Plants That Flower in the Winter
Although flowering plants are usually associated with spring and summer, several perennials and shrubs are known for blooming in winter. Many of these winter flowering plants are also fragrant, besides colorful, contributing a positive note to the doldrums of winter. Flowering shrubs such as the Vibimum tinus 'Spirit' can not only brighten up a winter garden with their dainty flowers, but can also add color with their vibrant red branches. Does this Spark an idea?
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Lenten Rose
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Lenten roses (Helleborus orientalis), also known as hellebores, are plants that bloom in late winter or early spring. Their broad spectrum of colors include red, pink, purple and green, yellow to even white or near-black. Provide them with minimal care and each plant can form clusters of flowers measuring 18 to 24 inches high with a spread of 2 to 3 feet wide. Lenten roses are also resistant to rabbits and deer.
Kaffir Lily
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Kaffir lilies (Schizostylis coccinea) can furnish splashes of bright red or pink to a winter landscape. Although it blooms in summer, the kaffir lily also can bloom during mild days that occur during November through January. The kaffir lily, which originates from South Africa, produces cup-shaped, pink or deep-red flowers resembling gladiolus that grow on spikes that are roughly an inch wide.
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Viburnum
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Viburnums, a group of shrubs known for their showy and often fragrant flowers, contain many varieties that bloom in winter. They can grow in a wide range of soils, but grow best in locations offering sun or partial shade. Viburnum burkwoodii, which are generally evergreens, produce pink buds which open into white flowers from November and throughout winter.
Winter Jasmine
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Winter jasmines (Jasminium nudiflorum) are arching, evergreen shrubs that grow 3 to 4 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide. On warm January and February days their red buds open into bright yellow flowers on their green stems. Their peak blooming season is in late February and early March. Flowers continue to open over an extended period of time. Give this plant full sun for the best production of flowers.
Winter Daphne
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Winter daphne (Daphne odora) is an evergreen shrub that grows up to roughly 3 feet high. This plant grows slowly and is also fragrant. It produces tiny flowers in clusters that are either solid white or white with pink edges. Flowers can remain in good condition for four to six weeks.
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References
- Oregon State University: Winter Blooming Flowers Can Brighten Cold Gray Days; Carol Savonen
- North Carolina State University: Helleborus Orientalis; Alice B. Russell and Erv Evans
- Texas Agrilife Extension Service: Hellebores; Julia Randolph
- University of Georgia: Winter Flowers Brighten Landscapes; Randy Drinkard
- Washington State University: Kaffir Lily
- Washington State University: Winter Flowering Shrubs; Valerie Jean Rose; November 5, 2010
Resources
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