As the evenings are drawing in and the leaves are falling from the trees, it’s easy to feel a little despondent. Especially when the landscape turns from a multicoloured Autumn spectacle into a drab brown, green and grey mire. That’s why this year I’ve been determined to bring a little cheer into my life. I do love Autumn but sometimes the persistent grey clouds and long, dark nights can be a drain, so now is a great time to turn up the saturation filter and get some winter blooms in place.
My back doorstep has become a little haven for potted plants. The steps are in a corner and sheltered from the winds that gather pace and blow furiously down the side of our house into the garden beyond, and surrounded by two brick walls offer a little lift in temperature. Earlier this summer I planted up a small herb pot for use in the kitchen, and since tidying up the steps I’ve potted up some winter colour bedding in various pots.
Pansies are not only pretty and inexpensive, but very hardy – so no worrying about whether it’s the right time of year, if they are suited to the British winter or all that malarky. I am still a bit rubbish about knowing which plants flower when and what are annuals as my main consideration is pretty much “are they good for pollinators”. But pansies are perfect for autumn and winter colour, and with such a wide selection of varieties to choose from, a perfect plant for pretty pots.
Pansy Matrix Morpheus
I planted up the following flowers in my pots, all of which have been in for over a month and are looking as good as new. The pansy varieties I chose are mostly compact and have been bred to last longer than other pansies:
Pansy – Cool Wave (yellows, whites, purples, blues – winter and early spring bloomer)
Pansy – Matrix Morpheus (yellow and purple)
Pansy – Matrix Marina (light blue, deep blue and white)
Pansy – Frizzle Sizzle Burgundy
Wallflower – Sugar Rush Yellow
Lemon Thyme (Thymus citriodorus) ‘Golden Queen’ (adds great texture, variegated colour and scent)
Pansy Frizzle Sizzle Burgundy
At this time of year you can also try primulas, polyanthus, violas and in spring cyclamen and bulbs such as irises, narcissus and tulips will bring earlier colour. Heuchera are also a fab choice as are evergreen herbs such as rosemary, lavender and sage.
Pansy Cool Wave Selection
I’m looking forward to still having some winter colour around, I find it’s good for the soul and will help just a little bit to keep away those winter blues…
Found your pansy pictures on Bing while looking for pansy seeds (unusual colors). Your flowers are beautiful and would brighten any day. Pansies are my favorite and it’s been a loooong winter here in
Pa.USA