Many gardens may be drab during winter, but there is no need to do without colour and life in the colder months. Angie Thomas, Horticulture Consultant to Yates, shared her top tips on what to plant during winter:
Hellebores - Molly and Penny: Hellebores, known as ‘winter roses’, are perfect for full to partly shaded spots and put on a prolific display of large, bell-shaped flowers throughout winter. Hellebore ‘Molly’s White’ and ‘Penny’s Pink’ may look delicate but they’re tough plants that don’t require much water once established.
Alyssum - Carpet of Snow: This long-lasting and hardy annual is smothered in masses of tiny honey-scented white flowers. In warm and temperate zones during June it’s as easy as scattering seed direct where they are to grow and only just covering with 2mm of loose soil or seed-raising mix. Firm down and keep the soil moist while the seeds germinate.
Argyranthemums - Madeira: If you’re after vibrant colour during winter then look out for the Madeira range of argyranthemum daisies, including richly coloured ‘Red Double’ and very pretty ‘Pink Crested’. They are quick to grow and will reach up to 75cm high in a full sun position.
Bidens - Beautiful burnt orange: Bidens ‘Campfire’ is a fast-growing variety with masses of bronze-red flowers on a plant that grows to around 25cm tall and wide. Perfect for growing in sunny garden beds, borders and also containers.
Roses - Bare rooted: Winter is the perfect time to plant bare rooted roses. Don’t let the roots of your bare rooted rose dry out. As soon as your rose arrives home place it in a bucket of water for a few hours before planting. Prune established bush roses to knee height and spray your roses with lime sulfur to help break the rose pest and disease cycle.
Camellias - Shade loving: Camellia will brighten your backyard or patio during the cold winter months. There are camellias for both sun and shade and they’re hardy once established. To promote healthy leaf growth and a fantastic flowering season, apply an organic-based flowering plant food every eight weeks.
For more details and inspiration visit yates.com.au.
