In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning home and garden questions. Here, award-winning florist and founder of the Melbourne Flower School, Kim Treherne Cardillo, reveals her five favourite high-impact, low-maintenance flowers to grow in the garden.
You can see Treherne Cardillo at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show from 21-25 March, where she will be running regular floral design workshops (more details about the show at end of the story).
The benefit of hardy, low-maintenance flowers is that they give the illusion that you’re spending weekends in the garden, when in fact the flowers are doing most of the hard work themselves.
Here are my 5 favourites:
Hyacinths (Hyacinthus)
This little gem features lots of tiny bell-shaped flowers that are compacted together to create one lovely dense spike. Hyacinths are also wonderfully fragrant.
Dimensions: Grows 15 to 25 centimetres high.
When to plant: Between late April and early May.
Light and soil requirements: They grow best in a semi-shaded spot with morning sun, in well-drained soil.
Watering requirements: Water regularly to promote growth.
Appearance: Hyacinths come in many different colours, including various tones of pink, mauve, blue, cream and white.
Garden beds or pots? Both.
Pineapple lilies (Eucomis)
These beauties look divine (particularly when planted en masse) and require very little attention.
Dimensions: Grows up to 90 centimetres high.
When to plant: August or September.
Light and soil requirements: Needs strong morning sun and well-drained soil.
Watering requirements: Water regularly in the growth stage.
Appearance: Colours range from lime green and burgundy to rich chocolate tones.
Garden beds or pots? Both.
Bird of paradise (Strelitzia)
This majestic plant has a plume of orange flowers that resemble an exotic bird, making it a striking addition to any garden. It’s worth noting that this plants takes four or five years to mature and flower.
Dimensions: Grows up to 1.5 metres high.
When to plant: Mid-October.
Light and soil requirements: Full sun and well-drained soil.
Watering requirements: It doesn’t need much water, and does not like soggy soil or roots.
Garden beds or pots: Best planted in garden beds, but can grow well in pots on the balcony, so long as it receives plenty of sun.
Madagascar jasmine (Stephanotis floribunda)
This lush vine sprouts multiple small white star-shaped flowers. The petite trumpet-like blooms have a magnificent – but rather strong – perfume. It looks divine in an outdoor entertaining area, but don’t plant too close to eating areas.
Dimensions: Up to 3 metres high.
When to plant: Between September and November.
Light and soil requirements: Likes indirect sun and well-drained soil. Doesn’t like the cold.
Watering requirements: Water regularly. If potted, don’t let the pot sit in excess water.
Appearance: A lush climber with petite, star-shaped flowers.
Garden beds or pots? Pots. Choose large pots and add a wire frame or trellis to the wall behind for support.
Black pearl lilies (Ornithogalum arabicum)
These divine little flowers have a black pearl centre (hence the name), and a lovely, light scent.
Dimensions: Grows 40 to 60 centimetres high.
When to plant: April or May.
Light and soil requirements: Full sun and well-drained soil.
Watering requirements: Water regularly but avoid waterlogging the soil.
Appearance: White flowers with a black pearl centre. Plant en masse to create a dynamic, eye-catching feature in your garden.
Garden beds or pots? Both.
The Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show is held Wednesday 21-Sunday 25 March 2018. Adult tickets $29.90. For enquiries, call (03) 9864 1111.