With autumn upon us it is time to look out for some annuals (also referred to as bedding plants) which will provide outstanding colour during winter and early spring. Don recently came across two new varieties of popular winter flowering plants, cineraria and pansy.
‘5th Avenue’ offers a new compact colour range for the popular florist’s cineraria. This is a plant which does well in shaded areas of the garden. The 11 colours in this range include rich solid shades in pink, rose and deep red, and bicolours of blue and white which contrast effectively with the bronze foliage.
Senecio x hybridus or cineraria ‘5th Avenue’ likes protection from frost and should flower from late winter. These plants are sold in either punnets or 8cm (3″) pots for around $3.95. Use them to brighten up a dull part of the garden or even use them indoors as a temporary floral decoration
Best climate – Cineraria
In hot regions plant in shade. In frosty areas protect plants from frost.
Pansies are another colourful annual plant for the winter and spring garden. A new and cheery variety, which comes in a tasteful selection of colours, is being sold as ‘Wild Silk’. These pansies, which have delightful ‘faces’, can be planted in the sun or shade (give more shade in hot climates) and come in colours such as rose, deep and mid-blues and other soft shades. These compact plants bloom early and are free flowering, with medium-sized blooms around 4-5cm (2″).
Punnets are available from most nurseries from around $3.95.
Best climate – Pansies
Provide extra shade in hot areas.
Both new release plants will be available at nurseries around Australia. Other plants which can be grown now for colour later in the year include poppies, nemesias, foxgloves, delphiniums, primulas and larkspurs.