Winter colour is a rare and precious thing, but plan things right and it can cruise on into spring as a seasonal bridge until summer colour starts.
WATCH: How to add colour to your winter garden
On the hunt for some cheerful blooms to bring much-needed colour in your garden? Japanese camellias emerge in late winter and last until spring. Elephant ear begonia colours up in winter and spring. And the Chinese lantern bush takes you right up to Christmas. So plant them now to light up your next winter!
How to plant elephant ear begonia
Panicles of small, soft, white flowers with erect yellow stamen emerge from long, tapered, bronzy green leaves with red veins while the undersides are completely red.
Soil
Rich, well-drained.
Aspect
Full sun but protect from scorching afternoon heat.
Water
Regularly water soil – not the leaves – during flowering season but allow soil to dry out between watering.
Food
During flowering time with diluted liquid fertiliser.
Size
When mature 1-2m.
Pests/Disease
Prone to mildew, slugs and snails if there is too much moisture.
Pruning
Tip prune during summer growth season to encourage bushy growth.
Flowering time
Winter to December.
You might need
You may also like
How to grow and care for hydrangeas
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
