Summer in Perth
Flowers in season in Perth in December
20 flowers are at market in Perth in December, led by banksia, frangipani and gardenia.
Natives and grown here 6
Seasonal cut flowers 14
Farms and gardens to visit from Perth
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Perth · 3 km away
Best months: September to October
Where to buy flowers in Perth
Most West Leederville wholesalers sell only to registered businesses, trading from about 5 or 6am to 2pm on weekdays and to about 10am on Saturdays. Flowers WA on Northwood Street says it welcomes the public, Monday to Friday 6am to 2pm and Saturday 7.30am to 11am. Out in the bush, look and photograph, and leave the wildflowers where they are. Lavender Estate at Carabooda and Nannup Lavender Farm are open most of the week.
- The PlumeryNorth Perth
Grow your own
Plant in December, flowers later
What to get in the ground in December. Pick your climate: planting times shift a month or two between Hobart and Brisbane.
Plant now in temperate areas
Dahliastubers
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Flowers in about 2 to 3 months, with the main flush later in summer and autumn.
How to plant dahlia tubers
- Wait until frost has passed and the soil has warmed to about 15 to 18°C before planting.
- Pick a spot with six to eight hours of direct sun and shelter from strong wind. In hot areas, afternoon shade helps.
- Dig in compost and aged manure. Where summers are wet, go easy on compost and plant on a slight mound so tubers don't rot.
- Put a sturdy stake in first, then plant the tuber 10 to 15cm deep beside it, eye facing up, about 60cm apart.
- Don't water after planting unless the soil is bone dry. Water lightly once shoots appear, then weekly once plants reach 15 to 20cm.
- In frosty or wet areas, lift tubers once the foliage dies back and store them cool and dry until spring.
Tip: In frost-free gardens with good drainage you can leave the tubers in the ground over winter instead of lifting them.
Sources: gardenexpress.com.au, gwynganadahlias.com.au, abc.net.au, theseedcollection.com.au, salisburygrange.com
Plant now in temperate areas
Gladiolicorms
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Flowers in about 90 to 100 days, roughly 13 to 14 weeks.
How to plant gladiolus corms
- Plant from late winter in frost-free areas, and wait for early spring where winters are cold and wet.
- Choose full sun, sheltered from strong wind, in light, well-drained soil improved with compost and aged manure.
- Set corms flat side down, growing tip up, 10 to 15cm deep and 10 to 15cm apart. Groups of six to nine look best.
- Put stakes in at planting time so you don't spear the corms later. Tall spikes need the support once they open.
- Keep the soil moist while they grow but never boggy. Feed with a flower fertiliser before flowering.
- Plant a new batch every 4 to 6 weeks for a longer run of flowers.
Tip: Let the leaves brown and die off before cutting them back, as they feed the corm for next year.
Sources: diggers.com.au, gardenexpress.com.au, abc.net.au, ultimatebackyard.com.au, bunnings.com.au
Questions people ask
What flowers are in season in Perth in December?
Banksia, Frangipani, Gardenia, Delphinium, Sturt's desert pea and Hydrangea, and 14 more are at market in Perth in December, based on the season for WA.
Where can I buy wholesale flowers in Perth?
Perth flower wholesalers (West Leederville): Perth has no single central flower market. The main wholesalers sit on one street in West Leederville and generally sell only to registered businesses, trading from about 5 or 6am to 2pm weekdays and to about 10am Saturdays. At least one, Flowers WA (22 Northwood Street), says it welcomes the public, Monday to Friday 6am to 2pm and Saturday 7.30am to 11am.
Are there flower events near Perth in December?
We don't have a flower festival listed near Perth in December. Kings Park and Botanic Garden is worth a visit this month.