All the things you need to check off your list for a flowery spring
Marigolds are a natural pest deterrent – perfect for a sustainable garden in spring.
Spring is the ideal time to plant colourful flowers. There is a plethora of varieties you can plant that will enliven your garden and create a vibrant display.
When deciding what spring flowers to plant in September, it’s great to be able to go to your local nurseries and buy plants that are already in flower. Consider a mix of different plants to achieve a pleasing combination before purchasing.
Make sure you have the number of spring plants you’re after worked out before shopping, rather than buying what you like and trying to find spots for them once home. This can save you money.
Spring flowers to plant in September
- ‘Forget-me-not’ (Myosotis)
- Viola pansies
- Aster
- Primula (Polyanthus)
- Petunias
- Aster
- Bergenia
- Wallflower (Erysimum)
- Bellis
- Torenia
- Hellebores
- Hyacinths
- Dahlia
- Marigold
- Salvia
- Echinacea
Flowers to plant in spring for those without gardens
If you don’t have the area in your garden for some spring flowers or the space at your entrance for a feature pot, maybe a hanging basket filled with spring colour is the option for you. Hanging baskets can look amazing when planted with colourful flowers and are great hung at eye height.
Top tip: Need more plants? Dig up and divide some of your favourite perennials that have filled out since planting.
Asters are perfect for those after the ‘cottage garden’ look
Spring flower pests
Attack pests with spray-on insecticides. The low-toxic ones may require more frequent application, but other systemic insecticides absorb into the plant’s system and continue to be effective against pests over a longer period of time. Make sure to spray the underside of the leaves as well as the top, to ensure effective eradication of pests.
Prune and trim
Prune flowering plants in September to establish the desired shape and size before they start developing their flower buds towards summer. Also, trim evergreen hedging plants. By trimming now as they come to the end of their dormancy period, they will be encouraged to shoot vibrant new growth which will have plenty of time to harden off before next winter.
Don’t forget your indoor plants in spring
Spring is also a good time to tend to indoor plants. You’ll want to cut off dead leaves and flower heads. Check for indoor plant diseases that may have developed due to reduced sunlight, overwatering or cold draughts. Some common diseases are Grey Mould (Botrytis), Powdery Mildew and Leaf Spots. To treat them, either prune the affected leaves or parts of the plant or wipe off the mould with a damp cloth. Then spray the plant with a fungicide.
More spring gardening ideas:
- How to grow passionfruit
- How to grow strawberries
- How to grow hydrangeas in NZ
- How to grow cherry tomatoes
- 8 fast-growing climbing plants
- 14 plants with show-stopping white flowers
- 10 best grasses for a garden
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