Skip to main content
What's Blooming Now Banner - Winter

Winter or Spring?

Submitted: Feb. 10, 2022, 1:25 p.m.
By: Heidi Simper, Assistant Curator of Plant Records

The weather seems to be getting warmer without a storm in the forecast. Is this the end of winter? The Garden seems to think so. Check out what's starting to come alive.

Hamamelis-intermedia-'Primavera'-Flower-Bud-Winter-HMS22

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis intermedia 'Primavera')

This is one of the earliest bloomers in the Garden and you can see the buds are just starting to open, revealing the flower petals that are about to unfurl.


Jasminum-nudiflorum-Flower-Winter-HMS22

Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum)

These flowers are open for 'bees'-ness! They may be waiting a while for customers though, since pollinators are still sleeping off the winter.


Opuntia-phaeacantha-Spines-Glochids-Winter-HMS22

Tulip Pricklypear (Opuntia phaeacantha)

Pricklypears have two different types of spine defenses, the longer thicker ones you see are spines much like other cacti have. The smaller thinner spines are called glochids and are unique to the Opuntia genus. You might think the large spines are the ones you want to avoid, however, the glochids cause the most nuisance because they fall off when barely touched and will imbed themselves in your skin.


Iris-danfordiae-Flower-Winter-HMS22

Miniature Iris (Iris danfordiae)

The first Iris to bloom!


Miscanthus-sinensis-'Gracillimus'-Seedhead-Winter-HMS22

Silver Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus')

This picture doesn't do it justice, but when the sun is shining, this whole plant appears to be glowing.


It might not be officially spring yet but the weather is perfect for a stroll in the Garden. Hope to see you soon!




Photos by, Heidi M. Simper