Blog Contributed by Stephen McClain
Although the weather outside is far from frightful, the winter months can turn us into a grouch. With cold temperatures, seasonal sickness, and cabin fever, your mood may take a turn for the worst. Why not cheer yourself up or bring some cheer to a friend or colleague, by planting flowers that bloom in the winter? Today is actually the perfect day to plant some cheer because it’s National Do a Grouch a Favor Day! Use this handy guide, from Great Estates Landscaping, and plant these cheer-inducing flowers in your garden or commercial property!
Camellias have become the ubiquitous flower of the South, second only to the magnolia. The gorgeous blossoms have graced the Southland’s oldest plantation gardens for centuries. The plant is so popular that it’s been featured in American literature, has been featured on currency and is Alabama’s state flower! Camellias bloom during the winter when the weather is chilly, which means your garden or commercial property will look spectacular even in the cold. Camellias bloom in a wide variety of colors too; every color from wine, burgundy, pink, orange, and snow white. Bring some Southern ease and ease the minds of grouches, by adding Camellias.
Winter jasmine is a great addition to your garden or commercial property. The deciduous shrub grows up to four feet high and can be trellised or allowed to drape across retaining walls or trimmed into border shrubs. Some producers have even found that Winter Jasmine shrubs can spread up to seven feet in length! Native to China, winter jasmine blossoms into beautiful, sunny yellow flowers that bring warmth and happiness to any plot of land. However, winter jasmine does lack the signature scent of its cousin, Jasminium. Adding a trellis of these sunny, yellow flowers will bring a smile to any grouch’s face.
Dianthus are one of the most historic flowers around. The blooms can trace their origin to medieval times when Dianthus was added to wines and drinks as a spice. Dianthus, or Pinks as they became known, became mainstream in Victorian gardens because of their unique, ruffled appearance. In fact, that’s where their nickname comes from! The flowers looked as if they had been cut with pinking shears, hence “pinks”. We love them because they are low growing and look best when they can trail across border walls. Plant these for a gorgeous garden, or make history at your commercial property!
Sweet Pea is one of the most well-known blossoms in American gardening. While it is native to Sicily, American cultivators have been growing the flower for its signature scent; some would describe it as a mix of orange blossom and jasmine. Sweet pea can grow long into the winter months so you can enjoy this luscious scent all year long. Try planting a few stalks in late summer, so that your plants will bloom in January or February.
In addition to being a manager on the landscaping maintenance, installation and turf management team at Great Estates Landscaping, Stephen McClain is a sports fanatic who enjoys spending time in nature and doing outdoor activities with his family.