Find a conservatory-up which plants a place there

Photo: Frederique Panassac

How can you set up a winter garden, and which plants will thrive there? This article explains the difference between cold, temperate, and warm conservatories. Depending on the temperature, different plants can find the right place.

A sunroom can be a wonderful place to spend time, even during the cold season. But if it is not arranged properly, the atmosphere will suffer. Comfortable seating belongs there in any case. Plants are also essential when setting up a conservatory, but not every plant will thrive on a veranda. The temperature in the winter garden is decisive.

Warm winter garden

Photo: Shirley

Ferns and tree ferns are a good way to complete a garden room or conservatory with plants. They have interesting characteristics. Ferns have existed for around 200 million years, and some species can tolerate both temperatures below zero, down to about minus 10 to 12 degrees, and hot conditions. It is important, however, to note one thing when watering. Instead of pouring water into the pot, tree ferns should be watered from above, because the roots are at the top of the trunk. This also explains why a tree fern can be cut and planted again from the upper cutting. Decorating the conservatory with a tree fern can therefore be a good idea.

If you want to set up a cozy porch, a constant temperature of about 18 degrees should prevail. These conservatories are usually located in a shady spot, so heating is required. Plants that bloom all year can find a suitable place there. Examples include pineapple guava, known by the botanical name Acca sellowiana; acerola, also known as Malpighia glabra; mango, known as Mangifera indica; hibiscus; and tree fern. All feel comfortable in such an environment. The tree fern is known by the botanical name Dicksonia squarrosa.

Cold winter garden

Photo: Hans

Anyone who wants to set up a cold conservatory should ensure a temperature between -5 and 5 degrees. These conditions usually mean orienting the winter garden to the south. In such an atmosphere, Mediterranean plants can do well, such as Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), mock privet (Phillyrea angustifolia), olive (Olea europaea), rockrose, lily, and banana shrub.

Temperate conservatory

Photo by Marie

Temperate conservatories usually have a temperature of 5 to 15 degrees. They are generally oriented to the south, east, or west, so plenty of light reaches them. Because of these temperature and light conditions, flowering plants do particularly well, especially species from South America and South Africa. Examples include bottlebrush, also known as Callistemon; Canary Island flowers; Sesbania punicea; blue hibiscus; violet bush; and bird-of-paradise flower.

Each conservatory can be planted differently. The important thing is to match the plants’ preferences with the conditions in your own veranda.

Photo: enbodenumer