Winter blooms put on a show
MANY PLANTS DON’T LIKE HOT WEATHER AND THRIVE WHEN THE MERCURY DROPS You can still produce pretty flowers even in the chill after the solstice.
Now that the winter solstice has passed, and we are into the coldest part of winter, it is the turn of cyclamen, cineraria, primulas and bellis perennis to put on a show, as they flower best when winter temperatures plummet. Cyclamen are generally grown as an indoor pot plant but they are just as effective in the garden, as an alternative to primulas.
They are perennials that grow from a rhizome so are more expensive than a six-pack of primulas but have a longer lifespan in the garden.
Many cyclamens have lightly scented flowers that last well in the vase.
Cyclamen need good light or dappled sunshine but not direct sun. An ideal spot is under trees.
Plant in soil that drains very well and a slight slope is best. Avoid excessive water on the leaves as the plants will become prone to botrytis.
Removing dead flowers encourages them to produce more flowers. Large varieties should be planted about 20 to 25cm apart and the dwarf varieties about 10 to 15cm apart. Spacing is important so that there is good air circulation, especially in summer. Cyclamen “Petticoat” stands out from other cyclamen flowers because of its unusual flowers.
The upside-down blooms flare outwards like billowing skirts. It’s a real novelty. Cineraria (Senecio cruentus), like cyclamen, can be grown indoors or outdoors in a semi-shaded bed and they can even take some morning sunlight. It is a true annual, having a single, long flowering period of about six weeks.
If grown indoors, cineraria need high light (not direct sun) and should be kept out of draughts which can cause wilting of leaves. Cineraria “Early Perfection” is a dwarf variety, good for containers, and plants look like a living flower arrangement because of the many daisy-like flowers covering the top of the plant with dark green leaves at the base.
Primulas are the best-known winter flowering plants for shade and semi-shade. The most cold tolerant are Primula acaulis, also known as a primrose. Plants are compact and low growing.
They are grown mostly as pot plants but are equally showy in the garden. All primulas grow best in shade to semi-shade, in well drained, compost enriched soil. Space plants 20cm apart. Water regularly but don’t over water because the plants don’t like wet feet. Primula acaulis “Danessa” is a very early flowering acaulis that is very compact, with a good colour range that includes bi-colours as well as an unusual pink with rosy eye and apricot with rosy eye. Bellis perennis is a most under-rated winter flower. Commonly known as the lawn daisy or English daisy, the tiny flowers look like white, rosy-pink or red buttons that bob above the bright green leaves. Plant bellis where they will receive morning sun and afternoon shade. They grow in most kinds of garden soil that drains well, so avoid heavy clay-based soil. Bellis perennis “Bellissima” is a good landscape performer producing large double blooms on sturdy plants.