Craving Winter Blooms?

Craving Winter Blooms? Winter blooming shrubs not only brighten winter gardens, but many are fragrant and/or provide winter food for bees or hummingbirds. There are many wonderful choices. Winter heath (Erica x Darleyensis) blossoms are covered with bees on warm days. Daphne is loved for its fragrance and many cultivars bloom in winter. Manzanita: Native in the west, these evergreens are tough and drought tolerant. They have lovely red bark. There are many sizes and forms, from ground cover to 12 feet tall. All bloom early and some bloom in winter. They are attractive to hummingbirds and bumblebees.

Winter Hazel (Corylopsis): You may know witch hazel but consider winter hazel too. This shrub bursts into bloom before leaves appear.

Royal Grevillea (Grevillea victoriae): This winter-blooming evergeen is native to Australia. Hummingbirds and bees love it.

Source: Trees and Shrubs for Fall and Winter Bloom. OSU Extension Service publication EM 9277. Photos: Neil Bell; J. Kehoe Benton County Master Gardeners. Membership Meetings: 3rd Monday October to May, 7:00 pm – currently on Zoom