Winter is not synonymous with a garden devoid of flowers and other plants, on the contrary! It does exist plants like the camellia that bloom in winter. These flowers that are able to bloom under the snow and fully bloom in winter to beautify your garden. And be careful, we are not talking about old branches or small shrubs with bare wood, but real flowers with sparkling colors! Rustic plants are there to restore light and color to the landscape. Moreover, some of them called “non-freezing” can even defy frost. Here are 5 flowers to plant in winter in your garden to color and brighten up the landscape during cold weather.
1) Camellia
This flower is not only beautiful, but in addition it exudes a pleasant fragrance. The Camellias sasanqua variety ensures flowering from November to April. You will find the camellia in different forms: red, pink, white, yellow, with single or double flowers. Camellias generally appear in garden centers from the end of January in containers. Having the reputation of a difficult culture, choose your camellia already in flower. Unlike many shrubs, the camellia can easily be planted in the middle of its bloom. This flower appreciates acid soils (at pH>7), but does not support calcareous soils. The ideal exposure is at mi-shadows, because the camellia does not support the sun continuously. Although rustic, you will have to beware of frosts! The camellia can die as soon as 0°C is reached. In case of extreme cold, do not forget to mulch your plants. Be sure to remove faded flowers little by little for a beautiful bloom.
It is also quite possible to cultivate potted camellia. To do this, add 2/3 of so-called heather soil and 1/3 of brown peat to your pot. Watch out for water stagnation. The roots of the camellia are fragile, be careful not to drown them!
2) Hellebore (Christmas Rose)
The magnificent Christmas Rose (hellebore) is aptly named, because it is in winter that we can observe its flowering. This perennial persistent belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. You should know that the Christmas Rose only flowers after 1 or 2 years, so you will have to arm yourself with patience. If you opt for planting in the ground, don’t forget to mulch around the plan with dead leaves or other organic matter that will help nourish the soil.
For a pot culture, you just need to make a mixture of loam and potting soil. Once established, the Christmas Rose requires very little care and will bloom in the same location for many years.
3) Winter Jasmine
Winter jasmine is a climbing plant. Very hardy, it withstands negative temperatures down to -15°C. Its leafless dark wood brings out the beautiful yellow of the small flowers. Winter jasmine releases a pleasant fragrance that will captivate your senses. This plant grows in most regions in France. The ideal time for planting is in the fall, however winter jasmine can be planted out of season as long as frost and high heat are avoided. Although this jasmine is the most rustic, it does not tolerate frost well. In the coldest regions, it is preferable to grow it in a pot. Moreover, due to its slow growth, winter jasmine is ideal for terraces or verandas. Potting soil for flowering plants will suffice or you can opt for a mixture of peat and sand. It will take the repot in spring.
However, winter jasmine is not a houseplant, in winter it does not support temperatures going beyond 15°C. At this time, one watering per week is enough, because excess water is harmful to it. For good flowering, prune dead branches in the spring.
4) The exotic mahonia
Its evergreen leaves are reminiscent of holly. It is one of the most beautiful shrubs that can be observed in winter. The exotic mahonia exudes a sweet scent of lily of the valley. This plant needs deep, humus-rich soil. It supports negative temperatures down to -18°C. The many small lemon yellow flowers are gathered by 10 to 20 in small bouquets. After flowering, one can observe a fruiting of small blue-black berries which only embellishes the plant. For a dramatic effect, plant three subjects together. The best planting time is between October and March. However, its growth is rather slow, it usually takes 20 cm per year. On average, the mahonia reaches 2 to 3 meters in height, but some subjects can reach 5 meters!
Although very rustic, it is recommended to use a sheer in the coldest regions where temperatures drop below -5°C. But once adult, the mahonia easily resists negative temperatures down to -10°C.
5) Winter honeysuckle
Honeysuckle is well known for the sweet fragrance it gives off. In winter, the branches are devoid of leaves, but dressed in magnificent little white flowers. Unlike previous plants, its growth is rapid and easy to grow. Its flowering is at its peak in February when the weather is milder. Its scent is much more remarkable than its discreet, white flowers that blend into the snowy landscape.
Winter honeysuckle appreciates well-worked, deep, loose, cool soils enriched with organic matter. The ideal exposure is in full sun for better flowering, but it does not mind partial shade. Winter honeysuckle is rather resistant to diseases and parasites. However, beware of the common black aphids on young shoots. Also watch out for powdery mildew in very hot sun. In any case, you should never have direct sun on your plant. Winter honeysuckle will bring joy back to your winter garden!
You will have understood it, it is not because it is winter that the gardening should be put aside! It is entirely possible to color your garden or plant pretty flowers in a container to find a beautiful terrace in winter ! With all this information, it’s up to you to use your imagination and creativity!
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