WINTER BLOOMS

Image via Pinterest

Image via Pinterest

Winter is coming, and if you’re anything like me, you’re dreading the cold. Spring brought you beautiful blooms. Summer was all about sunshine and bright, green foliage. And fall is filled with yellow, orange and red. But how do you get through the dreary, empty winter? I’ve found the antidote. Some plants thrive in the cold and will even bless you with striking flowers. So, here are three plants that will get you through the winter.

1. Cyclamen

Image: @danacurelaru

Image: @danacurelaru

The cyclamen is a popular houseplant. It has patterned leaves and vibrant flowers that resemble the shape of an orchid. And guess what? They’re perfect for cooler temperatures.

It’s important to remember there are two sub-species of cyclamen. One has been developed to grow indoors, and needs a little extra love and attention. The other is tough and can be grown outdoors. Let your local plant store know where you’re intending to grow your cyclamen and they’ll point you in the right direction.

Cyclamen are sensitive to both over watering and under watering so make sure it has good drainage and only water when the soil is dry to touch.

Once the cyclamen flowers, it will go into a dormant state and the leaves will start to fall off. Don’t worry it’s not dead, it’s just sleeping. It will re-bloom after a few months.

 

 

2. Snow Drop

Image: @lescontemplation

Image: @lescontemplation

 

These flowers are perfect if you live in a cold area, and are especially well suited to your winter balcony garden. If you live somewhere with a moderate winter, like Southern California or Florida, these ones aren’t for you. They love the cold and even grow under snow or frost.

Snow Drops grow from a bulb, which should be planted in the fall. You can plant them in a pot or directly into your garden bed. When they’ve finished flowering they’ll die off and go dormant throughout the warmer months, only to appear again in winter the following year.

 

 

 

3. Lavender

Image:  Pinterest

Image:  Pinterest

 

Okay so I’m cheating on this one a little. Lavender flowers in Summer not Winter. But did you know its leaves have a beautiful scent? I love including lavender in my indoor garden during the colder months. Each time I walk past, its perfume reminds me of Summer.

It’s important that your indoor lavender gets enough light. It won’t do well in a dark corner. Pop it next to a window or under a skylight where it can soak up

some rays. Make sure it’s positioned away from hot or cold drafts (don’t put it near a door, or near your radiator). It’s also important to choose the right pot. Lavender likes being snug, so plant it in a container that’s only an inch or two bigger than the root ball.

 

 

 

So if you want to make your winter a little sunnier add one of these guys to your plant family. #itsplantporn

Jessica Hill is a freelance journalist who is interested in the relationship between plants and people. Follow her on Instagram @plantsunknown.