It almost seems an oxymoron; winter blooms. When I first began to discover the potential around me for colorful flowers during the winter "dormant period" I was amazed. By carefully selecting a few of the plant varieties we’ll discuss below, you will be able to enjoy beautiful winter blossoms even with snow on the ground.
Some of the most useful winter-flowering shrubs in the average landscape are the witch hazels (Hamamelis spp.). These shrubs usually grow around 12 to 20’ tall although this depends on the variety. In a range extending from Nova Scotia, west to Ontario, and south to Texas, and Florida, common witch hazel flourishes on shaded north-facing slopes, along fence rows, country roads, and the stony banks of brooks. The lovely floral fragrance is a delight in the dead of winter.
All varieties have late-autumn to winter blooms that appear like magic on the dark, bare branches. The rounded and open growth habit makes for a lovely addition to the garden in summer as well. Check for hardiness as some varieties are hardy through zone 7 or some all the way through 3 or 4.
Japanese pieris (Pieris japonica) a broadleaf evergreen shrub can...
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Tags:
flowers, gardening, glory-of-the-snow, hellebore, landscaping, winter interest, witch hazel
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