Signs of spring are on their way, with shoots starting to poke through the soil and snowdrops and crocuses beginning to flower. But if these are not enough to make you feel brighter and warmer in the depths of winter, it could be a good idea to fill your traditional conservatory with beautiful flowers.
Here is our guide on how to choose the best plants for your orangery during the colder months while you wait for spring to arrive in the garden.
Palms
Palms are a great choice for a conservatory as they are hardy and tolerate different environments. Although they look distinctly tropical, they do not need a particularly warm temperature to grow, and some can even thrive in low light.
However, they’ll get more natural daylight in a conservatory than anywhere else in the house during the darker months, thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows.
According to The Spruce, palm plants can make you feel relaxed and peaceful, so if you want to lift your mood during the winter, fill your space with these exotic leaves.
Orchids
Although many people consider orchids to be fragile, they are actually able to withstand cooler temperatures, so don’t be afraid to buy one for your orangery.
They need protection from strong sunlight, but winter’s dimmed brightness means they can survive conservatory conditions well.
Lemon trees
Orangeries were originally developed to recreate warmer conditions to allow citrus fruits to thrive in Western Europe. So, they are ideal for the likes of lemon, lime, or orange trees.
You don’t need to heat your conservatory considerably for these to survive, as they can tolerate temperatures of 10C if watered infrequently, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
Having a citrus tree in your conservatory will certainly make you feel more summery when it is cold outside, as well as produce delicious fruit all year round.
Succulents
If you’re looking for a low maintenance plant that loves the bright sunshine as well as low temperatures, fill your room with succulents.
These are able to retain water in their fleshy leaves, making them particularly hardy. This is why they thrive in deserts and are ideal for indoor conditions.
Although they can survive in soaring temperatures, they are also surprisingly well-adapted to British winters inside conservatories.
Plant scientist Kenneth Freeman told Ideal Home: “Conservatories are a great way to add extra living space to a house and they can create a bridge between the indoors and the garden.”
He added: “Hairy succulents trap a layer of moist air close to the surface of the plant and those with a blue or grey waxy coat use it to reflect damaging heat and light – a natural high factor sunscreen.”
According to the expert, it is a good idea to place succulents in areas of the room that get the most sunlight, as they are able to cope with the brightness better than other plants.
If you’re not sure which plants are succulent, Mr Freeman advised homeowners to look out for those that are hairy, waxy or have spines, otherwise known as cacti.