Are you looking to add some color and life to your garden during the winter months in Washington? Look no further than these 10 winter flowering plants.
From the bold and ornamental cabbage and kale to the delicate and fragrant winter daphne, there are options for every gardener and every landscape.
Don’t let the cold and grey weather bring down your spirits or your garden.
These winter blooming plants not only add beauty to your outdoor space, but they also serve as a reminder of the promise of spring to come.
With proper care and attention, these plants can thrive during the winter months and provide a much-needed pop of color and fragrance to your surroundings.
So, grab your gardening gloves and get ready to learn about the top 10 winter flowers in Washington.
Key Takeaways
- Winter-flowering plants in the Washington include hellebornes, heather, pansies, witch hazel, winter camellia, winter daphne, winter clematises, silk tassel bush, and chaparral currant.
- Tips for caring for winter blooming plants include using slow-release fertilizer, planting ornamental kale and cabbage in container gardens, and providing appropriate sunlight and soil conditions for each plant.
- Benefits of winter blooming plants include adding fragrance, color, and texture to the landscape, providing a reminder of the richness and promise of spring, and serving as a source of pollen for bees and other pollinators.
- When choosing winter blooming plants, consider factors such as hardiness zone, drought tolerance, maintenance requirements, and space for growth.
1. Ornamental Cabbage and Kale
If you’re looking to add some unique texture and color to your winter garden in the Pacific Northwest, consider adding ornamental cabbage and kale.
These plants look great in container gardens and can last from fall through spring with proper care.
One of the benefits of container gardening is that it allows you to position your plants in the perfect spot for optimal sun exposure and soil conditions.
For ornamental cabbage and kale, it’s best to plant them in well-draining soil with a neutral pH level.
To propagate kale and cabbage, simply cut off a stem with a few leaves and stick it into moist potting soil.
Keep the soil moist and in a bright but indirect light until the plant has established roots.
When designing a winter garden, consider adding different hues of kale and cabbage to create a stunning display of color.
It’s also important to know how to overwinter these plants to ensure their survival.
To do this, simply move them to a protected area where they can receive adequate light and water throughout the winter months.
With these tips, your ornamental cabbage and kale will thrive throughout the winter season.
2. Helleborne
You should consider planting Hellebornes in your garden as they’re drought tolerant and easy to establish, making them a low-maintenance option for adding color to your landscape.
Hellebornes are also available in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, white, and green, allowing you to create a vibrant display in your winter garden.
Here’s what you need to know about caring for Hellebornes, selecting the right variety, propagating them, and selecting companion plants.
- Helleborne Care: These plants thrive in well-draining soil and prefer partial to full shade. They require minimal watering once established and benefit from a slow-release fertilizer. Be sure to remove any damaged or diseased leaves to prevent the spread of disease.
- Helleborne Varieties: Popular varieties of Hellebornes include the Christmas Rose and the Lenten Rose, which bloom from December to April. Other varieties include Helleborus ‘Frostkiss’, which has variegated leaves and pink flowers, and Helleborus ‘Winter Jewels’, which has double flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white.
- Helleborne Propagation: Hellebornes can be propagated by division, seed, or tissue culture. Division is the easiest method and should be done in the fall or early spring.
- Helleborne Companion Plants: Hellebornes pair well with other winter-blooming plants, such as heather, witch hazel, and winter camellia. They also look great when planted alongside ornamental grasses and evergreen shrubs in a winter landscape.
3. Heather
Don’t overlook heather as a winter plant option – it’s a low-maintenance option that provides a rare pollen source for bees and adds texture to your garden.
Heather is a small, evergreen shrub that blooms from late fall through early spring.
It’s perfect for adding color and texture to your garden during the winter months, and it’s also a great option for container gardens.
One of the benefits of planting heather is that it’s a low-maintenance plant. Heather prefers well-drained soil and doesn’t require much water.
It’s also a good idea to prune heather back after it blooms to encourage new growth.
When planting heather, it’s important to choose the right soil type.
Heather prefers acidic soil, so it’s best to plant it in a location where the soil pH is between 4.5 and 6.0.
As for companion plants, heather looks great when paired with ornamental grasses, conifers, and other winter-blooming plants.
Finally, heather is also a popular choice for winter floral arrangements, adding a pop of color and texture to bouquets and centerpieces.
4. Pansies
Pansies are a classic cold weather annual that add a pop of color to your garden.
Here are some tips and tricks for growing healthy and vibrant pansies:
- Plant pansies in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter to encourage healthy root growth.
- Water pansies regularly, but don’t overwater as they’re susceptible to root rot.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the winter and into early spring.
- Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer like Clean Water Grow for consistent nourishment.
Pansies are perfect for container gardens, adding color and texture to your porch or patio.
They also make excellent winter groundcovers, protecting the soil from erosion and providing a burst of color during the colder months.
Mix pansies with other winter-flowering plants like hellebores and winter camellias, or use them as early spring color in mixed flower beds.
With a little care and attention, pansies can brighten up your garden all winter long.
5. Witch Hazel or Winterbloom
Witch hazel, also known as winterbloom, is a small North American tree or shrub that can grow up to 20 feet tall and wide.
Its yellow, spidery flowers bloom in the winter and early spring, providing a burst of color in an otherwise dull season.
Witch hazel has a long history of medicinal uses, including as an astringent, anti-inflammatory, and wound healer.
Its bark and leaves are used to make a variety of products, from teas and tonics to skincare and first aid treatments.
Cultivating witch hazel can be a bit tricky, as it prefers well-drained, acidic soil and partial shade.
It can also take several years to establish, but once it does, it requires little maintenance.
There are several varieties of witch hazel available, including ‘Arnold Promise’ with its fragrant, golden-yellow flowers and ‘Diane’ with its vibrant red blooms.
Witch hazel can be used in landscape design to add color and texture to garden beds, or as a specimen plant to showcase its unique flowers.
Its fall foliage can also be a striking addition to the autumn landscape.
6. Winter Camellia
If you’re looking for a stunning evergreen shrub to add to your garden, you might consider the winter camellia.
This flowering plant is known for producing large, fluffy blooms in shades of pink, red, and white during the winter months.
Winter camellias thrive in Hardiness Zones 7-9 and prefer partial shade and well-draining soil.
When planting, make sure to give them enough space to grow, as they can reach heights of up to 20 feet.
To care for your winter camellia, it’s important to fertilize regularly with a slow-release fertilizer like Clean Water Grow.
Prune the plant after blooming to keep its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.
Common pests to watch out for include scale insects and spider mites, which can be treated with insecticidal soap.
If you want to propagate your winter camellia, take stem cuttings in the summer and root them in a well-draining soil mix.
With proper care, your winter camellia can provide beautiful blooms for many winters to come.
7. Winter Daphne
To care for your winter daphne, you’ll need to ensure it receives partial sun and well-draining soil.
It is a powerful fragrant plant that needs proper care to thrive.
Winter daphne’s fragrance intensity is one of its greatest qualities, but it comes with a price: it can be susceptible to common pests such as aphids and spider mites.
To prevent infestations, regularly inspect the leaves and stems and treat any issues immediately with a gentle insecticide.
In addition to proper sun and soil conditions, it’s important to use proper pruning techniques to keep your winter daphne healthy and looking its best.
Prune in early spring after blooming has finished, and avoid cutting back more than one-third of the plant.
Winter daphne can also be propagated through softwood cuttings taken in early summer, but be aware that it can take up to two years for new plants to produce flowers.
With proper care and attention, your winter daphne can provide a powerful and fragrant addition to your winter garden.
8. Clematis
Now that you know how to care for Winter Daphne, it’s time to learn about another winter blooming plant: Clematis.
This beautiful flowering vine is perfect for adding color and texture to your winter garden.
With its delicate flowers and easy care, it’s no wonder that many gardeners love to add clematis to their landscape.
To care for winter clematis, it’s important to choose the right variety.
Some popular winter clematis varieties include the ‘Freckles’ clematis, the ‘Jingle Bells’ clematis, and the ‘Winter Beauty’ clematis.
Once you’ve chosen your plant, it’s important to train it properly. Clematis can be trained to grow up trellises or other support structures, and you can even train it to grow along the ground.
Pruning is also important for maintaining the health and beauty of your clematis, and propagating new plants is a great way to expand your garden without spending a lot of money.
To make caring for your winter clematis easier, be sure to follow these tips for training, pruning, and propagation:
- Clematis Training Tips:
- Choose a sturdy support structure, such as a trellis or fence.
- Gently tie the vine to the support structure using soft twine or plant ties.
- Train the vine to grow in the desired direction by gently guiding it with your hand.
- Clematis Pruning Guide:
- Prune your winter clematis in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
- Remove dead or damaged wood, and cut back any overgrown or tangled stems.
- Leave at least two sets of healthy buds on each stem to encourage new growth.
- Clematis Propagation Techniques:
- Take stem cuttings in early summer when the plant is actively growing.
- Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with potting soil.
- Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a warm, bright location until roots develop.
9. Silk Tassel Bush
The Silk Tassel Bush is a true showstopper with its cascading strands of white flowers, making it the perfect addition to any garden looking for a touch of elegance.
This unique plant, also known as Garrya elliptica, is native to the western United States and can grow up to 12 feet tall and wide.
The Silk Tassel Bush is a perfect fit for a garden looking for a beautiful focal point, and it can also be used as a privacy screen due to its dense foliage.
Propagation methods for the Silk Tassel Bush include taking cuttings in the summer or fall, and rooting them in moist soil.
Pruning techniques involve cutting away any damaged or diseased branches, and shaping the plant to maintain its desired form.
The ideal growing conditions for this plant include well-draining soil, partial shade, and regular watering.
Landscaping ideas for the Silk Tassel Bush include using it as a backdrop for other flowering plants, or as a standalone statement piece in a garden.
Overall, the Silk Tassel Bush is a unique and stunning addition to any garden in the Pacific Northwest.
10. Chaparral Currant
You might be interested in planting Chaparral Currant in your garden if you want to attract native hummingbirds and bees with its pink flowers and provide them with a valuable source of pollen during the winter months.
This deciduous shrub is native to the western United States and can grow up to 6 feet tall and wide.
It blooms from December to March, making it a great addition to your winter garden.
Aside from its ornamental value, Chaparral Currant also has benefits in traditional medicine.
Its leaves and berries have been used by Native Americans to treat various ailments such as colds, coughs, and stomachaches.
In landscaping, it can be used as a hedge or border plant. It prefers partial shade and well-draining soil.
With proper care, Chaparral Currant can thrive and provide a beautiful and beneficial addition to your garden.
