As December blankets the UK with winter’s chill, many gardeners reflect on the year past. With the vibrant colours of summer fading into crisp air and bare branches, you might think it’s time to put the garden tools away. However, December doesn’t have to mark the end of your gardening aspirations! Although it’s generally too late to sow most flowering plants, this month offers a unique opportunity to prepare for the growing season.
While the colder temperatures limit options for immediate flowering, you can still sow a few hardy annuals and biennials that will flourish come spring. Additionally, planting some winter-hardy bulbs, such as tulips and daffodils, can set the stage for vibrant pops of colour that will brighten your garden as winter wanes.
For those looking to add some life to their indoor spaces, December is an excellent time to explore houseplants that thrive in winter. Houseplants can enhance your home decor and improve indoor air quality.
So, whether you’re keen to lay the groundwork for next year’s blooms or simply want to bring some greenery indoors during the chilly season, December has plenty of possibilities. Let’s dive into the flowering plants you can sow this month, ensuring your gardening passion remains vibrant throughout the winter!
Cactus (Houseplant)
- Flowering Months: Throughout the Year
Cactus houseplants are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to inject a bit of unique flair into their indoor spaces. These hardy plants thrive in bright, sunny spots and are known for their astonishing ability to survive with minimal water. With a wide variety of shapes and sizes—from tiny, round specimens to tall, striking varieties—cacti can suit any aesthetic or decor style. They are particularly low-maintenance, requiring only occasional watering, which makes them ideal for busy individuals or those new to gardening. Beyond their distinct beauty, cactus houseplants can serve as excellent conversation starters, showcasing nature’s resilience and uniqueness in your home.
Coleus
- Flowering Months: June to October
Coleus is a delightful foliage plant celebrated for its richly coloured leaves and vibrant patterns. Available in a stunning array of shades, ranging from deep reds and purples to bright greens and yellows, Coleus adds a burst of colour to any garden or container. Typically reaching 30 to 60cm in height, it thrives in well-drained soil and prefers partial shade, making it a perfect choice for adding interest to shadier spots. While its flowers are often understated, the foliage offers striking visual appeal throughout the growing season. With minimal care requirements, Coleus is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to enhance their landscape.
Laurentia
- Flowering Months: July to September
Laurentia, commonly known as blue star, is a charming perennial that adds colour to gardens, especially in sunny border areas. This hardy plant typically grows to 20 to 30cm high and thrives in well-drained soil. It produces radiant star-shaped flowers in vibrant shades of blue during summer, attracting pollinators and dazzling onlookers. Laurentia is perfect for rock gardens, gravel borders, or containers, making it a versatile addition to any garden design. With its low maintenance needs and cheerful blooms, laurentia is an excellent option for novice and experienced gardeners.
Sensitive Plant
- Flowering Months: June to September
The Sensitive Plant, or Mimosa pudica, is a fascinating perennial renowned for its unique ability to react to touch. Growing to heights of 30 to 60cm, this tropical plant thrives best in warm, well-drained soil and prefers partial shade. Its delicate, fern-like leaves fold up when disturbed, creating an engaging spectacle that invites curiosity. It produces lovely, soft-pink, fluffy flowers in summer that add to its charm. This plant is engaging, interactive, and relatively easy to care for, making it a vibrant addition to indoor gardens or outdoor spaces, perfect for sparking wonder in children and adults alike.
Check out the RHS page here.
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From Darren’s Patch
December might feel like the garden’s gone to sleep, but for me, it’s a time of quiet excitement — a chance to plan, reflect, and even sneak in a bit of sowing. I always like to tuck a few coleus seeds into trays indoors; their foliage is just spectacular later in the year, especially in shadier corners of the garden that need a lift. And I never tire of the sensitive plant — it’s one of those joyful oddities that gets a reaction every time. If you’ve got kids or grandkids around, they’ll be utterly enchanted by its movement. Even though the days are short and the soil’s cold, tending to a cactus on a sunny windowsill or making notes for spring gives me that gardening buzz. December’s not a pause — it’s the quiet beginning of everything.
