Winter is a strange time to think of flowers in the landscape. Yet it can be a
surprising awakening of the garden. Some trees, shrubs, vines, annuals and perennials
bloom between fall and spring.

Fall is a great time to plant the trees, shrubs and vines. They will bloom this winter
if you plant specimens that have flower buds on them.

Here are some favorite winter bloomers.

Winter jasmine is an evergreen, arching shrub reaching 3 to 4 feet
high and 4 to 6 feet wide. With the warm days of January and February, the red buds open
into bright yellow, tubular flowers on the green stems.

The flowers open over a long time, with always a few open blooms once it starts. This
plant flowers best in full sun. It’s well-adapted to banks where the ends of the branches
root, starting new plants.

The winter daphne is an aristocrat in the plant world. This
slow-growing, mounded evergreen reaches about 3 feet tall and a little less wide.

The clusters of tiny flowers form heads 1 to 2 inches across in solid white or
pink-edged white flowers. The flowers stay in good condition for four to six weeks. The
outstanding fragrance fills the area, too.

However, it’s not an easy plant to grow. It dislikes having its roots in wet soils.
Plant it high in well-drained, amended soils in partial shade for best results.

Winter honeysuckle brings life to the garden with its sweet fragrance.
The small, creamy flowers seldom attract attention, except from the insects. The plant is
best placed in an out-of-the-way space.

It’s a tough, adaptable plant that reaches 6 to 10 feet tall in sun or shade. Tuck it
away and let visitors try to find the source of the honeysuckle perfume.

The Lenten rose is a foot-tall, delightful perennial that starts to
bloom in January or February. This plant is easy to grow and only requires partial shade
and occasional watering.

It rewards us with clusters of nodding terminal flowers 3 inches wide that are white to
maroon, many with freckle spots inside. The flowers last eight weeks or more before
turning green with the development of its inflated seed pods. The leathery, dark green
leaves are attractive all year.

These few suggestions will enhance most winter gardens. Color and fragrance are both
enjoyable during the warm days of winter.

If you plant them this fall, be sure to select plants that are mature enough to have
developed flower buds, or you may have to wait another growing season to enjoy their
blooms.