What cut flowers are available in winter in South Africa
Whilst South African winters are not as harsh as those of mainland Europe, we do still get some tough weather – BUT the good news for flowers is – because it’s cold, flowers last much longer in winter than they do in summer and are thus better value when gifting people flowers. However, they are more scarce than in other seasons as like most things in winter, plants do slow down and flower less profusely at this time of the year.
But never fear, there are still colourful blooms out there to warm those wintery days.
There is a period between the changeover of seasons, when some of the frequently available flowers are low in production or not available such as lilies. Exactly when is quite weather dependent and what the day and night time temperatures are doing, so do check in with your local suppliers.
Note: The list is not exhaustive, and there are also other flowers that grow in winter time but that might generally not be sold as cut flowers due to their fragility or inability to be stored and/or transported to flower markets. Flowers that are typically available on import have been left out, but this changes all the time as flower farms adapt their range.
CUT FLOWERS AVAILABLE IN WINTER (APRIL TO JULY)
- Allium – leek flowers, onion flowers
- Amaranthus
- Anthuriums – expensive due to lower supply
- Asiatic lilies
- Banksia – protea family
- Blushing brides – later in the season
- Bromeliad flowers – not large quantities
- Carnations and mini carnations
- Celosia
- Chinese asters
- Chinks or Chincherinchees – late winter
- Chrysanthemums – sprays and singles
- Cornflowers
- Cymbidium
- Delphiniums
- Ericas or heathers
- Gerberas
- Gladiolus – lower supply
- Golden rod
- Grasses
- Gypsophila – expensive due to lower supply
- Hypericum berries
- Iris
- Irish bells
- Kale
- Kol kol or berzelia
- Lace flower
- Larkspur
- Latifolia/limonium
- Leucadendron
- Liatris
- Lisianthus – expensive due to lower supply
- Lysimachia
- Marigolds
- Melkbos or Asclepias (old mans balls)
- Monte Casino or Michaelmas daisy
- Nerines
- Oriental lilies – but sometimes a period when none available
- Ornamental pineapples
- Pin cushions – later in season
- Proteas, various
- Pussy willow
- Roses – expensive due to lower supply or import
- Sea Holly
- Silver brunia
- Snapdragons
- Snowberries
- Stocks
- Statice
- St Joseph lilies
- Strelitizias – often from May
- Sunflowers
- Tulips
- Wax flower