For cut flower enthusiasts, winter-blooming plants can provide year-round interest and are beautiful as cut flowers to fill your vase on the dullest of days. These three native plants not only thrive in our Pacific Northwest climate, they’re great to bring indoors. Let’s explore these winter blooming wonders that will add beauty and vitality to your yard – and look great in a vessel.
- Hellebores (Helleborus spp.):
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- Variety Selection: Choose from various Hellebore species, such as Helleborus orientalis or Helleborus niger, for a diverse color palette including shades of pink, purple, and white.
- Planting Tips: Plant Hellebores in well-draining soil with partial shade. These hardy perennials are known for their tolerance to winter conditions and can bloom even in late winter.
- Blooming Season: Hellebores start flowering in late winter and continue into early spring, making them the perfect choice for adding elegance to your garden during the colder months.
- Cutting Tips: To prevent them from drooping in the vase, make a tiny vertical cut on the stem before submerging in water.
- Witch Hazel (Hamamelis spp.):
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- Blooming Season: Witch Hazel is deciduous shrub known for its medicinal properties and unique, spidery flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring. Varieties like Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Arnold Promise’ or ‘Diane’ showcase vibrant yellow to red blooms.
- Planting Tips: Plant Witch Hazel in well-draining soil with partial to full sunlight. This deciduous shrub provides excellent winter interest with its fragrant flowers.
- Cutting Tips: Harvest just before their buds start to open for maximum vase life. Smash the ends of branches with a hammer or mallet before dropping in the vase to increase water intake.
- Camellia (Camellia spp.):
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- Blooming Season: Camellias are prized for their elegant, rose-like flowers that bloom in winter. Varieties such as Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua offer a range of colors and sizes.
- Planting Tips: Plant Camellias in acidic, well-draining soil with filtered sunlight. These evergreen shrubs provide a burst of color during the cooler months.
- Cutting Tips: Before arranging, cut the stems at an angle by holding them under water. You can also smash the bottom of the stem to remove the outer layer and tear up some tissue.
By incorporating these winter-blooming plants into your Portland (USDA Hardiness Zone 8b) garden, you’ll have flowers to cut and enjoy in your house year round. From Hellebore to Witch Hazel and Camellia, these plants not only thrive in our climate, they also contribute to the ecological richness of your garden. Enjoy year-round interest with these winter wonders that celebrate the natural splendor of the Pacific Northwest. Happy gardening!