The Best Winter Plants

“Winter gardening in the Western Cape is a great time to accomplish a number of garden tasks, chief among them being cleaning up or cutting back in preparation for the next growing season, to encourage shrubs to be bushy and to tidy them up, plus we take note of the lower arc of the sun and trim tall bushes and trees to bring in light, especially on lawns,” explains Chris Maddams of Red Daffodil. According to Madams, it’s also a great season to take stock of what worked and what struggled in the last summer and look to replant, using the wet weather to help your new plants bed in so they are ready for the growing season in Spring and well-rooted into cooler, deeper soil by the summer, especially in gardens without irrigation. “A lot of people feel it’s a time without much floral activity, but fynbos has plenty of plants that bring warmth to the garden, and more importantly feed the local fauna in the cold months.”

Here are a handful of plants to plant this season.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a must-have plant for any Cape Town garden. This resilient species not only adds an exotic touch but also serves as a natural first-aid kit due to its healing properties. Aloe Vera is well-suited to the city’s winter climate, as it prefers drier conditions and can tolerate cooler temperatures. It requires minimal maintenance and can be a stunning addition to rock gardens or containers. “We tend to plant it for its medicinal purposes, and needs a sunnier location,” says Maddams.

Cape Honeysuckle

The Cape Honeysuckle is a versatile and vibrant shrub that blooms with stunning clusters of tubular flowers throughout winter. “It’s available in a few different — colours, orange, red and a lovely soft salmon,” Maddams says. Its long blooming period adds a splash of colour to your garden, attracting nectar-feeding birds. Cape Honeysuckle thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth.

Blue Plumbago

Blue Plumbago is a South African native plant known for its stunning clusters of sky-blue flowers. This evergreen shrub provides yearround interest in the garden, with its green foliage contrasting beautifully against the blue blooms. It is drought-tolerant and can handle the cooler temperatures of Cape Town’s winter. Blue Plumbago thrives in well-drained soil and benefits from occasional pruning to promote bushiness. According to Maddams, aside from what the name suggests, it is also available in white.

Pelargoniums

“Pelargoniums, commonly known as Geraniums, commonly referred to as Geraniums, but that is a different genus, our indigenous ones are noted for their scents which add an extra dimension to your garden,” says Maddams. These hardy plants can tolerate both heat and cold, making them an excellent choice for Cape Town’s winter gardens. They come in a wide variety of colors, including pinks, reds, purples, and whites, allowing you to create captivating floral arrangements. Pelargoniums prefer well-drained soil and can thrive in both garden beds and containers.

Wild Garlic

Wild Garlic, also known as Society Garlic, is a lowmaintenance perennial herb that flourishes during the winter months. “I loathe the smell!” Jokes Maddams, before adding “its notably featured on a number of menus around Cape Town these days with the popularity of foraging-style menus.” It features clusters of purple flowers atop long, slender stalks and emits a delightful garlic-like scent when brushed against. Apart from its aesthetic appeal, Wild Garlic also acts as a natural pest repellent. It thrives in well-drained soil and is an excellent choice for borders, rockeries, or container gardens.

Cape Snow Bush

“This grey fine-leaved foliage makes a super contrast against more traditional green plants,” says Maddams. It’s more commonly known as Wild Rosemary and is a compact, aromatic shrub that produces clusters of small, white flowers resembling delicate snowflakes. It’s fragrant foliage and unique appearance make it an eye-catching addition to any Cape Town garden. Cape Snow Bush thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Regular pruning helps maintain its compact shape and enhances bushiness.

Transforming your Cape Town garden into a winter wonderland is easily achievable with the right selection of plants. A mix of indigenous and exotic species that can withstand cooler temperatures and adapt to the local soil conditions will ensure a flourishing and visually captivating garden.

Website: www.reddaffodil.co.za