What are the best winter flowers and plants?

Many believe that winter is a season without interest for nature while beautiful flowers blooming only in the spring and summer.

That is not true, of course, because there are many flowers, shrubs or plants that blooming in the winter. If you miss the color of flowers during the winter, remember there are many plants just waiting to be enjoyed as part of your landscape. Fill your winter garden or balcony with scent, color and style! Don’t let the garden go bare and dormant over the cold months. Many winter plants and shrubs will brighten up your pots and flower borders.

Who says that a winter garden can’t impress? Here are some winter flowers and plants that will add color and fragrance to the winter scenery.

Winter Jasmine

Winter jasmine is an actual jasmine, originating in China. This arching, evergreen shrub grows 90 cm to 1.20 meters tall and 1 to 2 meters wide. While its peak blooming season is in late February and early March, flowers open over a long time. Starting before Christmas, their red buds open into bright yellow flowers on green stems. Give this plant full sun for the best production of flowers.

Daphne

Winter daphne (Daphne odora) is an evergreen winter-flowering shrub native to China and Japan. It is slow growing, eventually achieving a mature height of 1.20 meter with a 1.20 spread. The rounded form and dense foliage are understated and attractive all year-round; although the shrub’s real charm appears in late winter when it blooms. From late December until February, winter daphne bears elongated clusters of fragrant, pale-pink flowers. The blooming season of this plant is short, but it keeps a garden active and fragrant during the dormant season. They are most effective when planted in high traffic areas where their sweet fragrance can be enjoyed when you enter or leave the house.

Ilex verticillata (winterberry) and sparkleberry

Both are upright bushes 2.5-3 meters tall that drop their leaves in the fall and then produce masses of berries. The berries attract birds and make beautiful holiday displays. Male and female plants are required to produce berries.

Camellia sasanqua

Camellia sasanqua is a different species from the spring-blooming varieties and flowers from autumn to early winter, depending on the cultivar and climate. It can be trained to climb like a vine but looks better arching over a wall or down a bank. This shrub prefers dappled shade, but will tolerate full sun and grows in many different soil types. Varieties with ‘Snow’ or ‘winter’ in their names will survive in below zero temperatures.

Chinese juniper

During winter or early spring, the bluish-green leaves of this plant are covered with dainty yellow flowers. An evergreen, its variety of sizes and shapes, including creeping groundcovers, upright bushes, and full-size trees make it useful in landscaping. It likes loamy soil, but is otherwise not especially fussy.

Cyclamen

Native to the mountains of Europe, Cyclamen is a genus of flowering plants that includes hardy, winter-flowering varieties. Cyclamen is the most cold-tolerant species, able to withstand temperatures to minus 10 degrees if protected by mulch or snow and can grow up to 15-30 cm in height with slightly mottled or variegated basal foliage. From early fall until midwinter, individual pink and purple flowers emerge at the tip of each reddish-brown stalk.

Iris unguicularis:

This perennial plant blooms in white, blue, violet or purple shades, often starting in October and continuing through April. If the temperature dips too low, the buds will die. However, as soon as the weather warms to above freezing, the iris will send out new buds and bloom again. Plant this Mediterranean native on the south side of the house.

We could say they are also plants-survivors. They can withstand the cold balcony, they can withstand the heat of the heater and they don't need much water.

Wildfowl: If you like the imposing plants that fill the place, then we recommend this wild olive plant. It is mainly a tree that reaches up to 10 meters high, but you can find it as a bonsai-shaped plant. It is resistant to all temperatures and climate types.

Rosemary: Although it needs enough light, it can grow indoors as long as it's close to a window. Survives in adverse conditions and you can also use it as a cooking herb or even to fragrant a closet or cabinet! While the rosemary plant is a lesser known holiday plant, it is making a comeback in stores as being sold as a holiday plant.

Poinsettia: The absolute Christmas plant. Perhaps something you did not know is that its red color is not the flower, but the leaves of the plant. It decorates festive tables and gives a bright color to any space room.

Mistletoe:  It is a semi-parasitic plant that can withstand the cold and has long been a symbol of love, peace and goodwill. Traditionally it is known to decorate houses or offices at Christmas season and the habit of kissing under the mistletoe in many countries.

Pansy: It is the most common winter garden plant. It is presented with a plethora of colors and can be used in various color combinations. The pansy is beneficial for the winter months as it grows in cooler conditions and with the correct positioning, may be considered an “evergreen” plant flowering all year. Despite its ability to grow in all cool conditions, the pansy does require a great deal of maintenance and attention to ensure continued growth.

Viola: Similar to the pansy viola, is a winter plant that will bloom in cool conditions and can be grown all year if planted in the correct position. It is much smaller than the pansy but presents with a greater fragrance and is ideal if you are looking for a colorful and “pretty smelling” garden. The viola can grow abundantly and it is possible to plant masses of violas during a single season.

Begonia: It is a popular winter flowering plant as it is a quick blooming flower and thrives in shady spaces. Commonly known as the gypsy begonia, this flower is small and compact and will grow in all areas of the garden. Furthermore, it is hardy and will grow during all seasons without a great need for tending. Begonia is available in various colors with green or brown foliage and pink, white or red flowers.

Polyanthus: It is a low growing flower and presents with smaller, yet highly striking, groups of flowers springing from a green center leaf. This plant tends to thrive in cooler conditions and will endure the coldest of weather. The flowers are available in various colors ranging from red to yellow.

Care Tips:

These plants, just because they can withstand the difficult weather conditions, do not need frequent watering. It is advisable to water them once a week, but be careful not to flood their protective saucer.

Because you do not want your plants to be burned, it is a good idea in the winter months not to fertilize them often and in large quantities. Once a month, stimulate plants by throwing them fungicides and letting them grow.