A Bouquet of Winter Bloomers for Greenhouses

Before all our minutes are swallowed by the holidays, and while there’s still space in the greenhouse—pending the onslaught of spring seedlings—let’s consider a special winter bonus for greenhouse-owning gardeners—the privelege of enjoying winter-blooming plants! All the plants suggested below will thrive in bright sun and cool temperatures—ideally between 40 and 50 degrees. Remember that cooler temps encourage healthy, stocky plant growth, and also discourage the growth of pest populations.

Anisodontea x hypomadara, or “African Mallow” is perpetually covered with cheerful rosy pink mallowlike flowers, and is well-suited for standards.

The fragrant flowers of many cestrum species have made them valuable conservatory plants since Victorian times. Cestrum nocturnum, is also known as “Night Jessamine” due to its intoxicating evening perfume. Other cestrum are prized for their visually attractive flowers—Cestrum‘Smithii’ has clear pink ones.

Heliotrope makes an ideal greenhouse subject, with flowers that range in color from white to deepest purple; they exude a wide variety of scents as well, from vanilla to baby powder. Heliotropium ‘Alba’ may have the strongest vanilla scent. The flowers of Heliotropium ‘Iowa’ certainly are the deepest violet shade, and have a fragrance both lovely and complex.

Most “Jasmine” are grown for their pungently sweet-scented blooms. Jasminum polyanthum is covered by midwinter with small, waxy white flowers emitting that unmistakable perfume. Jasminum officinale ‘Fiona Sunrise’ adds handsome golden foliage to the allure of its fragrant white blooms.

Michelia figo, also known as the “Banana Shrub,” is actually a member of the magnolia family, a fact hinted at by its shiny leaves and fascinating cream flowers tinged with purple. The common name refers to the truly banana-like fragrance of its flowers.

Osmanthus fragrans is one of my favorites, and its period of bloom is ideal for the winter greenhouse. Both leaves and flowers are not particularly noteworthy in their appearance, but the exquisite fragrance of the small, creamy white flowers is outstanding.

Plumbago was a popular resident of Victorian conservatories, and should be in yours too; its powder blue phlox-like flowers are nearly continuous. Plumbago auriculata ‘Powder Blue,’ a recently selected form, has exceptional vigor and startling ice blue flowers.

When the hustle and bustle of the next month seems overwhelming, step for a moment into the greenhouse and take a breath. That wonderful perfume, with its promise of verdant growth, might just carry you through the darkest season until we all can garden outdoors again.

For more plants that bloom during the winter, as well as detailed information about how to grow them, see Alice’s book, "Bulbs in the Basement, Geraniums on the Windowsill," and her website, alicemcgowan.com.

Article copyright by Alice McGowan written for http://www.hartley-greenhouses.com

 

Gardening with Alice McGowan - August 2010

Sep 3, 2010

In the midst of the summer heat, it’s sometimes challenging to appreciate the brief gift of hot weather for what it is. When temperatures climb, we must water... Read More...

 

Gardening with Alice McGowan - July 2010

Aug 5, 2010

For nearly twenty years, Alice McGowan, together with her husband, Brian, operated Blue Meadow Farm, a nursery in western Massachusetts that specialized in tender... Read More...

 

Gardening with Alice McGowan - June 2010

Jul 7, 2010

For nearly twenty years, Alice McGowan, together with her husband, Brian, operated Blue Meadow Farm, a nursery in western Massachusetts that specialized in tender... Read More...

 

Gardening with Alice Mc Gowan - May 2010

May 26, 2010

When you walk in off the street, you'll notice an immediate change in your blood pressure. The Enid A. Haupt Glass Garden-- the horticultural therapy branch... Read More...

 

Gardening with Alice McGowan - April 2010

May 5, 2010

This month I thought I’d explore a topic that's new to me. This activity isn't usually done inside greenhouses, but I do think it's of interest... Read More...

 

Gardening with Alice McGowan - February 2010

Mar 26, 2010

Tips for Growing Greenhouse Seedlings That Thrive Struggling with supplemental lights and squeezing plant flats into your house or apartment can make growing seedlings... Read More...

 

Gardening with Alice McGowan - January 2010 Part Two

Apr 23, 2010

New Seed Ideas For The Greenhouse Finally, a chance to peruse seed catalogs and plan for the new gardening season to come. Here are a few selections to consider,... Read More...

 

Gardening with Alice McGowan - January 2010

Feb 3, 2010

Forcing Branches and Bulbs in the Greenhouse As we step into the new year, celebrate the transition with an early dose of spring by “forcing” some winter... Read More...

 

Gardening with Alice McGowan - December 2009

Jan 11, 2010

Suggested Holiday Gifts for Gardeners If holiday gifts are on your mind, these suggestions may help with the gardening recipients on your list. Or perhaps, like... Read More...

 

Gardening with Alice McGowan - November 2009

Dec 7, 2009

A Bouquet of Winter Bloomers for Greenhouses Before all our minutes are swallowed by the holidays, and while there’s still space in the greenhouse—pending... Read More...

 

Gardening with Alice McGowan - October 2009

Oct 28, 2009

Before You Bring Plants into Your Greenhouse Cooler evenings and shorter days—everything points to summer’s end. It’s time to move plants indoors.... Read More...

 

Gardening with Alice McGowan - September 2009

Sep 28, 2009

Planning for the Quieter Season Ahead in Your Greenhouse With the hottest days of August behind us, this is a great time to plan for cooler times ahead. Particularly... Read More...

 

Gardening with Alice McGowan - August 2009

Aug 25, 2009

Unusual Uses for Your Summer Greenhouse We usually think of greenhouses as spaces devoted to growing plants, but they have other uses too. If plants aren’t... Read More...

 

Gardening with Alice McGowan - June 2009 - Part 2

Jul 22, 2009

Edible Crops to Grow in Summer Greenhouses As summer’s temperatures climb, it can seem hopeless to grow anything inside the greenhouse. But with adequate ventilation,... Read More...

 

Gardening with Alice McGowan - June 2009 - Part 1

Jun 23, 2009

Five Vines to Grow in Your Greenhouse - June 2009 Sometimes the only way to go is up. And when is that truer than late spring, with horizontal space at a premium... Read More...

 

Gardening with Alice McGowan - May 2009

Jun 16, 2009

One of the biggest challenges of spring is that we eventually must limit what to grow. It’s worst inside greenhouses, where the space is confined by four... Read More...