The PNW is a great place to live with its beauty and mild weather. Gardeners are especially fortunate and can take advantage of the mild winters which allows us to grow a vast variety of plants year-round. There are many Mid-Winter Bloomers- those that bloom in January and February sometimes in March weather depending (if we have a colder winter or “cold snap” that may delay bloom time). Here are some of my favorites that are blooming now (or soon to bloom). 

​Flowers (Annuals & Bulbs) – Pansies & Violas are my absolute favorite. They come in a vast array of colors, many are fragrant and they are edible (organic only). They can go anywhere- containers, beds and borders perfect for a cool season color spot. Sheer or pinch back after bloom to continue longer flowering times. They will bloom in fall, take a rest and then bloom again from midwinter to late spring. Pansies have larger heads while violas- “johny-jump-ups” have smaller heads and may reseed themselves. 

​Primroses (Primula ‘Danova’) A proven reliable grower, the Danova primrose is known for large flowers with bold colors on compact, uniform plants that bloom in late winter. They come in a variety of colors from white, yellow, red, pink, blue and purples with some being sweetly fragrant flowers that rise amid textured foliage. Ht 4-6in, Zone 4 semi-evergreen, often sold as an “annual” or seasonal color plant during winter.

​Ranunculus (Persian Buttercup) These are compact varieties that flourishes at cool temperatures. Papery petals layered on top of another to form yellow, pink, blue, white or red flowers 2-3in. across. Absolutely gorgeous and great for cut flowers. Ht. 10in. Zone 8

Bulbs-Crocus, Snowdrops, Dwarf Iris, Hyacinth &

Grape Hyacinths (Muscari ‘Big Smile’) Tight heads of small, bell-shaped blue flowers rimmed in white on an erect stem. They multiply quickly to give good color in spring. Full sun to pt. shade, Ht. 10in, Zone 4
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 Later- Daffodils and Tulips usually late February through March.
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​Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens ‘Purity’) Profuse bloomer with white flowers covering the dark green foliage in spring. Sheer top one-third of the foliage after blooming to maintain a tidy habit, and for some repeat flowering. Requires good drainage. Ht. 6-12in, Zone 4

​Heather (Erica spp.) Erica x darleyensis ‘Kramers Rote'(Magenta-Red) Vibrant magenta flowers on dark green/bronze foliage. This variety is one of the best dark pink Ericas! Compact habit. Blooms December-April. Ht. 12-18in, spread 20-25in. Zone 5. There are other Erica Heathers that bloom in white or pink.

Hellebores (Helleborus spp.) Leathery leaves vary in color from deep green to a silver frosting. Wonderful in winter containers, borders, or shrub under planting. The upward-facing flowers are a welcomed site in late winter. Ivory-cream, pink, red and slate colored single or double blossoms. Ht. 20in. Zone 5 More about Hellebores here

​Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla ‘Fairy Dream’) Exciting new variety with double, deep purple flowers. Flowers are followed by fluffy seed heads that are just as interesting as the flowers. Requires well-draining soil, and works well in rock gardens or dry banks. Ht. 10in. Zone 4

Shrubs (deciduous and evergreen)

​Camellias, evergreen shrubs that bloom fall through winter with others blooming in spring. Great container plants or use as specimens or hedges. Blooms are single or double ranging from white, pink to red.  More about Camellias

​Winter Daphne (Daphne odora ‘Maejima’) Broad creamy yellow margin with dark green center foliage. Dark pink buds open in late winter into light pink fragrant flowers. Full sun. Ht. 3-5ft, Zone 7.

Sweet Box – Sarcococca ruscifolia (Sweet Box) Tiny white flowers hidden amongst glossy, dark-green foliage, open to release a delightful perfume from January to February. Plant near an entrance to enjoy the fragrance. Ht. 4ft. Zone 7  Sarcococca hum. ‘Fragrant Valley'(Sweet Box) Fragrant white flowers with slender pointed green leaves. Great for planting en masse. Disease and deer resistant. Partial sun to shade. Evergreen. Ht. 3ft, spread 3ft. Zone 7.

Viburnum (Pink Dawn) A wonderful shrub for multi-season beauty. After putting on a late winter to early spring show of pink flower clusters, the thick, lustrous, rich green leaves cloak its cinnamon-colored branches. Foliage transforms to bright hues in autumn, accompanied by blue ornamental fruit. An excellent landscape accent. Deciduous. Ht. 8’-10’ Zone 5.

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis x intermedia) Flowers with wavy clear yellow or orange-red petals and red cups appear on the bare branches of this unusual shrub, supplying blazing color in late winter. The open, spreading habit and rich yellow and orange fall foliage brings additional flare to the landscape. Plant near entries and patios to enjoy the fragrance. Deciduous. Ht. 12’-15’. Zone 5

Stop into Zenith Holland and see what we have blooming. If you have plant questions, email me at ThePondPad@gmail.com I also teach gardening classes through SPSCC & Pierce College on Zoom. Check out our Events Page- Cyndi Stuart will teach about Veggies March 2021 and Hummingbirds June 2021
References:
https://www.tandlnursery.com/availability
https://www.monrovia.com/catalogsearch