Winter is that season where we all layer up and flowering plants are uncommon. However, you can change that! There are flowering plants that can endure the cool temperatures of winter. This can help your bees survive through winter. Winter means less foraging for bees, that’s why providing them pollen and nectar flow by adding these plants can help them increase their honey stores.
Here are some of the best wintering flowers by region:
Colder Regions: Tasmania and Melbourne
Begonia
This flowering plant prefers a bright filtered light with little to no exposure to the midday sun. Although begonia’s typically do their best in climates on the range 15 C to 20 C, tubular begonia’s do well on cooler climates.
Calendula
Also more popularly known as pot marigold, this plant flower throughout the seasons. Which means that they can be the best natural source of pollen/nectar for your bees throughout the year.
Grevillea
This Australian native plant is popular to bees. They flower throughout the seasons as well and provide plenty of nectar sources. They do their best in low humidity regions and are usually highly resilient. There are many types of Grevilleas, but specific ones such as Grevillea Lanigera and Grevillea Victorae are best for colder climates and can even tolerate snow.
Temperate regions: South Western Australia, Sydney, NSW Coastal regions and some parts of Victoria
Pansies
These flowers come in a wide variety of colours. They love being exposed to the sun during cooler months. They can flower throughout the seasons as long as you learn how they tolerate different seasons.
Leptospermum (tea-tree)
This group of flowers have many variants as well. They prefer wet and cool climates with a little bit of sun. They are also highly resilient by being able to tolerate cold temperatures and drought.
Mediterranean Regions: Adelaide, Perth and Central NSW
Lobelia
These flowers love being exposed to the sun. They can tolerate cool weather however do not tolerate extreme cold temperatures. This flowering plant offers a variety of colours such as blue, purple, pink and white. They can also be considered an annual plant however, they don’t tolerate extreme hot weather.
Myosotis (forget-me-not)
Typically a spring or summer flower, they do best on warm temperatures which is why they can tolerate the climates in Mediterranean regions of Australia. Make sure that they get plenty of sun and their soil is kept moist. Pollinators love them, much like the hover fly in the photo does so!
Zinnias
Zinnias loves the warm weather, however they can be more demanding to grow to their best state. They require regular fertilising, watering of the soil instead of the whole plant to prevent fungal diseases and weed-free. Although they require a bit of work, they do have the best flowers that stand out in your garden.
Dry Inland Regions: Outback WA, Alice Springs, Southern Queensland
Carnation
This plant is a wonderful perennial flower to add to your garden. Be careful of overwatering. They are perfect for growing in pots as they have that rounded habit of imitates a bouquet of flowers, perfect for all your foraging bees to share. They have plenty of varieties in species and in colours.
Kangaroo Paw
Kangaroo Paw is one of the symbolic flowering plants of WA due to its unique characteristics. They do not tolerate frost which is why they are dominant on sandy soils on the dry lands of the outback and tropical regions. Additionally, they are perennials which means they flower throughout the year. Boast this celebrity in your garden where it can get the most sun exposure.
Tropical Regions: Broome, Northern NT, Brisbane, Queensland Coast Regions
Sunflower
Sunflowers thrive in dry soil and humid regions. Ensure that you plant these babies in a sunny area with a well-drained soil.
Marigold
Marigolds have a variety of warm, vibrant colours such as yellow, orange and burnt red. They grow well under the sun and can grow in various types of soils. They are also highly resilient. Not only do they make your garden pretty, they’re the best companion for crops as they deter various pests.
What are you adding to your garden this year? Since we are all staying at home, this is the best time to pay attention to your garden.
