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Winter flowering species
Introduction.
The following are some species that provide winter color
to the landscape. These are tree/shrub species that provide
this interest, and can be maintained to under 15’ height
and spread. All of these are grown locally.
Species
Chaenomeles speciosa—Flowering Quince
- Zone 5
- Deciduous, vase shaped shrub, about 6’ high
x 6’ spread
- Susceptible
to Fire blight in warm, wet areas
- Needs full sun to flower
reliably
- Brightly colored, showy flowers, usually
some variation of apricot pink to red
- Has spines and can be used as a barrier/hedge
- Requires pruning maintenance
to remove suckers and replenish canes, prune while in flower
- Easy to transplant and not
fussy as to soil conditions-can tolerate wet soil-but may be chlorotic in alkali
soil
due to iron deficiency
Elaeagnus x ebbingei
- Zone 6
- Evergreen shrub, large, about 10’ high
x 10’ spread
- Vigorous
growth rate
- Leaves dark green above, silvery below
- Tiny, fragrant, silvery flowers
- Some mite and scale problems
- A tough plant that can thrive in hot, dry,
and windy locations
- Can be
hedged, but requires frequent pruning
Hamamelis mollis—Chinese Witchhazel
- Zone 5
- Deciduous shrub, about 10’ high
x 10’ spread
- Like
full sun and moist, acid soil
- Fragrant golden yellow flowers, December
through March
- Yellow fall color
Hamamelis vernalis—Vernal Witchhazel
- Zone 4
- Deciduous shrub, about 6’ high
x 6’ spread
- No
serious pests, although leaf gall aphids can be a problem
in some areas
- Can sucker from base
- Prune after flowering but before too much growth
to preserve next years flowers
Viburnum x bodnantense
- Zone 6
- Deciduous shrub, about 6’ high x 10’ spread
- Flowers
pink fading to white, very fragrant, October to April
- Like
acidic moist soil
- Scarlet fall color
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