Even as the days get shorter and the nights get cooler, our love for the outdoors doesn't wane. Winter walks through the garden are great for improving circulation as the days take on a fresh chill — and what better way to encourage a visit to the garden than with some beautiful blooms to admire?
All Green Nursery & Garden has over 150 varieties of seasonal and perennial plants for you to choose from. If you’re looking for the perfect flowers to plant in autumn and winter, we’ve made a list of our favourites below.
Choose winter plants based on your plant hardiness zone
One of the first things you will need to establish when looking to plant some new varieties in your garden is to work out what zone you are in. Australia is a vast country, and a key part of your winter planting success will come down to ensuring you plant the right varieties for your region.
Plants are assessed based on their 'hardiness' and given a rating, which was originally based on a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) rating. Australia was assessed, and seven zones were developed, which gave gardeners some idea of what would work in their garden or yard.
Today, it's as easy as turning to Google to find out what type of plants will work in your local area, but it doesn't hurt to know a little more about your region. After all, once you know where you are positioned in Australia's climate zones, you are better equipped to know what to plant!
Winter plants for subtropical regions
These regions include southeast Queensland, central Queensland, northern NSW, and a small section of Western Australia, including Perth and Geraldton.
When considering what to plant in this region for winter, you want to choose the following:
- Banksia
- Chrysanthemums
- Daisies
- Euphorbia
- Gerberas
- Grevillea
- Lavender
- Magnolia
- Pansies
- Petunias
- Poppies
- Snapdragons
- Sunflowers
- Verbena
- Violas
- Zinnias
Winter plants for wet and dry tropical regions
These regions include North Queensland, the Northern Territory and the top parts of Western Australia.
You have more flexibility with these parts of Australia regarding winter planting, as you are not subjected to the freezing overnight temperatures and blistering cold mornings that our southern neighbours are. Despite that, you still need to be somewhat discerning with what you choose to plant. Get these in the ground:
- Calla Lilies
- Carnation
- Geranium
- Gerbera
- Hibiscus
- Kangaroo paw
- Nasturtium
- Snapdragon
- Sunflowers
- Wallflower
- Zinnia
You will reap the benefits of sowing these blooming beauties in your garden and love the bright colours.
Winter plants for deserts and grassland regions
These regions cover much of Australia's centre and extend almost from coast to coast.
Again, while you are somewhat sheltered from the harsh cold, you still need to consider your garden carefully when it comes to winter planting.
- Cineraria Silver Dust
- Dahlia
- Dianthus
- Gaillardia
- Kangaroo paw
- Marigolds
- Salvia
- Stuart desert pea
- Verbena
As you know, this part of Australia does not get much rain, which means you need to choose your plants based on how easily you can maintain them and give them enough water.
Winter plants for temperate regions
Temperate regions include Sydney, coastal NSW, sections of southern Western Australia and parts of Victoria.
Love getting your hands dirty in the winter months? Us too. When you live in the temperate zones, you have a wide range of options when it comes to prettying up the garden for the cooler months.
- Clarkia
- Daisies
- Godetia
- Larkspur
- Lavender
- Leptospermum
- Lily Of The Valley
- Linaria
- Magnolias
- Snowdrops
- Statice
- Sweet Peas
- Violas
Winter plants for cool and southern tablelands
Cool regions include Melbourne and Tasmania.
This is where your winter planting is really put to the test, as parts of these regions see snow regularly throughout the winter months. Despite this, you can happily plant a range of blooms in your garden.
- Alyssum
- Begonia
- Foxgloves
- Geraniums
- Lobelia
- Snapdragons
- Violas
Native plants to plant in winter
Love native plants? So do we. Here are our four favourites for winter planting.
- Syzygium Big Red is a medium-sized lillypilly that grows relatively quickly and is an excellent choice for a hedge.
- Acacia Limelight is a lush, low plant that is a beautiful addition to your garden beds.
- Grevillea Deua Gold has rich, golden flowers capping its branches. It will make an exceptional mark on your garden.
- Heath-leaved banksia is a stunning plant, offering a flash of red and orange to enhance any winter garden's appearance.
