Even for the most avidly-green fingered of us, there’s no denying that venturing into the garden can sometimes seem more of a chore than a pleasure. While there are plenty of outside jobs to be getting on with, such as tidying up the last of the leaves or sweeping pathways, it can all feel a bit much in the winter. A much more attractive alternative is to bring the garden inside with some flowering houseplants. They help to cheer up a wintery room, and some can be transplanted into the garden when the time is right.
Spring bulbs. These are the go-to of the kitchen windowsill planter at the moment. They’re cheap to buy, generally flower brightly and take next to no looking after. Once they’ve finished flowering, you can cut them down and plant them out, ready to flower again next year. Favourites include hyacinths (muscari), which are available in a range of blue, pink and white shades. Other options are muscari or grape hyacinths and miniature tete-a-tete daffodils. You can, of course, grow full size daffodils but you’ll need quite a bit pot.
Orchids (Phalaenopsis) are another popular choice. It does vary a little depending on species and climate, but they tend to grow their flower spike in the winter and flower in early spring. There is an enormous range of flower shapes and colours, and you can group several together for an eye-catching display. For the best results, water your orchid sparingly once a week or so. They’re a tropical plant, so like being damp but dislike being wet and soggy. They also dislike extremes of temperature, so if your pot is on a windowsill check occasionally to make sure it’s not in too much direct sunlight or in a draught.
If you don’t a have a brilliant history of success with houseplants, how about a flowering cactus? there are lots of varieties, but for ease of care we like the Schlumbergera Bridgesii or Christmas Cactus. It flowers prolifically with bright red flowers, and needs the minimum of looking after. Position it where it has lots of natural light but isn’t in direct sunlight; keep it out of draughts and water it just enough to keep it damp, not wet.
For a plant with the wow factor, how about a Jasminium Polyanthum (flowering jasmine vine)? This is a vigorous climber that produces lots of small, star shaped flowers. The added bonus is the glorious scent. Once it’s finished flowering, you can report it into a bigger container and put it outside in a sheltered position. Although they start off small, if they like their location these flowering vines grow like the beanstalk in the fairy tale, so make sure it has room to expand. It will also need a climbing support.
If you’re not intending to transfer your plant outdoors, then you could consider a peace lily. These are not frost-hardy, so will always need to stay indoors. They’re very attractive, with dark green, glossy leaves and have white ‘flowers’ (which are really modified leaves). They love a warm, damp atmosphere so tend to flourish in bathrooms and kitchens. They like lots of light, but not direct sunlight.
