Chill Out with Winter Annuals

Winter annuals offer rays of sunshine on cold, dreary days. Add some color to your winter beds, borders and containers. Here are just a few of our favorites:

Iceland Poppy (Papaver nudicaule)

• Large colorful flowers with rumpled petals nod gracefully atop tall stems. Stands out in mixed borders!
• Blooms fall through spring
• Full sun, moderate water

 Tip: Deadhead to encourage more blooms.

Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)

• Tall flower stalks add height, texture and vibrant color to flower beds
• Bright flowers bloom late spring into summer and once again in fall
• Full sun to part shade, moderate water and well-drained soil

Did you know? These plants are named for the shape of their flowers, which resemble a dragon’s head with an open mouth.

Stock (Matthiola incana)

• Fragrant spikes of flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple with silvery or deep green foliage
• Great for seasonal color in containers and mixed beds
• Blooms fall through spring
• Part sun, regular water

Did you know? Stock makes an excellent cut flower.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

• Bright yellow, gold or orange flowers that typically have a spicy aroma
• Easy to grow and very versatile in the garden because they tolerate most soils
• Full sun with rich, well-drained soil 

Did you know? The florets are edible—add color to salads or as a garnish in place of saffron.

Cyclamen

• Heart-shaped leaves with flowers in shades of white, pink, purple and red
• Very versatile – in pots, rock gardens, under shade plants
• Blooms early fall through late spring
• Partial sun to full shade, moderate water with good drainage

 Tip: Prettier blooms when sheltered from the rain.

Ornamental Kale (Brassica oleracea)

• Forms a large head of ornamental leaves
• Textured and brightly colored foliage in white, pinks, and purples
• Full sun to part shade, regular water

Did you know? Ornamental cabbage is edible, but it’s not nearly as tasty as its cousin, because it’s been bred for looks, not flavor.

Primrose (Primula)

• Prolific blooms that work great in groupings or as edging along beds
• Blooms late winter into spring
• Full to part sun, regular watering

Tip: Provide shade during hot summer months.

Astilbe

• Small white, pink, or red flowers carried in graceful, branching, feathery plumes on wiry stems
• Blooms late winter to early spring
• Partial shade in hot climates, provide moist, rich soil with ample humus

Tip: Gather flowers in the morning when the dew is still on them… this is when their scent is the sweetest.

Viola/Pansy

• Erect and bushy growth habit with abundant, cheerful flowers in a wide array of colors
• Blooms fall through spring
• Full sun, regular water

 Tip: Fertilize regularly for best performance.