Essential Winter Care: Fertilising Your Flowering Plants

Winter is a crucial time for certain flowering plants, requiring special care and attention to ensure they thrive and produce beautiful blooms. In this guide, we'll delve into the importance of fertilising winter flowering plants, the types of fertilisers to use, and some additional care tips to keep your garden healthy and vibrant.

Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@pistos?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Jeffrey Hamilton</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/a-bush-of-pink-and-white-flowers-with-green-leaves-8nQIkZ9lJAo?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a>

Why Fertilise Winter Flowering Plants?


Fertilising winter flowering plants is essential for several reasons:


  1. Energy Production: Flowering requires a significant amount of energy from the plant. By fertilising, we provide the necessary nutrients to support this energy-intensive process.

  2. Overall Health: Fertilising helps maintain the overall health of the plant, ensuring it remains robust and capable of producing vibrant flowers.


Types of Fertilisers to Use


  1. Blood and Bone with Potash: This combination is excellent for helping flowers and fruits stay on the plant longer. Potash is particularly beneficial for prolonging the bloom period.

  2. Rose Fertiliser: Surprisingly, rose fertiliser isn't just for roses. It's also suitable for camellias, rhododendrons, and azaleas, thanks to its rich nutrient content, including trace elements and iron.

  3. Liquid Fertilisers: Products like PowerFeed can act as a health tonic, especially if the plant is struggling. These can be used as a quick boost to improve plant health.

Special Care Tips


    https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/control-methods/azalea-pests-and-diseases

  1. Dealing with Pests and Diseases: 

  •  Camellias: Sometimes suffer from fungal issues, leading to browning flowers. Handpick the affected flowers to improve presentation and health. Fungal sprays or ground treatments can also be beneficial to Camellias in eradicating the fungus issues.

  •  Azalea: Prone to Lace Bugs that suck the colour out of the leaves, turning them brown. Using a systemic pest spray that is absorbed by the plant can help manage these pests.


  1. Deadheading: Removing dead flowers can enhance the plant's appearance and direct energy back to producing new buds. This practice is particularly beneficial for plants like rhododendrons and azaleas.


  1. Cleaning Up: After flowers drop, ensure to clean up any debris around the plant to prevent diseases and pests from festering and re-infecting the plant.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Best Practices for Applying Fertiliser


  1. Spreading Evenly: Ensure the fertiliser is spread evenly around the base of the plant. Avoid clumping, as this can lead to uneven nutrient distribution. Uneven distribution of fertiliser can cause burning to the plants.

  2. Scarifying: Lightly scarify the soil using a tool with prongs to mix the fertiliser into the top layer of soil without disturbing the roots.

  3. Watering In: Water the fertiliser into the soil, ensuring it's absorbed effectively. Be mindful of not leaving fertiliser on the leaves, as this can cause leaf burn.

Fertilising Citrus Trees in Winter


Citrus trees, such as lemon trees, also benefit from winter fertilising. Typically, fertilise them when they are first fruiting or if the leaves show signs of nutrient deficiency (changing colours). Using a specialised citrus fertiliser can support their health and productivity during the colder months.

Supporting Australian Native Plants

Photo by Lily on Unsplash


Australian native plants, which often bloom in winter, require specific fertilisers labelled for native use. Regular fertilisers can be too harsh and damage these plants. Start fertilising at the beginning of winter, but mid-winter applications are also beneficial.


Conclusion


Fertilising winter flowering plants is a vital aspect of garden care that ensures your plants remain healthy and produce beautiful blooms. By using the right fertilisers and following the care tips outlined in this guide, you can enjoy a vibrant and flourishing garden even in the coldest months. Happy gardening!

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