Hellebores
Hellebores are the moody, gothic jewels of the winter garden. Learn how you can grow them in garden or in pots.
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Ajuga (Ajuga reptans) or Carpet Bugle Weed is often used in the shady gardens as a low ground cover. Often grown for their rosettes of bronze or dark green leaves and their blue flowers that make an appearance in spring or early summer. Great as a lawn alternative and for added colour to the shaded areas of the garden.
How to grow ajuga in a garden
- Choose a part shaded spot in the garden that receives filtered or morning sun and is sheltered from the afternoon sun that has well-drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Plant Food.
- Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.
- Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Form a raised ring around the plant, creating a well so that water will go where it’s needed most. Water in well.
- Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips or pea straw, keeping it away from the trunk.
- Feed regularly with Yates Thrive Rose & Flower Granular Plant Food.
How to grow ajuga in a pot
- Choose a pot at least 200mm wide and deep. Position in part shade or a spot that receives filtered or morning sun and is sheltered from the afternoon sun.
- Fill the chosen pots with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix.
- Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots.
- Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Water in well.
- Feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate.
Growing tips
- Remove spent flowers to encourage further growth.
- Can become weedy in certain areas. Best used in retained beds in the cooler climates. Check with your local council for any restrictions.
- Regularly trim back edges and remove any dead plants to retain control and keep beds clean.
- Great for colder areas as they can tolerate frosts to -15°C.
- Can be used as a grass substitute in the shady areas in the garden.
Gardenia
Gardenias have soft scented blooms in white or yellow. Depending on the variety, can be grown as a shrub, standard, hedge or ground cover.
Freesia
Freesias are a spring flowering bulb that produce scented blooms in a range of vibrant colours including pinks, white, yellow, mauve and red.
Flax
Flax (Phormium spp.) are highly versatile plants which can grow well in swampy or dry conditions. Great for large pots or en-masse in garden beds.
Recommended products
Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Plant Food
Releases nutrients slowly, improves the structure and moisture retention of the soil and encourages earthworms and beneficial soil micro-organisms.
Yates Thrive Rose & Flower Granular Plant Food
Specially formulated to grow all types of flowers. With high potassium for large & abundant flowers, added calcium & iron for stronger flowers.
Yates Premium Potting Mix
A premium potting mix, ideal for all potted plants and shrubs, including ornamentals, fruit trees, vegies and herbs.
Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate
A complete plant food enriched with natural fish, seaweed, humates, molasses and more - boosted with NPK to improve plant and soil vitality.
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