February in London is a transitional month—winter still holds its grip, but signs of spring begin to emerge. While snowdrops, aconites, and early daffodils bloom outdoors, many gardeners turn their focus indoors to nurture houseplants. Whether you’re preparing your garden for the growing season or bringing life to your home with lush greenery, February is an opportunity to refresh, nurture, and plan ahead.
At Boma Garden Centre, we’ve curated expert insights and practical steps to help you make the most of your plants this month—both indoors and out.
Outdoor Gardening: Prepping for Spring
Bulbs in pots at Boma
February’s unpredictable weather can make gardening tricky, but there’s still plenty to do. Here’s how to prepare your outdoor space for the season ahead:
1. Structural Pruning & Maintenance
Winter pruning is essential to shape plants, encourage healthy growth, and remove old wood before the sap starts rising.
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Bush Roses & Buddleia – Cut back to encourage fresh shoots and stronger blooms.
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Clematis (Group 3) & Dogwood – Hard prune to reinvigorate the plant and encourage new vibrant stems.
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Winter Jasmine & Fuchsias – Remove spent flowers and tidy up unruly growth.
2. Planning & Planting for the Season Ahead
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Divide & replant snowdrops – After flowering, lift and separate large clumps for a more impressive display next year.
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Prepare veg beds – Clear weeds, enrich the soil, and start chitting early potatoes indoors.
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Potted Bulbs – February is a great time to introduce daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths for an early burst of colour.
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Shrubs & Trees – As long as the ground isn’t frozen, now’s the time to plant hardy shrubs like Camellias for a stunning spring bloom.
3. Protecting Plants from Frost
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Use horticultural fleece for tender plants on frosty nights.
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Mulch around perennials to retain warmth and moisture.
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Lift or wrap potted plants to prevent damage from icy temperatures.
Indoor Gardening: Nurturing Houseplants in Winter
With shorter days and central heating on full blast, houseplants often struggle with humidity, low light, and dry air. But with the right care, they’ll thrive through winter and beyond.
1. Keeping Houseplants Happy in Winter
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Light – Move plants closer to south- or east-facing windows, but avoid direct harsh sunlight.
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Watering – Reduce watering, as most houseplants need less moisture in winter. Water only when the top inch of soil is dry.
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Humidity Matters – Use a humidity tray or group plants together to maintain moisture levels.
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Watch for Pests – Spider mites, mealybugs, and fungus gnats thrive in warm, dry indoor conditions. Regularly check foliage and treat infestations early.
2. The Best Houseplants for February
This is the perfect time to rearrange, repot, and refresh your indoor plant collection. Here are some standout choices:
Hanging & Trailing Plants
Aeschynanthus 'Pink Polka'
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Aeschynanthus (Lipstick Plant) – A vibrant trailing plant with bold red tubular flowers, thriving in bright, indirect light with moderate watering.
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Ceropegia (String of Hearts) – Delicate, trailing vines that thrive in bright, indirect light.
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Epipremnum (Devil’s Ivy) – A robust and versatile plant, perfect for offices or low-light areas.
Lush Foliage for a Green Oasis
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Schefflera (Umbrella Plant) – Fast-growing and low-maintenance.
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Calathea & Stromanthe – Vibrant patterned leaves, great for humid environments.
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Nephrolepis (Boston Fern) – Loves bathrooms due to its need for high humidity.
Flowering Beauties for Colour Indoors
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Anthurium – Striking red or pink flowers that bloom throughout the year.
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Hoya (Wax Plant) – Star-shaped, fragrant flowers with a unique appearance.
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Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid) – The perfect long-lasting alternative to cut flowers.
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Phelbodium (Blue Star Fern) – A stunning blue-green fern that thrives in indirect light and higher humidity.
Visit Boma for Expert Advice & Quality Plants
Whether you're preparing your garden for spring or refreshing your home with houseplants, February is a time of transition and new beginnings.
Find us in Kentish Town for a range of seasonal plants, expert advice, and essential gardening supplies to keep your indoor and outdoor spaces thriving.
Let’s make this February flourish together!✨
