The Helen Mattin Warm Temperate Pavilion houses plants native to the Mediterranean basin, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, eastern Asia, western coastal regions of North America (mainly California), and western coastal regions of South America.
Warm temperate climates are characterized by cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Plants in these zones have special adaptations that allow them to survive seasonally harsh conditions, especially drought, and in some cases, fire. This plant collection is particularly brilliant in February and March, when its expansive selection of South African bulbs is in full bloom.
Highlights
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Spider iris (Ferraria crispa) blooms appear in March and have a subtle vanilla scent. Photo by Rebecca Bullene. -
Cape cowslip (Lachenalia mutabilis) blooms in the Warm Temperate Pavilion in February. Photo by Rebecca Bullene. -
Bird-of-paradise (Strelitzia reginae) in bloom in April. Photo by Elizabeth Peters. -
Wurmbea stricta in bloom in the Warm Temperate Pavilion in February. -
Oxalis gracilis in January in the Warm Temperate Pavilion. Photo by Blanca Begert.
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Blog > Wow, What’s That Smell?
Suggested Itinerary > Winter Highlights
Blog > South African Bulbs in Bloom
