Plant lovers like to be surrounded by greenery and blooming flowers all year, from bougainvillea to mandevilla, hoya, aristolochia, cacti and succulents. To fulfill this need to be surrounded by plants, many decide to convert their conservatories and garden rooms into a flower paradise.
Choosing the right flowers for the continental Minnesota climate can be challenging, as not all plants can survive the humid summers and frigid winters. Let’s see which flower varieties can make it in a conservatory in Minneapolis.
Bougainvillea
A favorite among those who love the Mediterranean atmosphere, the bougainvillea creates a flowery indoor garden throughout the summer. For a smaller conservatory, choose a dwarf variety like Pixie or Helen Johnson. This plant loves large pots with drainage holes and likes shade and fresh air in the height of summer.
Hoya Carnosa
Just like the bougainvillea, this sweetly scented plant can decorate the walls of your conservatory. You can use wires to attach the plant and enjoy the white waxy hoya flowers. They feel comfortable in large planters with drainage holes.
Keep them moist from spring to fall, and in winter, add water only when the top feels dry. Don’t forget to provide the plant with some shade during the hot summer days.
Donkey’s Tail
Sedum morganianum, or Donkey’s Tail, is an irresistible, cute plant. Hang it in a basket and enjoy the gentle cascading stems of small, pale and fleshy leaves, creating a stunning textural effect. Since it’s a succulent plant, be careful not to overwater it. Add water only when the compost top is dry.
Pincushion Cactus
Also known as Mammillaria, it comes in different shapes and sizes. These versatile cacti have proven tough and resistant and can enjoy life in both heated and unheated conservatories.
Cacti are a great option for conservatories because they enjoy bright light. Leave the top compost to dry out before watering it during summer. In winter, simply mist it once every four weeks.
Rose of China
If you are looking for a splash of color in your conservatory, the Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis is the right choice. Enjoy white, yellow, red, or pink trumpet-shaped flowers produced in succession over a long period nestled among glossy green leaves.
Some shade is needed in the summer, and mist is required regularly. It can reach heights of up to 6ft and spread out. So, to keep the growth in check, prune it in spring.
Money Tree
Parchira Aquatica, or the Money Tree, is used to add some structure and height to conservatory plants. The tall stems are often plaited with a canopy of glossy green foliage. The Money Tree doesn’t like much water, so water only when the compost feels dry – during winter, it should barely be moist.
Other than being aesthetically pleasing, this plant is known to bring good fortune, which is why it’s called the money plant.
Jade Plant
Crassula Ovata, or the Jade Plant, is another tough succulent you can use to decorate your conservatory. The fleshy oval leaves and woody stems retain moisture, so the plant can withstand long drought periods. Keep it in a pot with drainage holes, and do not overwater.
Conservatory Craftsman: Stunning Conservatories with Foliage
Creating a plant paradise out of your conservatory can be a little complex if you’re doing it alone or without ample knowledge about flowering plants. Turn to the professionals at Conservatory Craftsman for assistance.
We have been in the business for a long time and understand the secret behind a well-constructed and thriving conservatory. Consult a Conservatory Craftsman expert for your next project, and we’ll guide and advise you throughout the whole process.
Reach out today, build the conservatory of your dreams, and give your favorite flowers and plants a good home.