Our mood brightens when we are in the presence of flowering plants. Many shrubs and trees showcase colorful stems, berries or evergreen leaves in winter. However, they cannot be compared to the emotional rush that can be triggered by winter blooms. Freezing temperatures are an ever-present danger to winter blooms. Nevertheless, their appearance and fragrance during the winter months is a chance worth taking.
Winter flowering cherry (Prunus Subhirtella Autumnalis) with semi-double pink flowers is a tree that blooms sporadically from the fall through winter on mild days. It puts up a larger show in early spring.
Japanese flowering apricot (Prunus mume) with its spicy sweet-smelling blooms can be enjoyed in late January and February. There are over 300 named cultivars of this tree show forth single or double flowers in white through shades of pink to red.
Japanese camellias bloom from late fall to early spring and help raise our spirits in the winter. No wonder why this flower is nicknamed as ‘winter rose.’
Witch Hazels show case an interesting floral display in winter. Their spiderlike flowers are comprised of four strap-like petals that look like strands of confetti that have exploded from the bud. They put up the best show in winter. The hybrids between the Asian species (Hamamaelis x intermedia) are the best for the garden. Most people prefer cultivars like ‘Arnold Promise’,’Jelena’, ‘Primavera’ and ‘Ruby Glow.’
Paperbush (Edgeworthia Chrysantha) is an uncommon deciduous shrub that bears extremely fragrant creamy yellow flowers in midwinter.
Fragrant flowers of Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Comus Mas) delight our hearts in early spring. It is a multi-stemmed small tree with glowing yellow flowers.
When the days are cold and weary, these are some of the winter-flowering plants which can lift your spirit and cheer you up.