Bringing colour to your winter garden
Winter has crept up on us this year after an exceptionally sunny and mild autumn prolonging the pleasure of our outdoor activities. But it’s time now for the weather gods to get back on track and bring on some proper winter weather – especially the rains (but not the chilly frosts thank you).
When it does get dull and gloomy, it can encourage us to hide away inside, hibernating until the spring bulbs start to flower and the garden gets colourful and cheery again. But winter doesn’t have to mean a dull garden in Australia. With the right plant choices, we can enjoy lots of colour and interest even in the cooler months. Many Australian natives especially come into their own in winter, flowering and providing beauty when much of the garden is resting.
There are many to choose from – Correas, Hakeas, Croweas, Hardenbergia and, of course, many wattles will soon be in their full golden glory. But I think Grevilleas are one of the best choices for adding vibrant colour to Australian gardens during winter.
These hardy native plants not only thrive in a wide range of climates—from coastal to inland regions—but many species and hybrids bloom generously during the cooler months, bringing life and colour when little else is flowering.
With blooms ranging from loud reds and oranges to soft pinks and yellows, grevilleas create a stunning visual display. Popular winter-flowering varieties include Grevillea ‘Robyn Gordon’, ‘Superb’, and ‘Peaches and Cream’, known for their long flowering periods and compact growth.
Beyond their beauty, grevilleas are also excellent for supporting local wildlife. Their nectar-rich flowers attract honeyeaters, bees, and other pollinators, making your garden not only colourful but full of life during winter.
Grevilleas are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and thrive in well-drained soils with full sun exposure. Light pruning after flowering will help maintain shape and encourage more blooms.
There’s one bonus that hasn’t paid off yet though – I’m told kangaroos don’t like them, but I’m afraid my extensive grevillea planting has done nothing to deter the roo parties in my yard each night!
