Gardening is a passion that is near and dear to our hearts, it is such a satisfying art, where the rewards commonly justify the effort. Of course, the Great British Summertime is a time of year for which we usually associate gardening, where the flowers are in full bloom, and the bees are out in droves.
We don’t necessarily equate gardening with the colder months, but that doesn’t mean that we have to stop gardening as soon as we see the first sign of frost, the very opposite in fact. The winter months can be a very productive time for flowers, so read through our list of flowers to plant in winter, and you too can make the most of those colder months!
Flowers To Plant
Tulips
Tulips have a tendency to grow fast, so avoid planting them too early as they may rise up too soon and freeze during winter. The time for planting tulips is quite broad, from mid-autumn until December is usually a good time, but sometimes even later will also work.
Daffodils
September is a great time to plant daffodils, but similar to tulips, anytime before December will usually yield results. Try to plant in groups or clumps, as they will look much more natural as opposed to being solitary flowers.
Alliums
When planting the bulbs, make sure that the hole is roughly twice as deep as the length of the bulb, to ensure full growth. Alliums are fairly durable, so don’t require watering, the regular rainfall throughout winter will provide more than enough.
Hyacinths
If you want your hyacinths to bloom around Christmas time, its best to plant bulbs around September time. They’re a great addition to any garden, especially near to paths or doorways due to their particularly impressive scent. Due to the size of the flower heads, it’s recommended that they are supported by a small structure or stake, this will prevent collapse.
Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle requires a lot of sunlight to produce full flowers, it will also need plenty of watering during the drier days, at least until it has had a chance to grow. Afterwards it is very easy to tend to, and only needs pruning if it is growing too large.
Foxgloves
It is important to note that foxgloves are poisonous, so it’s imperative to keep pets away, especially if they are prone to eating plants. Some varieties of foxglove can grow in complete shade, which makes them ideal for the darker winter months, where sunlight is scarce. Foxgloves require very little care, which makes them a very low-maintenance option. The effects of the coldest weather on the plant can be prevented by using a fleece jacket.
Delphiniums
Delphiniums will benefit from a layer of mulch to keep them warm through the winter period. It is best to plant them in a place with minimal wind, as they are prone to collapsing if over-stressed. Soil must not be too dry, as the delphiniums will suffer.
Bluebells
Bluebells are very resistant to being planted at the wrong time of year, however it is still best to plant in late autumn and winter, and they fare well in shade. Bluebells can even be planted in clay soil, provided that it has been enhanced with compost.
Crocus
Crocuses need full sunlight during the winter months, with close spacing between bulbs allowing them to grow as a group. Well drained soil is best for crocuses, with cold temperatures being ideal for their growth, due to their natural resistance. Of course the cold weather can make the ground much more unpleasant to be kneeled on for long periods, use of a kneeler or garden board can alleviate some of the worst effects of cold and wet ground.
Camassia
Camassia are very tolerant to all soil types and acidities, perfect if you have diverse garden conditions. During winter they will need a layer of mulch to keep them insulated, at least for their first year, afterwards they can adapt to the cold. They are even tolerant of damp conditions, due to their origins of growing near to streams.
All your winter planting tools and requirements can be found here.
Which Flowers To Plant In Winter
- 12 Oct 2021