Heading: Polyanthus pack a punch in winter gardens

Copy: There’s no argument winter gardens don’t have the same degree of colour as spring ones.

But there’s also no reason you can’t have colour in your garden during the cooler months. Plants like polyanthus and pansies can all pack a colour punch at this time of year.

Polyanthus come in a range of hues like pink, blue and red and look great in hanging baskets or borders.

I’m a fan of growing this pretty plant in pots so I can move the colour around my courtyard and garden as the mood takes me. As long as you keep in mind the sun loving nature of polyanthus, you can grow them anywhere you like. They also look good planted around your potted citrus
trees.

Get your Awapuni Nurseries polyanthus seedlings from your local supermarket, Bunnings or The Warehouse. Alternatively, jump online to www.awapuni.co.nz and get them delivered direct to
your door.

Once you’ve got your seedlings you need to find a spot to grow them. If you’re planting outside, make sure the soil is well-drained, then dig over and add some compost. If you’re potting your polyanthus, use potting mix to ensure they have the best kick-start to their growth.

In around four to six weeks you should have these tight, low, compact and colourful plants brightening up your home and garden. Pick off the dead flowers to encourage more flowering and watch out for slugs.

Handy tip – if your polyanthus have trouble flowering, add a little bit of dried blood from the garden centre to provide more potassium.

Tod Palenski
Awapuni Nurseries
www.awapuni.co.nz

ENDS

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