils are used for their soothing properties, while the leaves add a distinctive herbal note to cooking. At Knysna Hollow, Wild Rosemary thrives beside the pathways and near seating areas, where a brush of the hand releases its calming aroma.

Between swims or before dinner, take a gentle stroll through Knysna Hollow’s gardens, where fynbos plants and birdsong remind you of nature’s healing energy – even in the midst of a luxurious stay. Whether enjoying a café lunch at Social Eatery & Bar, or sipping a craft G&T beside the pool, our garden invites you to pause, breathe, and enjoy the presence of spring!

Make use of our online booking platform or contact our reception team directly at reservations@knysnahollow.co.za to secure your suite.

We can’t wait for you to experience the beauty of our garden with us this season!