Winter flowers are all the rage now that Thanksgiving is behind us and it’s only weeks until Christmas. Below are some great holiday winter flowers. you can grow right here in California, and elsewhere.
Winter Flowers to Plant
Below are some popular winter flowers you can plant right now to enjoy over the holidays and to give away as gifts to friends and family.
- Paperwhites
- Amaryllis
- Poinsettias
- Christmas cactus
- Cyclamen
- Christmas rose
- Pansies
- Primroses
- Camellias
- Winter Jasmine
Paperwhites
Paperwhites are a variety of narcissus that blooms in winter. They come in clusters of fragrant white flowers and are generally quite hardy.
Paperwhites can be planted directly into the garden for a permanent display or grown indoors to enjoy their sweet scent during the colder months.
To care for paperwhites, ensure that they are planted in well-draining soil, and provide plenty of light. Water them on a regular basis to keep the soil moist but not too wet.
Amaryllis
Amaryllis is a beautiful winter flower with large trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of red, white, pink, orange, yellow, and more.
The bulbs are planted in the fall before the first frost so they can enjoy some cold weather before growing into their full glory come springtime. Plant amaryllis bulbs 6 inches deep in rich potting soil and place them in a warm sunny spot with very bright indirect light.
Water sparingly until they show signs of growth then provide enough water to keep the top inch of soil moist at all times.
Poinsettias
Poinsettias are a very popular holiday decoration that adds cheer and warmth to any home. These festive plants are native to Central America, where they have been grown for hundreds of years for their ornamental value.
Although somewhat delicate in nature, poinsettias are relatively easy to take care of when given the proper attention—some direct sunlight, regular watering, and temperatures above 60°F will do the trick.
Plus, with its bright colors (typically deep red or pinkish-white), these wintery flowers add a welcome pop of color to rooms with otherwise dreary colors.
The best part about these occasional plants is that you can keep them as long as you like by putting them in a closet at night—this “rest” mimics their natural winter dormancy period and prevents them from dropping leaves or drying out too quickly.
Poinsettias make great accent pieces during the holidays, so be sure to pick some up soon! They’re sure to bring some cheer into your home this season!
Christmas Cactus
Christmas cactus is a winter flower that’s native to Brazil, and it’s most commonly found in shades of white, pink, and red. It blooms during the winter months and can last for up to six weeks! When caring for Christmas cactus, be sure to provide it with plenty of bright indirect light throughout the day.
Water them regularly but don’t over water; they should only be watered when the top inch of soil has dried out completely. You can also add a little bit of fertilizer every couple of weeks during the growing season (spring through summer) to ensure healthy growth.