09 May 2025

What’s Hot When It’s Cold: Winter Colour That Wows in KZN Gardens

Winter in KwaZulu-Natal doesn’t have to be dull or dreary. In fact, it’s one of the most colourful times in the garden – if you know what to plant! With a little planning, your beds, baskets and borders can be bursting with blooms and foliage that thrive in the cooler months. These are the standouts that are lighting up home gardens this winter:

Antirrhinum (Snapdragons)

Tall, upright and full of personality, Snapdragons add cheerful spikes of colour in shades from soft pastels to hot brights. They’re wonderful for adding height to winter annual beds, and the bees absolutely love them. Pinch off spent blooms to keep the show going right into spring.

Argyranthemum (Marguerite Daisy)

These daisy-like perennials flower prolifically during the cooler months. Their bushy form and crisp white, yellow, or pink blooms make them a favourite for pots, borders and sunny beds. They’re easy-care, heat-tolerant once established, and bloom best with regular deadheading.

Camellias

For a touch of winter elegance, nothing beats Camellias. These evergreen shrubs bloom during the colder months, offering lush, glossy foliage and exquisite rose-like flowers in shades of pink, red, or white. Ideal for dappled shade and slightly acidic soil, Camellias add structure and long-term value to your garden.

Cineraria

These cool-season charmers are great for semi-shade and add a real splash of colour to winter gardens. Their daisy-like flowers appear in bold purples, blues and pinks, often with striking white centres. Ideal for pots or protected beds, they’re a lovely way to brighten up patios and entranceways.

Delphiniums

Towering spires of cobalt blue, lavender, violet, pink or white make Delphiniums a winter showstopper for cottage-style gardens. They need rich, well-draining soil and protection from strong winds, but reward the extra care with breathtaking vertical impact.

Gazanias

Sun-loving and drought-tolerant, Gazanias are tough yet spectacular. Their large, daisy-like flowers open in full sun and come in fiery tones of orange, yellow, and pink. They’re perfect for adding colour to rockeries, dry borders and sunny banks.

Osteospermum (African Daisies)

These hardy perennials are at their best in winter, producing masses of cheerful daisy blooms in an array of shades – white, purple, pink, salmon and even bi-colours. They love full sun, are low maintenance and attract bees and butterflies – even in cooler weather.

Pansies & Violas

No winter garden is complete without these cheerful favourites. Pansies offer larger blooms, while Violas provide a more delicate carpet of colour.  Both flower for months with minimal fuss. Perfect for borders, baskets and containers, and happiest in full or morning sun.

Petunias

Often thought of as a summer staple, Petunias actually love the mild winter days in KZN. With abundant flowering and trailing habits, they’re ideal for hanging baskets and pots. Choose from vibrant purples, reds, yellow, pink, whites, and even striped varieties for maximum impact.

Primula malacoides (Fairy Primrose)

Delicate but surprisingly hardy, these dainty flower clusters bloom beautifully in semi-shade. Available in pinks, purples and whites, they look wonderful planted in drifts under trees or in shady corners. Add a touch of magic to your winter garden with their light, airy form.

💡 Winter Gardening Tips for Maximum Colour

  • Feed regularly: Use a flower-boosting fertiliser every two weeks to keep blooms coming.

  • Deadhead spent flowers: It encourages fresh buds and a longer display.

  • Watch for frost: In colder areas, cover tender plants on chilly nights.

  • Mulch well: It helps retain warmth in the soil and suppresses weeds.

  • Mix it up: Combine annuals with perennials and foliage plants for a well-rounded, season-long display.

Looking for Instant Colour?

Pop into your local Blackwood’s to pick up pots of blooming beauty – from trays of bedding plants to established shrubs ready to brighten your winter garden. Our team is always on hand to help you mix, match and get creative with cold-season colour.