Believe it or not, many types of beautiful flowers bloom in winter.

Christmas plants and flowers like poinsettia and the Norfolk pine are pretty during the holidays; evergreen trees and shrubs are an option all year round. However, many other kinds of plants can add unexpected splashes of color to the winter landscape. Whether you’re planting in beds or containers, winter flowers will provide a much-needed boost of brightness during the gloomiest days of the year. If you’re planting perennials, shrubs, or trees, make sure they’re suited to survive the season in your plant hardiness zone, according to the USDA. Also, read the plant tag or description to give them the kind of light they need to thrive. Full sun means at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, while part sun is about half that.

When considering the best winter flowers, it’s also important to think about placement. You want to be able to enjoy them from inside your house, so plant them somewhere you can see them when they’re in bloom. They can also add curb appeal in winter because they’re just so unexpected. However, in order to enjoy your winter flowers, you’ve got to plant them in the fall about six weeks before the ground freezes so that they’ll have time to get established before cold weather sets in. If you’re uncertain about the freeze date in your area, check with your local university coop extension service. (Find yours here!) Then, read on to learn about the best flowers that bloom in winter.

Source: thepioneerwoman.com