Five plants for the winter garden

From delicate blooms to striking evergreens, these seasonal standouts prove that winter gardens don’t have to be dull. Whether you're after bold colour, elegant texture, or resilient greenery, these expert picks from the Growing Friends team will brighten up your outdoor space all season long.

Strobilanthes dyeriana (Persian Shield)

Foliage can be used to bring colour into the winter garden and Strobilanthes dyeriana, also known as the Persian Shield, has spikes of violet flowers from autumn to winter. This eye-catching plant thrives in bright, indirect light and free draining, slightly acidic soil. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy, and fertilise monthly during the growing season. A light prune helps to maintain its shape. Protect from frost and allow for good air circulation to prevent disease.

Hippeastrum papilio (Butterfly Amaryllis)

In late winter, Hippeastrum papilio, commonly known as the Butterfly Amaryllis, produces large funnel-shaped flowers with unusual pale green petals and dark burgundy veins and markings. It can be grown in the garden or in pots in bright, indirect light. Plant with one third of the bulb above the ground, in free-draining soil. Water sparingly until growth starts, then regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Fertilise regularly during the growing season to ensure a spectacular display of flowers.

Chaenomeles Japonica (Flowering Quince) waterlogged conditions. Prune to maintain shape after flowering and for best results, fertilise in early spring.

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In the dead of winter, Chaenomoles flowers appear on naked branches bringing a pop of colour into the garden. This ‘old fashioned’ shrub has flowers in colours ranging from red, orange, pink and white (depending on the cultivar). It is tolerant of many growing conditions but prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil and full sun for optimal growth. It will survive in most environments, including frost but dislikes

Pieris japonica

(Lily of the Valley Bush)

Sometimes referred to as Pearl Flower, this decorative evergreen shrub produces sprays of white, bell-shaped flowers from late winter to spring followed by striking new growth of copper-coloured leaves. It requires a mildly acidic, well-drained soil with high organic content. For a longlasting floral display, plant in partial shade and water regularly, especially during dry periods. The removal of spent flowers to keep the plant tidy and maintain its natural form, is all that is required as the shape is rarely improved by pruning. Fertilise with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring.

Helleborus orientalis (Winter Rose or Lenten Rose)

One of the most beautiful flowers in the winter garden, Hellebores come in a wide range of colours from lime green to cream, pink, maroon to almost black. The foliage is decorative, and the flowers are longlasting. This hardy evergreen perennial thrives in partial to full shade in welldrained, fertile soil. It prefers cool, moist conditions, preferably beneath tall trees casting dappled shade. Planting in autumn or early spring is ideal. Regular watering is essential but avoid over-watering. Remove spent flowers after blooming and old leaves in late summer to allow for new autumn growth and to maintain plant health.

BELINDA MOON, GROWING FRIENDS SYDNEY