Winter bloomers: Houseplants of the Month for February
With extravagant flowers, attractive green foliage and a totally natural look, winter bloomers help you get through February beaming, heading for spring!
For anyone who is longing for the spring but still needs to get through a bit more winter: houseplants that don’t worry about the seasons and are already doing their own thing with an eruption of fragrance and colour. February’s botanical beauties are Primula, Cineraria and Jasmine, offering a look which is extravagant, romantic and serene respectively. They can all cope well with the somewhat dry atmosphere indoors, and are easy to maintain: as long as you give them a drink from time to time, they will continue to grow and bloom.
February’s trio
Primula offers cheerful flowers in red, pink, white, purple, lilac and blue which make everything indoors jolly when it’s still bitter outside.
Cineraria has green leaves with a downy grey underside. That combination of green and ash grey sets off the fabulous white, blue, lilac, purple, pink, red and bicoloured flowers beautifully.
Jasmine is an elegant shrub with dark green foliage and radiant star-shaped white flowers with a delectable scent. The long tendrils like to twist, climb and hang.
From all corners of the world
Wild Primulas often occur in the mountains in the northern hemisphere. There are some 15 species growing in the European Alps. Cineraria has travelled from the Canary Islands. And Jasmine is a (sub-)tropical plant that also does well in indoor conditions if given enough humility and warmth.
Blooming symbolism
The name Primula is derived from “Primus’ (first) because it’s one of the first plants to flower every year. The plant’s meaning is also derived from this: this winter bloomer represents a new beginning, growth and hope. Cineraria’s official name is Senecio cruentus, and it gets its meaning from its full round grown of flowers which represents protection. And according to the symbolism of flowers, Jasmine brings purity and strength into your home. Just what we need for the last dash towards spring.
How Winter bloomers carry you into spring
- Winter bloomers likes a light spot, but not in full sun.
- The soil can be slightly damp. Preferably avoid overwatering.
- Some plant food once a fortnight helps winter bloomers to maintain the strength to grow and flower.
- Wilted flowers can be easily removed.
The scent of jasmine is calming and relaxing according to research at Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf. Which makes Jasmine an ideal bedroom plant
Style them to suit your taste
Despite the fact that the winter bloomers Primula, Cineraria and Jasmine are somewhat different shapes, you can still style them together attractively, for example all in white, primary colours or pastels shades. For a warm welcome home, there’s nothing like a row of Primulas in bright colours to greet you. If you prefer a more restrained mood, Cineraria’s light flowers and grey leaves combine beautifully with Jasmine.
For more information see: www.thejoyofplants.co.uk
Published on: 25 January 2018