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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Virginian Stock (Malcolmia maritima) is a charming, easy to grow annual flowering plant. With its masses of small blooms in lilac, pink, mauve and white, it is perfect for creating a splash of colour in the garden from early spring.
How to grow Virginian stock in a garden
- Choose a spot in the garden that receives full sun.
- Prepare the planting area well by digging in Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Plant Food.
- Sow seeds directly where they are to grow by scattering them thinly on top of the soil then raking them lightly into the soil surface. Firm down and water well.
- Water gently and keep moist through germination period.
- Once seedlings are approximately 5 cm, mulch with an organic mulch, such as bark chips, woodchip or pea straw.
- Feed regularly during the growing and flowering season with Yates Thrive Rose & Flower Granular Plant Food. TIP: For an added boost, apply Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate.
How to grow Virginian stock in a pot
- Choose a pot at least 200 mm wide and deep. Choose a position in full sun that is sheltered from wind.
- Fill the chosen pots with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix.
- Plant directly into the pot by scattering the seeds thinly on top of the soil, then lightly cover with Yates Seed Raising Mix. Firm down and water well.
- Water gently and keep moist through germination period.
- Once the seedlings have grown at least 5 cm, place a light layer of organic mulch, such as bark chips, woodchip or pea straw around the base of the plant.
- Feed regularly during the growing and flowering season with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food. TIP: For an added boost, apply Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate.
Growing tips
- Select the planting site carefully, as these plants dislike root disturbances and do not transplant well.
- Often planted over bulbs to disguise their untidy leaves once their flowering period has finished.
- Great plant choice for cottage gardens.
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 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.
Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food
Provides your flowers & roses with the balanced nutrients they require for healthy growth and flower production.
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