December 2007
Winter Flowers Brighten Landscapes
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Jim Midcap, Extension Horticulturist, The University of Georgia
Images
by
Images By BA
Winter is a strange time to think
of flowers
in the landscape. Yet it can be a surprising awakening of the garden.
Some trees, shrubs, vines, annuals and perennials bloom between fall
and spring.
Fall is a great time to plant these trees, shrubs and vines. They will bloom this winter if you plant specimens that have flower buds on them.
Fall is a great time to plant these trees, shrubs and vines. They will bloom this winter if you plant specimens that have flower buds on them.
Here are some
favorite winter bloomers.
Winter jasmine is an
evergreen, arching shrub reaching
3 to 4
feet high and 4 to 6 feet wide. With the warm days of January and
February, the red buds open into bright yellow, tubular flowers
on the green stems.
The flowers open
over a long time, with always a few open
blooms once it starts. This plant flowers best in full sun. It's
well-adapted to banks where the ends of the branches root,
starting new plants.
Winter daphne is an aristocrat
in the plant world. This
slow-growing, mounded evergreen reaches about 3 feet tall and a
little less wide.
The clusters of
tiny flowers form heads 1 to 2 inches across
in solid white or pink-edged white flowers. The flowers stay in
good condition for four to six weeks. The outstanding fragrance
fills the area, too.
However, it's
not an easy plant to grow. It dislikes having
its roots in wet soils. Plant it high in well-drained, amended
soils in partial shade for best results.
Winter honeysuckle brings life
to the garden with its sweet
fragrance. The small, creamy flowers seldom attract attention,
except from the insects. The plant is best placed in an
out-of-the-way space.
It's a tough,
adaptable plant that reaches 6 to 10 feet tall
in sun or shade. Tuck it away and let visitors try to find the
source of the honeysuckle perfume.
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| Lenten Rose |
Lenten Rose | Lenten Rose |
Lenten rose is a foot-tall,
delightful perennial that
starts to bloom in January or February. This plant is easy to
grow and only requires partial shade and occasional watering.
It rewards us
with clusters of nodding terminal flowers 3
inches wide that are white to maroon, many with freckle spots
inside. The flowers last eight weeks or more before turning green
with the development of its inflated seed pods. The leathery,
dark green leaves are attractive all year.
These few
suggestions will enhance most winter gardens. Color
and fragrance are both enjoyable during the warm days of winter.
If you plant
them this fall, be sure to select plants that are
mature enough to have developed flower buds, or you may have to
wait another growing season to enjoy their blooms.
The South Carolina
Nursery and Landscape Association has many experts who can assist you
with choosing the right plant for the right spot. A list of these individuals who reside
nearest to you can be found in the membership
section on this web site. You may also view past articles here.