Winter is a littler late here in Arizona, but we’re feeling it now! Coats and scarfs are out and I’m loving it. While not all plants love the cold, I wanted to make another list of my top ten favorite winter-loving plants for your garden this season.
1. Snowdrop
True to their name, the Snowdrop is an adorable little bulb that is a perfect ornamental flower. These flowers can grow in all light exposure and will keep growing throughout winter and spring. While these sweet smelling flowers look dainty, they are actually poisonous and should be kept away from pets and always handled with gloves.
2. Witch Hazel
While there are many different kinds of Witch Hazel my favorite is the Chinese Witch Hazel which can reach up to twenty feet! I love its name and spidery petals that give it an eerie look. It is a popular spicy smelling flower that grows from small trees in the fall and winter months. Witch Hazel is not picky with its sunlight but does need well draining soil.
3. English Primrose
Most Primrose can be found in full bloom during spring months, but the English Primrose is a must have for your winter garden. There is a multitude of colors to choose from and they grow well in all light. They have a wonderful smell that will attract birds to your garden. Containers are great for this flower and it doesn’t require much maintenance.
4. Winter Jasmine
Growing up, my mom always had vines of Jasmine crawling up the side of our home. Because of this I’m always nostalgic when I smell it’s sweet aroma. While a vine is very common, Jasmine also comes in the form of bushes, small trees, and large shrubs. The Winter Jasmine is a shrub that can grow up to seven feet tall with yellow flowers.
5. Crocus
Crocus are an adorable flower that blooms primarily in the spring, but there are types that bloom in the winter months. I love the Firefly Crocus which is a purple flower with a golden center that is normally just under four inches. These little guys love the light and will add a beautiful pop of color to your winter garden.
6. Winter Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle are an amazing vine that is loved by hummingbirds! Sun is best for this quick climbing vine and will give off an amazingly sweet smell. Sitting out by the garden during it’s blooming months make for a serene experience.
7. Hellebore
Hellebore are white flowers with speckles of purples, reds, and blues towards the center. It reminds me of taking a lightly coated paintbrush and using it to create a splatter effect on a white canvas. Among the Hellebore is the Christmas Rose which is crisp white in color and adds a light touch to your garden. These flowers prefer shaded areas with moist soil.
8. Calendula
The particular type of Calendula we are looking at is a Daisy Mix. This flower comes in gorgeous yellows and oranges that will remind you of a sunset. If you are in a warmer climate, plant in partial shade to keep the flowers from getting too hot. You can also add the petals of this flower to recipes since it is edible!
8. VIBURNUM
The Viburnum will bloom on a shrub that can grow up to twenty feet tall! This shrub also produces deep colored berries in blacks, blues, reds, and pinks. Full sun and a drier location is best for this plant.
9. Winter-Flowering Cherry
Cherry Blossom trees are my favorite tree and I’m so happy they made it on this list. These beautiful trees need full sun and are known to create beautiful shaded areas beneath them. The flowers vary in shades of pink and white and have a sweet refreshing smell when in bloom.
10. Cineraria
The Cineraria comes in many colors and is a beautiful addition to a garden. This plant likes bright light, but a cool environment and moist soil are a necessity if you want to see yours flourish. Keep in mind that this plant is poisonous so be sure to keep it out of reach of children and pets.
There you have it! I hope you enjoyed this list and try some of these wonderful flowers in your garden. Let me know if you have a favorite winter flower that I didn’t mention.
Until next time!
Source: Better Homes & Garden, https://www.bhg.com
Mindy Erxleben 