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There are various plants which grow very well in winter season, some flowers most especially bloom during this season.
Their survival is because They are cold resistant, frost tolerant and thrive during the coldest months of the year.
Just as it is for animals that move around in the winter, there are also some plants also germinate and blossom during the period where there is less access to sunlight and warmt.
Winter does not always have to be the looming end to your balcony plants. These plants can help add color to your surroundings.
There are various plants that survive the winter period, they can be flowers planted to pop up the environment etc. The popular plants that can be pot planted during this period are:
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis): this plant naturally blooms in may (spring/ summer) but it can be planted during the winter as it can survive through the period (October – December).
Get a very rich soil for the pot, You need to select very strong , healthy roots and rhizomes with good buds to be planted. You must ensure a drainage system for it and also plant 3-6 rhizomes in a pot.
WintergreenBoxwood
It is another cold surviving plant that can be planted singly or in multiples. They grow very slowly and are mostly used for hedges, or to a desired shape when pruned by gardeners for environmental design.
It requires constant watering for the first years. When it has a solid growth, it actually requires low maintenance system. They require pots that are at least 2 inches wider than the root diameter.
They can also maintain a particular shape if you prune them consistently in their early years. Furthermore,, you’ll have to monitor the sticks in order to trim them out when they are dead of dry.
During winter, protect the boxwood from high-winds in the balcony and cover the soil with mulch.
Winterberries
This plant is an all year round plant that have to be planted in rich moist soil. Place the pot in a place where the plant can receive direct sunlight daily, most preferably, in an area with a moderate shade to control the sunlight penetration.
Pansies
pansies are liberal plants that requires a free draining soil, pot or container that is at least 12 inches deep, a balance between the sun and cold weather by protecting them from the extreme heat, and also have multiple flowers in one pot separated no closer than 5 inches apart.
Hellebores
This plant requires cooler environment but does not totally rule out the sun penetration which could be controlled with light shades. Plant them in a deep pot because their roots get extended after which they do not require extra care immediately their germination.
This means, even if there is snow, you can still leave them on your balcony. Then when the summer comes, you can place them in partial shade to full shade.
Galanthus
Also known as snowdrops are to be planted three inches deep into the soil.They can be planted at the early winter and also mixed together with Crocus.
This is a great beauty flower for your surroundings. By Autumn, the bulbs of the snowdrop will rest underground until the next season.
It is important to note that the snow drops multiply so you need to reduce the number of bulbs in a pot.
The soil where the bulbs are planted must be moist or else it will dry out if there is no moisture in it.
Witch Hazel
This is a low maintenance plant that requires a moist soil which is slightly acidic and protected roots during winter. The flowers display more beautifully when they are exposed to sunlight.
It is advisable to plant it in fall so that the root of the plant becomes developed before winter comes.
Other plants that can be planted as outdoor plants for winter are: Snapdragons, Begonias, Crocus, Ornamental Gabbage, Doublefile viburnum, witch hazel, hardy hibiscus, winter Daphne, Daffodils, Camellias, Winter Cherry etc
Note:
Prepare your pot for planting by ensuring a drainage system in order to avoid over-wetting leading to icing of the excess water.
Apply a constant supply of compost to provide nutrients. Use mulch to cover the plants and protect them from harsh water conditions, also use twigs, tree trimmings, pine cones, grasses.
Wrap the pot in old blankets or any other fabric in other to trap heat for the plants. Use terracotta pots because they don’t crack open in winter.
Fill the pots lavishly in order to be able to protect the roots. Place plants where they will receive more light
FAQ: Do winter plants still grow after winter
Yes, even when the temperature drops, some winter plants still have flowers booming like the witch hazel, however, some other plants plants which may die off during summer still produce seeds that could be used the next planting season.
