Purple Flowers
June 23, 2022
By DeLaurenti Florist
Believe it or not, purple is one of the most popular flower colors. The blooms below range in shades from light lilac to deep violet. With its royal symbolism, shades of purple are sure to add some elegance to your garden!
Scroll through to learn where each flower grows best as well as their sun and soil needs. We also added a growing tip for everything from the more difficult Sweet Pea to easy-going violets.
Verbena
Verbena bonariensis
These flowers blossom in shades between magenta and violet with tall clustered blooms. If taken care of, Verbena will last all summer long.
Soil Needs: Moist, Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
Growing Zones: 9 - 11
Flower Tip: Be sure to keep the soil damp because dry conditions can prevent flowering.
Lavendar
Lavandula
Tiny lavender buds grow on silvery-gray spires. The fragrance produced from these little blooms can do wonders for stress relief.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
Growing Zones: 5 - 10
Flower Tip: If you are looking for showy varieties, opt for Hidcote Superior.
Clematis
Clematis
The Arabella variety of Clematis blooms in a beautiful mauve and can grow up to 30 feet tall. When flourishing, it can produce more flowers in less space than almost any other plant.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
Growing Zones: 3 - 9
Flower Tip: Make sure to plant Clematis in a sheltered spot to help it thrive.
Bellflower
Campanula
This charming little blossoms are upturned, cup-shaped flowers that range in hues from white to lavender. Campanula make excellent ground covers and will thrive in your rock garden.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 3 - 9
Flower Tip: Cut it down in late water to help rejuvenate the plant for spring.
Dwarf Iris
Iris Reticulata
Dwarf Irises are the petite versions of the well-known slender beauties. They bloom early and unfurl with dark, rich petals.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
Growing Zones: 4 - 9
Flower Tip: Emerge these bulbs in late water to early spring for the best results.
Balloon Flower
Platycodon
Balloon Flower is named for the shape it assumes before blossoming. The hollow, balloon-like flowers open to five-pointed blooms.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 3 - 9
Flower Tip: Chose Astra Blue or Fuji Blue if you are looking for a pale, violet color.
Catmint
Nepeta
These long, silvery floral spikes are not only easy to grow, but also provide a long season of blooms. Catmint makes for great cut flowers in the summer.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
Growing Zones: 3 - 8
Flower Tip: Many hybrid species are sterile, so they will not seed.
Salvia
Salvia
Salvia can grow anywhere from 8 to 30 inches tall. Along its stalk, it is teeming with small tubular plumes in dramatic purple hues.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 4 - 9
Flower Tip: Though partial to full sun, this plant can also do well in shade in hot climates.
Allium
Allium
Ornamental Allium comes in a plethora of hues and heights. Traditionally they have a long slender stalk with a globe of blooms at the top. The Globe master and Gladiator variety are the tallest and have the largest flower heads.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 3 - 9
Flower Tip: Keep in mind this flower is drought-tolerant and prefers to be grown on the drier side.
Monkshood
Aconitum napellus
Monkshood received its name because of its resemblance with a monk's habit. The flowers grow on a tall stem and blossom in a deep shade of purple. This flower is poisonous. Handle with care.
Soil Needs: Moist, Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 4 - 8
Flower Tip: This flower prefers damp soil and shade. Monkshood can also be slow to establish.
Alpine Betony
Stachys monieri
Alpine Betony is a clump-forming perennial that grows atop bright green foliage. Bright-purple flowers bloom in early summer.
Soil Needs: Moist, Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
Growing Zones: 4 - 9
Flower Tip: To encourage more buds to form, remove flowers once the blooms fade.
Lily of the Nile
Agapanthus orientalis
Lily of the Nile blooms in large round clusters ranging from light-blue to deep-violet. They grow atop stems that can reach 4 feet tall.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
Growing Zones: 8 - 11
Flower Tip: Watering regularly while it is first growing will establish an extensive root system.
Anemone
Anemone nemorosa
The Anemone is a diverse species that comes in many colors and varieties that bloom in spring and others that bloom in fall. They can also be low-growing plants that prefer woodlands and rock gardens or tall-growing that thrive in late summer.
Soil Needs: Moist, Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 3 - 9
Flower Tip: Only move these plants in the spring. Anemones may be slow to grow but once they are established they are likely to spread.
Bee Orchid
Ophrys apifera
Named for their bee-like shape, these orchids attract male bees who help pollinate the flowers. The orchid comes in many different color combinations. The 3 outer petals range from white to purple and the central lip can be a solid color, stripped or even dotted.
Soil Needs: Moist, Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 6 - 9
Flower Tip: Bee Orchids are hard to grow outside. Plant this in a pot and enjoy it inside your home.
Bittersweet Nightshade
Solanum dulcamara
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 4 - 8
Flower Tip: Bittersweet Nightshade is not the same as Deadly Nightshade (or Belladonna) but can cause death in livestock. This vine is very fast-growing and can quickly overtake moist habitats.
Wild Indigo
Baptisia australis
Members of the pea family, the Wild Indigo's lupine-like flowers are ideal for cutting and can grow to 4 feet tall. They will stay healthy all summer long and provide a great backdrop for later blooming Irises.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
Growing Zones: 3 - 10
Flower Tip: Once established, Wild Indigo is vigorous, drought tolerant and requires very little maintenance. Leave the flowers until seedpods are developed and then cut back by one third.
Bell Heather
Erica cinerea
Bell Heather is a flowering plant in the heath family. It is a low-growing shrub with purple, bell-shaped blooms. The flowers are dry in texture similar to strawflower
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
Growing Zones: 6 - 8
Flower Tip: Help the plant to grow extensive roots with a thick layer of mulch and a regular watering schedule
Blue-Eyed Grass
Sisyrinchium montanum
Blue-Eyed Grass is not a grass at all, but a perennial wildflower. It forms clumps of long green foliage with a small, bright-purple flower.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 4 - 9
Flower Tip: Wait to cut the leaves back until they turn brown and cut just above the crown. This will give the foliage time to gather energy for next season's blooms.
Wild Hyacinth
Dichelostemma capitatum
Wild Hyacinth is a native wildflower of California and grows easily in meadows across the state. A ball-shaped cluster of up to 20 individual flowers blooms on top of a slender stem.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 10 - 11
Flower Tip: These drought tolerant plants are great for xeriscaping. Wild Hyacinth will grow well with little care.
China Aster
Callistephus chinensis
With similar blooms to the chrysanthemum, the China Aster also comes in many colors and blooms in the summer. They often have a yellow center with bushy, long, colorful petals that are about 2 to 3 inches in length.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 1 - 10
Flower Tip: Grow China Aster in a different location every year and avoid overcrowding.
Canterbury Bells
Campanula medium
Much like their bellflower counterparts, Canterbury Bells are easily grown and cared for. They come in many colors and have an elongated bell-shape.
Soil Needs: Moist, Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 4 - 10
Flower Tip: In the first year, expect only a small clump. They could require staking to keep them upright by the second year.
Carnations
Dianthus caryophyllus
Carnations are popular for the spectrum of colors they come in. They grow full blooms of serrated petals on a long, narrow stalk.
Soil Needs: Moist, Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 3 - 10
Flower Tip: Remove spent flowers promptly to encourage continued blooming.
Cattleya Orchid
Cattleya
Cattleyas are one of the most popular types of orchid and have been hybridized for over a 100 years. They now come in an array of colors, shapes and sizes.
Soil Needs: Moist, Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
Growing Zones: 11
Flower Tip: This orchid prefers greenhouse conditions. If you are attempting to grow a Cattleya Orchid at home, place it on your windowsill to ensure a good amount of sunlight.
Sea Thistle
Cirsium japonicum
This hardy perennial is gaining popularity in the U.S. as a cut flower for it attractive globe-like flowers. It also can attract bees, butterflies and birds to your garden.
Soil Needs: Moist, Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
Growing Zones: 5 - 8
Flower Tip: Use caution when handling. The spine and leaves have prickly edges. Be sure to cut of the head if you do not want more seedlings to grow.
Calla Lily
Zantedeschia
Calla Lilies are very popular for their elegant bell shape both in gardens and as cut flowers. They grow well outdoors and as houseplants.
Soil Needs: Moist, Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 8 - 10
Flower Tip: Typically planted after the threat of frost, Calla Lilies should be planted deep and watered well. Aside from regular watering and fertilizer they are fairly low-maintenance.
Cosmos
Cosmos
Cosmos are showy annuals with bowl-shaped flowers and long stems. They are great cut flowers and will bring birds and butterflies to your garden.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
Growing Zones: 3 - 10
Flower Tip: Remove faded flowers to prolong flowering and stake when necessary.
Common Comfrey
Symphytum officinale
Comfrey is a strong-growing perennial with hairy leaves and a bell-shaped flower. The plant's foliage is often used to heal inflammation and sores.
Soil Needs: Moist, Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
Growing Zones: 3 - 9
Flower Tip: Comfrey can grow well almost anywhere and can be planted anytime the soil can be worked. Give it plenty of room for proper root development.
Coneflower
Echinacea Purpurea
Bright and daisy-like, these popular perennials drought-tolerant and easy to care for. They also make great cut flowers and attract songbirds.
Soil Needs: Moist, Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
Growing Zones: 3 - 9
Flower Tip: If your plants are floppy, cut them to the ground after they flower. Otherwise, just be sure to cut faded flowers to prolong the blooming season.
Candytuft
Iberis pruitii
Candytuft is a flowering evergreen that is native to Europe. While usually white they also come in lilac and work well in rock gardens.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
Growing Zones: 7 - 11
Flower Tip: Do not let this short blooming perennial become to tall as it will get spindly with growth.
Cyclamen
Cyclamen persicum
Cyclamen is a popular house plant that produces vibrant flowers in reds and purples. The varieties sold as houseplants are tropical and should be kept indoors.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 5
Flower Tip: Cyclamens are sensitive to temperature and will not grow well in the cold or in heat over 70 degrees. They are also sensitive to over or under watering.
Crocus
Crocus Vernus
The crocus is one of the first flowers to bloom in early spring. They come in many colors and most have strong fragrances that lure bees out of their hives.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 3 - 8
Flower Tip: Plant Crocus bulbs in early spring and consider planting them in an area that allows them to create a carpet of blooms.
Columbine
Aquilegia
Columbines bloom in the springtime from dark green foliage that turn maroon in the fall. The bell-shaped flowers come in a variety of colors and are a favorite of hummingbirds.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 3 - 8
Flower Tip: These perennials are not too particular but prefer mild climates. Give them plenty of mulch to keep the soil moist and insulated through winter.
Dendrobium Orchid
Dendrobium
Dendrobiums come in thousands of different varieties but can be broken down to two groups, hard-caned and soft-caned. Hard-caned are very thin with darker leaves. Soft-caned are evergreen and can keep their leaves for many years.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun - but not direct sunlight
Growing Zones: 11
Flower Tip: Dendrobiums prefer small pots and like to be fairly dry before re-watering. Use a shallow tray of pebbles filled with water to help with the humidity
Fuchsia
Fuchsia magellanica
Fuchsia is an exotic, two-toned flower with an unusual shape. They can most often be found in hanging baskets with over-flowing blooms.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 9 - 10
Flower Tip: While exotic, Fuchsia is sensitive to heat. Be sure to give it plenty of shade if you live in a warmer climate.
Foxgloves
Digitalis purpurea
Foxglove is a tall, dramatic spike covered in tubular flowers. It blooms midsummer in a wide array of colors. If you have any cardiac issues, avoid Foxglove. It contains cardiac glycosides which can be very dangerous to those at risk
Soil Needs: Moist, Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 4 - 10
Flower Tip: If you want the flower to multiply, leave the flower spike. Otherwise, remove it so that side shoots will form and continue to bloom.
Gladiolus
Gladiolus hortulanus
This perennial favorite grows beautiful, showy flowers. Growing up to 6 feet high in a multitude of color, Gladiolus make a great cut flower.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
Growing Zones: 6 - 10
Flower Tip: Dig the flowers up before the first frost and store them through winter. Be sure to keep them from freezing.
Waxflower
Chamelaucium
Waxflower blooms in late winter and have become increasingly popular in the floral industry. The flowers range from deep purple to bright red and grow on stems covered in needle-like foliage.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 9 - 11
Flower Tip: This is the perfect flower for lazy gardeners. Waxflowers need very little care. Simply ensure the soil drains well.
Perennial Geranium
Geranium
These perennial blue flowers produces a seemingly endless supply of flowers ranging from white to deep blue and bloom from June to frost.
Soil Needs: Moist, Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 4 - 8
Flower Tip: Best to pair this summer bloom with spring-blooming bulbs like hyacinth or daffodils.
Heliotrope
Heliotropium peruvianum
Heliotropes are bushy annuals with tiny cluster of blue, white or purple flowers. They have a strong perfume and very deep green leaves.
Soil Needs: Moist, Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 10 - 11
Flower Tip: Keep the soil moist but do not let is get soggy. Store cutting inside through winter and then plant again in the spring. Cutting produce much stronger plants than seeds.
Honesty
Lunaria annua
Honesty is grown for its bright, fragrant flowers in the warmer months and also its unique seed-heads that appear after the blooms. Coveted by florists, they are oval and translucent
Soil Needs: Moist, Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 4 - 8
Flower Tip: Honesty needs no pampering and grows well among other plants.
Liatris
Liatris
Ranging from 1 to 5 feet tall, these spikes are covered in fuzzy purple flowers. Liatris blooms from the top to the bottom, unlike traditional bottom to top blooming of most plants.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 3 - 10
Flower Tip: Liatris is a prairie wildflower and can grow nearly anywhere. Extra water is needed in the first few weeks, but then they can be left to flourish on their own.
Lilac
Syringa vulgaris
Lilacs are a beloved, fragrant shrub that produce clusters of light-purple flowers. They prefer northern states and bloom for 2 weeks.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 3 - 7
Flower Tip: Apply a layer of compost and a layer of mulch each spring to help the plant retain moisture.
Lupine
Lupinus
Lupine comes in a wide array of colors and appears similar to sweet peas with floral spikes that emerge from a tall green stem.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
Growing Zones: 3 - 9
Flower Tip: If you are growing Lupine from seeds, try a 7-day cold treatment. It will increase germination. Simply wrap seeds in a damp paper towel and store in the refrigerator.
Lisianthus
Eustoma Grandiflorum
Lisianthus flowers look very similar to a rose but come in shades of blue and lilac. They can also come in single or doubled blooms, with rougher edges, or darker coloration in the center.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
Growing Zones: 9 - 11
Flower Tip: Avoid overwater and cease watering once the plant becomes dormant. Healthy plants will enjoy a long blooming season.
Aster
Aster
Asters appear similar to daisies with starry-shaped heads and yellow centers. The flower can range in height from 6 inches to 8 feet and can serve many different functions in your garden.
Soil Needs: Moist, Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun/Partial Sun
Growing Zones: 3 - 8
Flower Tip: Asters like cool climates and moist soil. If you do not receive 1 inch of rain a week, be sure to water them.
Morning Glory
Ipomoea purpurea
Morning Glories are vines with saucer-shaped blooms that open during the morning, hence the name. You can often see dark marks on each petal from where the bud neatly folds.
Soil Needs: Moist, Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
Growing Zones: 3 - 10
Flower Tip: Before you plant Morning Glory seeds, nick it with a sharp edge to help it absorb water and germinate quickly.
Mystic Merlin
Malva Sylvestris
These magical looking flowers open with silky blooms in rich shade of purple. They are ideal for cottage gardens with their long-blooming life cycle.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 4 - 8
Flower Tip: If you are seeding Mystic Merlin indoors, do not transplant until there are at least two sets of true leaves.
Purple Pansy
Viola wittrockiana
Pansies come in a wide variety of colors and can bloom in any season. They are hardy annuals that do well as borders and ground covers.
Soil Needs: Moist, Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
Growing Zones: 4 - 8
Flower Tip: Remember to water Pansies regularly. Drought is their most common reason for failing.
Pasque
Pulsatilla
Pasques are alpine natives. They have silky fern-like foliage and purple petals with yellow centers. This flower is an excellent addition to a rock garden.
Soil Needs: Moist, Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
Growing Zones: 5 - 9
Flower Tip: Due to their long tap roots, they do not transplant well. Choose your growing site carefully.
Petunia
Petunia hybrida
With 35 true species worldwide, hybrid Petunias can be found in almost any color. The most traditional varieties are sprawling plants with white or purple blooms
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
Growing Zones: 9 - 11
Flower Tip: These flowers are frost-tender and fast-growing. Keep them warm, dry and protected from strong winds.
Rhododendron
Rhododendron
Rhododendron are popular because of their showy springtime blooms and large green leaves that last almost all year. The flowers are often either funnel or bell-shaped with a pleasant perfume.
Soil Needs: Moist, Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 4 - 9
Flower Tip: These shrubs do best under a canopy of shelter with damp summers. Mulching annually will keep any variety happy and healthy.
Scabiosa
Scabiosa
Also known as pincushion flowers, Scabiosa is an interesting flower with a pincushion-like center and an outer layer of petals. This summer bloomer can be found most often in shades of blue, white and purple.
Soil Needs: Moist, Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
Growing Zones: 3 - 7
Flower Tip: In order to keep the plant flowering, you must remove withering blooms.
Sea Holly
Eryngium
If you are looking to add a less traditional looking flower to your garden, Sea Holly is a great option. It has spiny leaves and a tassel-like bloom.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
Growing Zones: 4 - 11
Flower Tip: Sea Holly has a long taproot that allows them to grow in many different soil types but also makes transplanting difficult. Find a permanent home for these flowers.
Wisteria
Wisteria sinensis
Wisteria is known for its intoxicating fragrance, but this quick climber also has and abundance of cascading blooms. Colors range from white and blue to violet.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 5 - 8
Flower Tip: Early blooms can be damaged by cold temperatures. Be sure to prune when needed.
Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla
These big, sky blue blooms will definitely brighten up your garden. They have large heads composed of many smaller flowers.
Soil Needs: Moist, Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 4 - 9
Flower Tip: Increasing the acidity of the soil with help your hydrangeas turn a clearer blue
Zinnia
Zinnia elegans
Zinnias have big, bright, daisy-like head that grows from a single stem. There are many varieties. The most common being the dahlia flower which grows up to 3 feet.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
Growing Zones: 3 - 10
Flower Tip: Remove dead flower to prolong flowering. Be mindful that they will die with the first frost.
Moonflower
Datura stramonium
Moonflowers grow on perennial vines in sub-tropical zones. Their large blooms produce a relaxing smell and generally come in white or purple.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
Growing Zones: 8 - 11
Flower Tip: Plant Moonflowers near a trellis. They readily grow upwards and can easily reach up to 20 feet.
Dianthus
Dianthus
Belonging to the same family as carnations, Dianthus are colorful, hardy annuals. They emit a spicy fragrance and can most frequently be found in hues of pink, purple and white.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 3 - 9
Flower Tip: Plant Dianthus in a spot where it will receive at least 6 hours of sun. They also should be fertilized every 6 to 8 weeks.
Hellebores
Helleborus
Healleborus is a perennial with leathery leaves that protect a circle of tiny stamen-like petals. They have a long blooming period, lasting anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks and ranging in color from white to purple.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 4 - 8
Flower Tip: Do not plant these too deeply. Make sure the crown is only just covered by soil.
Sweet pea
Lathyrus odoratus
Sweet peas come in many lovely colors and give off a fragile fragrance that is commonly used in perfumes.
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
Growing Zones: 7 - 10
Flower Tip: Sweet peas are slow to germinate, making them somewhat difficult to grow. They are quite hardy once they develop.
Gloxinia
Sinningia speciosa
Today's Gloxinia are hybrids that can breed quickly and produce many blooms. The display last about two months and rarely return after fading.
Soil Needs: Moist, Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Partial Shade
Growing Zones: 5 - 10
Flower Tip: These plants are best grown as annuals. Focus on keeping them fresh while blooming by giving them a high-phosphorud liquid plant food every 2 weeks.
Butterfly Bush
Buddleia davidii
The Butterfly Bush had lance-shaped leaves with arching branches. Buddleia is one of the most fragrant bushes and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies - hence the name.
Soil Needs: Moist, Well-drained
Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
Growing Zones: 5 - 10
Flower Tip: Buddleia can grow into a tree and develop rugged trunks in milder climates. In northern regions, be sure to apply a generous amount of fertilizer in the winter to keep it healthy through winter.