Bedding plants for winter colour ?

Foxylock

I've got two long narrow flower beds between the driveway and the lawn, presently they are full of life with : marigolds, petunias, lobelias, geraniums, violas,chrysanthenums and bizzie lizzies. They are so cheery and bright but unfortunately will die off with first frost, so I'm wondering does anyone have any suggestions for some winter colour. What could I plant to have something in flower for January ? Is it too late to sow something from seed ?

Sive · Posted: Sat Aug 15, 2009 6:11 pm Post subject:

How about bulbs ? You could plant them all over the next month or two.

Foxylock · Posted: Sat Aug 15, 2009 6:56 pm Post subject:

Hi Sive. Thanks for such a prompt reply.

It's a good idea alright, I love cyclamens and snowdrops and I know of a flower called Eranthus or " winter aconite " ( just don't know where to get it ) but I was hoping for a more elaborate planting scheme. Maybe I'm wishful thinking !! Rolling Eyes

Any more suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Foxylock · Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2009 8:29 pm Post subject:

I just located a few winter flowering pansies, so I might give them a go, 12 weeks from seed to bloom apparently !!

forest flame · Posted: Thu Aug 20, 2009 8:56 pm Post subject:

hi foxylock
the pansies are probably the most reliable others you could use are polyanthus(primulas) and ornamental cabbages can look really well.the cyclamens are great for winter too

Foxylock · Posted: Thu Aug 20, 2009 10:21 pm Post subject:

I have some primulas but they seem to flower in mid spring onwards. I got three packets of pansy seed for about 1.70 each so it's definitley the cheap and hopefully the cheerful option for the moment . will put up some pics when I get them blooming. Laughing

Joanna · Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2009 8:21 pm Post subject:

Not sure if you looking for shrub, but how about a winter flowering jasmine?

I have one on front of my window and it did flower with yellow flowers for most of cold months last year. It started already this year.

It's more shrub than bedding plant but will give you some interest over the winter months.

Cheers
joanna

sal · Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2009 8:47 am Post subject:

primula`s are lovely,all those colours,i tried 3 jasmine plants and all died on me,not sure what went wrong,i have cyc lamen i bought from woodies ,really good value and they are flowering,the red are fabulous,

Foxylock · Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2009 10:10 am Post subject:

Hi Joanna winter jasmine is a good option and I may have to rethink my strategy with the winter flowering pansies as they are proving slow to germinate and seem to be coming to nothing.

Sal, I also have the Woodies bought cyclamen and I love the vivid colouring and the long flowering season is a bonus. But I desperately need to fill up those beds for winter Smile