Winter Flowers in Houston

The weather was relatively mild this winter.  So I had to cover my hibiscus, begonias & New Guinea Impatiens only 2 or 3 times this January & February.  It's now the first week of March and the threat of a light freeze (temps that dip to 30 to 32 degrees) has passed.

Euryops - Let's start with the Euryops (African Daisies) which have bloomed all winter.  They are partially protected from the winter hidden along a fence facing west between the garage and house.

Pansies - In early Nov 2019, I planted Pansies in a raised bed with excellent soil in the backyard and in the front in soil consisting of Houston mud/clay mixed with bark mulch.  Needless to say, the backyard pansies did better.  Pansies wilt when they run out of water.  Also, you need to pinch off dead blooms at least once every two weeks to promote new blooms.  These pics are after watering and pinching off dead blooms.

Bachelor's Buttons - This year, I grew Bachelor's Buttons Tall Blend by Botanical Interests from seeds planted indoors on 08-28-19.  The seedlings were transplanted into the garden on 10-19-19.  They've been slowly growing all winter and survived several light freezes (30-32 degrees).  And they're finally starting to bloom!

Little Janie Beeblosssom - The Gaura family Little Janie Beeblossom apparently has spread its seeds from last summer's pink flowers throughout the bed.  Nice to see new little plants sprouting up.  Hopefully, the Balloon Flowers will be soon to follow!

Snapdragons - My tall snapdragons naturally reseed each year.  I added a shorter variety from my good friends at Friendswood Hardware.  The tall snapdragons should start to bloom by early April.

Gerbera Daisies - Gerbera Daisies don't like light freezes.  They will still bloom during winters in Houston inbetween the light freezes which will set them back.  It wasn't a cold winter this year … so here are some of the pretties occasional blooms.  This is all about to change as spring has arrived and the Gerbera Daisies for the rest of March, April and May should be at their peak before the summer heat kicks in.

Hibiscus - I moved the Double Hibiscus to my front porch which faces south for the winter to help protect it from the cold.  I covered it and my two large pots of Tradewinds Hibiscus several times this winter when temps were forecast to dip below 35 degrees.  Hibiscus plants can die if not covered in a light freeze.  My Double and the Tradewinds Hibiscus bloomed all winter … even if at a diminished pace.  Winter blooms aren't as spectacular as the summer … but blooms last several days as opposed to just one day in the summer heat.