How to Grow Flowers in Southern Winters

Those who live in the South have a wider variety of flowering plants to choose from than people in northern climes. Although Southern winters can be wacky, with temperatures ranging from below freezing to the 70s Fahrenheit, some flowers can handle the mood swings of winter. Hardier flowers that herald spring in the North can often be planted as winter blooms in the South.

Flower seedlings
Soil test kit
Hand shovel
Mulch
Water

Instructions

- 1
  
  Pansies are one choice for winter flower gardens in the South.
  
  Select hardier flowers for growing in winter. Popular choices include camellias, hostas, roses and pansies, just to name a few. Many of these flowers enjoy shade, which is perfect for those shorter winter days or for when the sky is cloudy.
- 2
  
  Camellias are a hardy flower that enjoys shade.
  
  Prepare the soil for the type of flowers you have selected. For instance, Lenten roses prefer well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter in it. Camellias like well-drained soil too but prefer it be acidic with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. If you are unsure about the soil in your yard, talk to a local garden center. They often have people on staff who can help. You can also obtain a soil test kit to determine pH and add amendments such as lime or sulphur to bring pH in range.
- 3
  
  Not only are the flowers of the hosta nice, but so are the leaves.
  
  Dig a hole that's the right size for your flower seedling. The hole should be slightly deeper than the pot the plant is currently living in. If there is debris such as roots or rocks in the way, remove them before planting your flowers.
- 4
  Place mulch around your newly planted flowers to retain moisture and warm the roots when the temperature drops. Bring the mulch near the stem of the plant but don't cover the stem. Types of mulch include bark, wood chips, grass clippings, leaves, hay, sawdust, among others.
- 5
  Water your new plants to help them start growing in their new location. Do not over-saturate the area; they only need enough to get the roots damp. After that, water only when necessary, as recommended by the grower. Some plants are more drought-tolerant than others. For instance, your Lenten roses may not need as much water as pansies.

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