If you live in the cooler parts of Australia, there are many wonderful plants you can grow that flower in winter and early spring. These are very useful to have in the garden, because they provide a welcome splash of colour and a little bit of cheer at an otherwise drab time of the year.

Crocus

These are frost hardy, and do best in cool to cold areas. Crocus chrysanthus has bright flowers in the gold to yellow colour range. Crocus tommasinianus grows around 10cm (4") tall, and is native to the Balkans. The lavender to purple flowers appear in late winter. Saffron is obtained from the dried stigmas of a related species, Crocus sativus, and is used in cooking.

Iris

Both Iris histrioides and Iris reticulata like a rich, well-drained loam and a sunny position. Iris histrioides comes from Turkey. The leaves are usually absent when the first purple flowers appear in late winter. Iris reticulata grows to about 10cm (4") tall, and flower colours range from dark blue to pale blue, red and white.

Oxalis versicolor

Native to South Africa, Oxalis versicolor is a wonderful little winter flowering plant. Unlike some of its relatives, it is not weedy. Versicolor means various coloured, and it refers to the purple edges on the white petals. When twisted together in the bud, they look just like tiny barber's poles.

Narcissus cyclamineus

This species grows to around 20cm (8") tall and has bright yellow, trumpet shaped flowers. Like cyclamen, the petals of Narcissus cyclamineus are strongly reflexed. A cool moist position in the garden suits them best.

Winter aconite

Winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) is native to Europe, where it bursts into bloom as soon as the snow melts. It is a perennial, 8cm (3") tall, with cup-shaped, yellow flowers. It is very frost hardy, and prefers a position in full sun or part shade.

Getting started

All of the bulbs listed above should be planted during autumn. These plants are rare and difficult to find but they are available by mail order from: Country Farm Perennials, Nyook, VIC. Phone: (03) 5628 4202 Bryan H. Tonkin, 'Sylvan Vale', Kalorama, VIC. Phone: (03) 9728 1295 Hill View Rare Plants, Hobart, TAS. Phone: (03) 6224 0770

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