Winter Color In The Landscape

  Adding color to your landscaping during the cooler months is a great idea. Today I have added pictures of four of my favorite winter color plants: Allysum, Cyclamen, Pansy, and Snap Dragon. Most nurseries and garden centers should have these. In our area of south Texas these plants will last into March and early April.

Allysum



  Used as a border or edging plant, Allysum comes in white or purple, and has a great fragerance. A single row will produce a 3"-4" wide border of solid color. It likes full sun but can take some filtered light. It can be used as a border for any of the other plants listed below.

How to grow:

• Plant in full to partial sun
• They like average soil but will tolerate dry soil. Water 1-2 times a week.
• Add a general purpose fertilizer once a month

Allysum



Cyclamen

  This plant comes in many bright colors and will do best in filterd light. They are expensive and most gardners just add a few with other winter colors for an extra bright spot in the garden. They get to approx. 6" tall and have dark green leaves. They can be used as a house plant if watered regularly.

How to grow:

• Plant in well drained soil adding a good organic mixture in the bedding area.
• Do not let plants get dry
• Do not plant in full sun



Cyclamen





Pansy

  Pansy comes in a variety of colors and is easy to care for. They are a low growing flower and once planted will give you a show of color. They do best in full sun. The "Majestic" variety produces a larger flower and is the most popular amoung landscapers.

How to grow:

Plant in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Pansies like sun and cooler temperatures.

Space the plants about 7 to 12 inches apart. They will spread about 9 to 12 inches and grow to be about 6 to 9 inches tall.

Apply a general purpose fertilizer once a month

Water at least once a week



Mixed Pansys



Snap Dragons

  Snap Dragons also come in a variety of colors and sizes. Some varieties only grow to 6" while others ("Rockets") can grow to 18".  A very showy flower that will also last into March and April.

How to grow:

• Plant in rich, well drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Grow in full sun.
• Space tall varieties 12" apart, small varieties 6" apart.
• Pinch tips of young plants to encourage branching
• Apply a general purpose fertilizer once a month
• Water weekly