Growing Winter Flowers – The Importance of Zones

By: Anna Notton

by NatalieMaynor under CC BY  with wpseopix.com

Growing Winter Flowers

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There are a wide array of plants that produce during the cold winter months, but you need to know the right type of winter flowers to select, their soil condition and of great importance, their planting zone. Planning to have a winter flower garden takes time and effort.

Depending on your zone and the plant, know that not all flowering plants survive in the colder areas. For that reason, a tag attached to the plant notes the areas in which the plant will grow. A plant does better, if the temperature is equivalent to where it first began its growth. The last zone listed on the tag is usually not a suitable area.

Annual plants are most generally planted in flower gardens for one season only. The annual flowers bloom in the spring and summer warm months and then die out. Not often does an annual plant return the following year, but there are occasions where seedlings from the plant produce flowers in the next season.

Perennial plants on the other hand, are grown from the root. Usually a perennial plant will produce flowers well into the season, depending on the zone. In the warmer areas, a perennial may bloom throughout the cold season providing there is not a hard freeze.

Soil and temperature zones are imperative when planting. For instance, there are flowering plants that require a sandy soil, compared to those which require an acidic soil. Taking into account the distinct soil types, and the zone of planting is a big plus in maintaining a lovely garden.

Polycarpic plants are capable of producing flowers in succession, and will produce during the off season months. Plants must be attended during the cold weather as well as any other season. For instance, during dry months flowers must be watered, however they do not require the amount to the extent they require in the summer months.

Its wise to prune perennial flowers and cut them back once they stop flowering. Pruning gives them an opportunity to go dormant during the colder months. Usually in the Spring, if the flower has been pruned, it will spread in growth.

A variety of winter flowering plants can be found in nurseries and on the internet. When shopping online or at a nursery, it is important to get the details of planting, care and growth areas. Checking with a qualified horticulturist is always best.

Keep in mind that winter flowers are usually frost tolerant and will bloom off season. When planting, the area in which the the plant is to be planced is important. Protecting it from adverse weather is advisable. Planting in an area where it is exposed to southern sun and under the branches of trees is usually a good location, thus the flower most likely will bloom throughout the colder months. There are however, some plants that thrive well in icy conditions, they are bred to survive the icy months and go dormant during the hard winters, but return again in Spring. This type flower usually produces blooms from March to November.

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