Autumn is a great time to get out in the garden and add some colour to your outdoor space. Melbourne, Victoria, has a unique climate that can be challenging for gardeners, but many flowers thrive in this area during autumn. This post will discuss the best autumn flowers to plant in your Melbourne garden, when to plant them, when they flower, and any care and maintenance required for each plant.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are classic autumn flowers known for their bright and bold colours. They come in various shades, from white to yellow, pink, red, and purple. These flowers should be planted in early autumn, around March, and they will begin to flower in April. Chrysanthemums require full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
Asters
Asters are another popular autumn flower that comes in various colours, from blue and purple to pink and white. They should be planted in early autumn, around March, and will begin to flower in April. Asters require full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
Pansies
Pansies are a popular flower that can be grown throughout the year in Melbourne. They come in various colours, from white and yellow to purple and blue. Pansies should be planted in late autumn, around May, and will continue to flower through winter. Pansies require full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons are a tall, spiky flower that comes in various colours, from red and orange to pink and white. They should be planted in early autumn, around March, and will begin to flower in April. Snapdragons require full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
Dianthus
Dianthus is a small, fragrant flower that comes in various colours, from pink and red to white and purple. They should be planted in early autumn, around March, and will begin to flower in April. Dianthus requires full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. They should be watered regularly, and dead flowers should be removed to encourage new growth.
Marigolds
Marigolds are a popular flower that comes in various colours, from yellow and orange to red and white. They should be planted in early autumn, around March, and will begin to flower in April. Marigolds require full sun and well-draining soil. They should be watered regularly, and dead flowers should be removed to promote new growth.
Salvias
Salvias are a tall, spiky flower that comes in various colours, from blue and purple to pink and white. They should be planted in early autumn, around March, and will begin to flower in April. Salvias require full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
Violas
Violas are small, delicate flowers that come in various colours, from purple and blue to yellow and white. They should be planted in late autumn, around May, and will continue to flower through winter. Violas require full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
Cyclamen
Cyclamen is a popular autumn flower known for its unique shape and bright colours. They come in shades of pink, red, and white and are often used in pots or hanging baskets. Cyclamen should be planted in early autumn, around March, and will begin to flower in April. Cyclamen require partial shade and well-draining soil.
Hellebores
Hellebores are hardy perennials that bloom in the winter months. They come in shades of pink, white, and purple and can grow up to 60 cm tall. Hellebores should be planted in late autumn, around May, and will begin to flower in winter. Hellebores require full shade and well-draining soil.
Autumn crocus
The Autumn crocus is a bulb plant known for its beautiful pink, white or purple flowers. It blooms in late autumn, around April or May, and the flowers appear before the leaves. The plants require full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. The bulbs should be planted in early autumn, around March.
Nerines
Nerines are another bulb plant that blooms in late autumn, around May or June. They come in shades of pink, red, and white and are known for their tall, slender stems. Nerines require full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. The bulbs should be planted in early autumn, around March or April.
When planting these flowers, it’s essential to prepare the soil properly. Ensure the soil is well-draining and fertile, with plenty of organic matter added. This will help to ensure the plants grow strong and healthy. In terms of care and maintenance, most of these flowers require regular watering and deadheading.
Deadheading removes dead flowers from the plant, which promotes new growth and prolongs the blooming period. Some plants, such as chrysanthemums, may require staking to prevent them from falling over. It’s also important to fertilise these plants regularly, using a balanced fertiliser that is high in phosphorus. This will help to encourage healthy growth and strong blooms.
