How to Add Cheer to Your Winter Garden: 5 Plants to Grow on Your Terrace
As seasons change, so do the needs of your plants. The cooler temperatures and shorter days in winter require a proper selection of plants so that your terrace garden can continue to bloom beautifully, even in the cold months. Seasonal planting not only keeps your garden looking fresh and vibrant year-round but also offers benefits such as improved air quality. This winter, transform your terrace into a blooming oasis with these five hardy plants that thrive in cooler temperatures.
1. Pansies (Viola Tricolour)
Pansies are the perfect choice to add a pop of colour to your winter garden. Their bright, cheerful shades of purple, yellow, and blue make them a winter favourite for terrace gardens. They are cold-tolerant, thrive in cool temperatures, and can withstand light frost, making them ideal for winter.
Growing Tips: Pansies need moderate sunlight and prefer well-drained soil. Plant them in pots or directly in garden beds where they can get morning sun and partial afternoon shade.
Care Requirements: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season.
2. Petunias (Petunia Hybrida)
Petunias are another great option for a winter terrace garden. Available in several colours, they can create a beautiful, fragrant display that lasts all winter. Their delicate, trumpet-shaped flowers add a romantic touch to any space.
Growing Tips: Petunias need plenty of sunlight but can tolerate the cooler temperatures of winter. Plant them in containers, hanging baskets, or directly in the ground, ensuring good air circulation around the plants.
Care Requirements: Water petunias regularly, but avoid wetting the foliage to keep them disease-free. Fertilise every two weeks to maintain vibrant blooms.
3. Marigolds (Tagetes)
Marigolds are a staple in many gardens, and for good reason. Their bright yellow and orange flowers are eye-catching. They are also very hardy, making them perfect for winter. A bonus for your winter garden is that marigolds have excellent pest-repelling properties, which can benefit other plants in your terrace garden.
Growing Tips: Marigolds are easy to grow and thrive in full sunlight. They tolerate varying soil conditions but do best in well-drained soil.
Care Requirements: Water them regularly, but avoid overwatering as marigolds are susceptible to root rot. Remove spent flowers by pinching them off to encourage new growth.
4. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum)
Snapdragons are a delightful addition to any winter garden, with their tall spikes of flowers in a wide array of colours. These beautiful flowers add height and structure to your terrace, making them a favourite for those looking to create a dynamic garden layout.
Growing Tips: Snapdragons prefer cooler climates and need full sun to bloom well. They can be planted in pots and thrive in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil.
Care Requirements: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Prune back tall plants to promote bushier growth and more blooms.
5. Dianthus (Dianthus Caryophyllus)
With its fringed petals and sweet fragrance, Dianthus is a charming plant that thrives in winter. You can find these plants in shades of pink, red, and white. Dianthus flowers are perfect for adding a soft, romantic feel to your terrace.
Growing Tips: Dianthus enjoys full sun but needs protection from harsh winds. They grow well in pots or directly in the ground and prefer well-drained soil.
Care Requirements: Water moderately and ensure the soil remains slightly dry between watering sessions—stake tall varieties to support them.
By incorporating these five plants into your winter garden, your terrace will remain lively and colourful even during the coldest season. Their blooms will brighten your space and make it a pleasant place to relax and unwind in the dull, gloomy weather.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit your local nursery today and grab some winter-friendly plants to transform your garden. Your terrace will become your happy place this winter!
