How to Fertilise Winter Flowering Plants in Victoria
Close-up of a fully bloomed white rose with delicate layered petals, captured in a lush Victorian garden. Surrounded by deep green foliage, this elegant flower adds classic charm to any landscape. Perfect inspiration for garden design and flowering plant ideas in Victoria, Australia.
Winter blooms need more than just good looks—behind every beautiful flower is a well-fed, well-cared-for plant.
While your garden may feel a little sleepy in the colder months, winter flowering plants like camellias, azaleas, and some native species are just getting started. This guide shares why fertilising in winter matters, what products to use, and how to give your garden a boost—just when it needs it most.
Why Fertilise Winter Flowering Plants?
Flowering is a high-energy process, especially in winter. Fertilising provides essential nutrients to support:
Strong blooms that last longer and look vibrant
Overall plant health, helping fend off disease and winter stress
Without the right nutrients, winter flowering plants can struggle to perform.
What Fertilisers Should You Use?
🔸 Blood and Bone with Potash
Perfect for encouraging flowers and fruit to hold longer. Potash extends the blooming season.
🔸 Rose Fertiliser
Not just for roses! It works wonders on camellias, rhododendrons, and azaleas—especially due to its trace elements and iron.
🔸 Liquid Tonics (e.g. PowerFeed)
Great for struggling plants needing a quick pick-me-up. Liquid fertilisers are fast-acting and support recovery.
🔸 Native Plant Fertiliser
Native flowering plants often bloom in winter and need specialised low-phosphorus products. Choose one labelled safe for natives.
Pest and Disease Tips for Winter Flowering Plants
Camellias may develop brown, mushy flowers from fungal infections. Remove affected flowers and consider a fungicide treatment.
Azaleas often get lace bugs, which discolour leaves. A systemic pest spray absorbed by the plant will help.
👉 Keep the area under plants tidy to reduce the chance of reinfection.
Additional Care Tips
Deadheading: Snip off old flowers to help the plant focus energy on fresh buds.
Clean-up: Don’t leave fallen petals or leaves around—this invites pests.
Scarify & Water In: Gently loosen the soil surface before applying fertiliser, and always water it in well.
💡 Avoid fertiliser touching leaves—it can cause burn.
Don’t Forget Citrus Trees
Citrus trees in Victoria benefit from a winter feed—especially as they begin fruiting. Use a citrus-specific fertiliser and watch for colour changes in leaves, which may signal nutrient deficiencies.
Support Your Native Garden
Many Australian natives bloom in winter! Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser at the start or midpoint of winter. This keeps their growth steady and supports flowering without shocking their sensitive root systems.
Winter-Friendly Flowering Plants for Victoria
Victoria’s cool climate supports a surprising number of winter bloomers. Add these to your garden for colour and life when everything else feels dormant:
Camellias
Bloom time: Late autumn to early spring
Best planting time: Autumn or early winter
Tip: Choose a partly shaded, sheltered spot with slightly acidic soil.
Hellebores (Winter Rose)
Bloom time: Mid to late winter
Best planting time: Autumn
Tip: Once established, they’re drought-tolerant and thrive in dappled shade.
Snowdrops (Galanthus)
Bloom time: Late winter
Best planting time: Late autumn
Tip: Plant bulbs in drifts beneath deciduous trees for a natural look.
Daphne odora
Bloom time: Mid to late winter
Best planting time: Early winter or spring
Tip: Ensure well-drained soil and avoid root disturbance once planted.
Polyanthus and Primulas
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring
Best planting time: Early to mid-winter
Tip: Great for pots and borders—feed fortnightly for extended flowering.
Grevillea (winter-flowering varieties like ‘Robin Gordon’)
Bloom time: Winter to spring
Best planting time: Early winter
Tip: Needs a sunny position and low-phosphorus native fertiliser.
Soil Temperature and Nutrient Uptake: Why Timing Matters in Winter
Winter isn’t just cooler above ground—it’s cooler beneath the surface too. As soil temperatures drop, plant roots become less active. This reduced root activity means plants absorb water and nutrients more slowly, which is why fertilising in winter requires a different approach than in warmer months.
Why it matters:
Cold soil slows root metabolism, so even if fertiliser is present, the plant might not be able to use it efficiently.
Wet, compacted soils in winter can also lead to poor oxygen availability, further hindering root function.
What you can do:
Use slow-release fertilisers: These break down gradually and provide a steady nutrient supply as roots reawaken during warmer periods.
Water during the warmest part of the day: When daytime temps are higher, roots are more receptive to absorbing nutrients. Watering in the middle of the day (when possible) helps nutrients move into the root zone more effectively.
Don’t overdo it: Since nutrient uptake is slower, it’s better to feed lightly but consistently during winter rather than applying large doses.
Understanding the role of soil temperature helps you make smarter fertilising decisions—so your plants stay nourished even when the garden feels quiet.
Timing Tips for Winter Fertilising
Getting the timing right with fertiliser can make a big difference to your garden’s winter health and spring readiness. Here’s a simple seasonal guide to follow:
Start of Winter
What to do: Apply a slow-release fertiliser
Why it helps: Supports plants gradually during low activity, without overwhelming roots
Mid-Winter
What to do: Add a liquid tonic if plants look tired or stressed
Why it helps: A liquid tonic provides a quick nutrient boost during cold snaps—think of it like a multivitamin for your garden.
Late Winter
What to do: Apply a light top-up of balanced fertiliser (one with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium).
👉 For native plants, always choose a fertiliser labelled safe for natives, as standard blends can be too harsh.
Why it helps: Helps early bloomers prepare for spring and gives late-starters a head start.
Tip: Always fertilise during the warmest part of the day and water it in well to help roots absorb nutrients more effectively.
Final Thoughts
Feeding your winter garden is like filling a thermos for a long hike—it gives your plants the energy they need to push through the cold and bloom boldly. With the right care, your winter flowering plants will reward you with colour, life, and resilience.
Need help with winter garden care? Contact Flora scope for tailored garden advice and professional maintenance.
