Read 'Ten Top Flowering Plants for the Winter Garden' at http://www.KarensGardenTips.com.

Galanthus nivalis

As the winter draws to a close and warm days become more common in my zone 7 garden I especially enjoy the plants that produce flowers at this time. Here are my favorites.

(The time of blooming varies with the temperature)

Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis): Dainty, white flowers can emerge as early as January. Plant the bulbs in the fall for winter bloom.

Witchhazel (Hammamelis hybrids)

Witch hazel (Hamamelis hybrids): This small tree produces yellow or red flowers January to March. The tough, ribbon like flowers are unaffected by cold or snow and have a sweet scented fragrance. Witch hazel likes a moist soil rich in organic matter and grows in both sun and shade. By planting early varieties like ‘Jelena’ (orange), ad ‘Wisley Suupreme’ (yellow), followed by ‘Arnold’s Promise’ (dark yellow) you can have a succession of blooms into Spring. In fall the foliage turns orange and yellow. The flowering branches are beautiful in arrangements.

Helleborus orientalis

Hellebores: Christmas (H. niger) and Lenten roses (H. orientalis): produce bell shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, red, and mahogany from mid to late winter. These long-lived herbaceous perennials have foliage that is attractive year around but should be cut to the ground before new growth emerges. They like sun in winter but need shade during the summer. Self seed generously.

Daphne odora

Daphne odora: This rounded, evergreen, 4 ft shrub is probably the most fragrant winter blooming plant. Blooming from February through March it looks handsome all year with its green or variegated foliage. The flowers are borne in clusters so that the buds and flowers are next to each other. Plant in light soil with very good drainage and no afternoon sun. Over watering this plant will kill it.

Cornelian cherry dogwood (Cornus mas)

Cornelian cherry dogwood (Cornus mas): Yellow flowers are produced on a small tree or large shrub in February-March. This is a good alternative to forsythia and is tolerant of urban conditions. Plant is full sun to partial shade in moist well drained soil but this plant is tolerant to variations in moisture, pH, and heat. An outstanding variety is ‘Golden Glory’.

Winter jasmine (J. nudiflorum)

Winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum): Bright yellow blossoms that lack fragrance are produced on 7′-10′ deciduous vines during November through March. Plant in full sun or partial shade and in moist soil. It tolerates hard pruning and should be pruned immediately after flowering to prevent bare patches and keep the plant dense. Hardy in zones 6-10. Good subject for bonsai.

Winterhazel (Coryopsis sp)

WinterHazel (Corylopsis): Bell shaped fragrant light yellow flowers bloom on bare stems in late winter to early spring. The leaves develop after the flowers and have a pink tinge at first but turn green and then yellow in the fall. Plant in acid, well drained soil high in organic matter in an area that is protected from the mid day sun and strong wind.

Star magnolia (M. stellata)

Star magnolia: White or pink star shaped flowers are produced on leafless stems in late winter to early spring. Flower color varies with the temperature and unexpected late frosts can damage the flowers. The leaves open bronze-green and turn to deep green, then yellow in the fall. Plant in deep, acidic soil in full sun.

Japanese Rice Paper Plant (Edgeworthis chrysantha)

Japanese Rice Paper Plant (Edgeworthia chrysantha): Soft yellow fragrant flowers are borne on a large deciduous shrub. The bold bluish foliage is attractive all summer and the silver buds set in the late summer add interest to the fall and winter garden until they burst forth in bloom. This woodland plant prefers a well drained humus-rich soil in part shade but can tolerate sun.

Korean azalea 'Cornell Pink' (Rhododendron mucronulatum)

Rhododendron mucronulatum ‘Cornel Pink’: This deciduous Korean azalea bears its clear pink flowers on bare branches in March at least two weeks early than an other azalea. For best results plant in an area with morning sun and afternoon shade (or all dappled shade), in well-drained, acid soil. Avoid southern or western exposures that are warmed by the winter sun and encourage the formation of buds that will be damaged by severe night frost.

Read 'How to Make a Winter Garden Beautiful' at http://www.KarensGardenTips.com.

Garden in Winter

Is your winter garden beautiful? If it has “good bones” it probably does but if not it probably looks a bit dull. So, what can you do to make it look better now when winter is upon it?

First, think about a wall, fence or hedge to serve as a backdrop for your garden and provide a sense of enclosure. This backdrop can be as simple as your neighbor’s house, a hedge along your property line, or as substantial as a wood fence or brick wall. If the wall is ugly think about planting some vines but be sure that they are evergreen or at least have a beautiful stem pattern if deciduous.

How about adding a birdbath There are many to choose from in many different materials and sizes, and at many different price points. Use the birdbath as a focal point of the garden and plant it near some shrubs so that birds will be protected when they come to visit. Use the birdbath like a stage prop and design a little planting around it using some small evergreen plants like heather or dwarf conifers, perhaps including some plants that have beautiful stems or silhouettes.

Include some seating in the garden. This can be a pretty bench of wood, stone, or brick or a large rock or stump. Place the bench so that it beckons you to come and sit for a while. Be sure that it is in full sun so that you are warmed even on a January day.

Hedgehog statue

Give your winter garden some playful visitors in concrete or stone. Concrete statues of dogs, cats, rabbits, turtles, birds, gods, and goddesses are available cheaply in such stores as Target, Walmart, Loews and Home Depot and liven up the garden in winter as well as at other times of the year. Consider also the concrete baskets, decorative pots, and other garden ornaments that can add interest to your winter garden.

Let Us Know:

What do you have in your garden for winter interest?