Winter Bloomers

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Ornamental cabbage




The lower temperatures plunge, the more vivid this vegetable’s colors become, while its large, lush leaves add great texture. Be sure to grow it in full sun to partial shade for best results.


Why we love it: This unusual ornamental flaunts shades of purple, green, blue, red, pink or even white.



Read more: http://www.birdsandblooms.com/ga ... rden/#ixzz3WFIFUNeL

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Winter heath


This reliable low-growing plant will treat you to a profusion of small, urn-shaped purple-pink flowers through most of winter and into early spring. It prefers acidic soild, but it’s more tolerant than other heaths.


Why we love it: Of the plants on this list, winter heath is among the earliest bloomers. You’ll welcome the sight of its bright little flowers poking through the snow before the others arrive.

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Helleborus,
Hellebore’s lovely cup-shaped blossoms are a staple of any cold-weather garden. With lots of colors, and heights ranging from just 2 inches to 2 feet, you’ll have a hard time choosing just one variety of this moisture- and shade-loving plant. Hellebore doesn’t bloom year-round, but you’ll wish it did.


Why we love it: Frost resistant and shade tolerant, hellebore is built to last through the months when temps are low and light is a precious commodity.

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Catmint


Don’t let the name sway you from planting this bee favorite. Look for well-behaved varieties that do not reseed and take over the garden. You and the bees will be rewarded with blue flowers that top silvery foliage all season long.


Why we love it: One haircut midseason will keep this heat-and drought-tolerant plant looking its best throughout the growing season.

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Bee balm


A list like this would not be complete without bee balm. It is a favorite of not only bees but also hummingbirds and butterflies. This vigorous plant reseeds readily, but the fragrant leaves provide a bit of aromatherapy when thinning in spring.


Why we love it: The leaves of this North American native plant can be steeped to make tea.

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Bee Balm


Hummingbirds love the tubular blooms of this bright red flower, which grows up to 4 feet tall. Many think of it as predominantly a summer plant, but it also offers a great nectar source through early fall, too.

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Chrysanthemum


When it comes to great fall flowers, the list wouldn’t be complete without chrysanthemums. Whether you start with bare-root mums in spring or buy container-grown plants in late summer, these stunners are a great nectar source. They’re one of the last blooms in the garden attracting butterflies in the fall.

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