If the small, discreet yet highly fragrant flowers of Sarcococcas and Daphnes have stimulated my sense of smell all winter, it is now the majestic flowers of Magnolias and Camellias that delight my field of vision at the start of spring. Adorned with magnificent and abundant flowers or with graphic and colourful foliage, ericaceous shrubs are, in my opinion, among the most beautiful ornamental shrubs one can have in the garden. Here are 5 tips that have helped me successfully cultivate ericaceous shrubs.
Magnolia Genie
1- An acid soil will give you access to the fabulous world of ericaceous shrubs
These shrubs are primarily forest plants growing on a layer of humus-bearing soil over a non-calcareous parent rock. This soil, derived from the decomposition of various leaves and branches, is light and has an acid pH. In other words, an ericaceous shrub thrives where there is no limestone, hence they are referred to as "acidophilous shrubs". This category includes the large families of Rhododendrons and Azaleas, Camellias, Japanese Maples, Pieris, Hydrangeas, Magnolias, and many others.
2- ... an acid soil yes, but it must be light and cool even in summer
The key to their success lies in the quality of the soil; it must be acid, light, and cool in summer. Many rhododendrons, hydrangeas, or camellias live in regions with temperate and cool summers. Here, it is advisable to plant them in a cool atmosphere during summer. Plant them at the edge of woodlands, near a water source where humidity is high and where the soil does not turn to dust during dry periods. Ideally, apply a mulch in spring, 6-8 cm thick at the base to retain coolness in summer; otherwise, be prepared to bring out the hose every evening to refresh their foliage.
3- Water in summer yes, but not too much in winter!
This is the great contradiction of acidic soil shrubs; they require water in summer but little in winter. To understand this, one must know that most of these shrubs, which live on a thin nutrient-rich soil (and by extension all shrubs that thrive in these conditions), have developed a dense but shallow root system. They do not extend their roots far to seek water deep down like an apple tree or an oak, but develop a network of superficial roots like those of Rhododendrons, Hydrangeas, Daphne, and Pieris.
If the soil is heavy and waterlogged in winter, the roots will at best be asphyxiated, and the shrub will die quickly. At worst, stagnant moisture will allow the proliferation of a parasitic fungus, Phytophthora. It will first parasitise the roots, then gradually block all the channels that transport the sap. In spring, the branches will dry out and then suddenly die, causing the shrub to languish and eventually perish. This is what happened to some of my Japanese maples planted in my heavy, wet soil. Only those planted higher up, on a bank or in my rockery, survived Phytophthora.
4- Anything but heather soil at planting!
"True" heather soil meets a strict standard that only allows soils derived from the acid humus horizon of sandy soils. Poorly structured, this soil is heavy and retains a low amount of water. It is sometimes added to acid substrates to weigh them down and give them body, but it is not essential for acidophilous plants. In contrast, the so-called "heather soil", which is a French term, contains a high proportion of sphagnum peat, making it better suited for cultivating acidophilous plants but not perfect.
Planting is the crucial step, so it is essential to stack the odds in your favour. Do not hesitate to create a wide planting basin and take the time to prepare the soil. Plan a planting hole 5 to 10 times wider than the root ball and prepare the soil to a depth of 50 cm. Depending on the soil quality, add blonde peat, leaf compost, pumice, pine bark, and acidic soil. Ideally, use 1/5 of topsoil mixed in equal proportions with peat, heather soil, leaf compost, and pumice.
5- An optimised exposure
Filtered light and a gentle breeze are all that ericaceous shrubs need for happiness. They fear the sun during the hottest hours of the day but dread the wind even more. Accustomed to the calm and gentleness of woodlands, they are wary of storms that break their branches and uproot them, as well as cold winds that scorch their evergreen foliage and freeze their tender wood. Plant them at the edge of woodlands, under large trees, or near a sheltered wall. When they are young, do not hesitate to place a windbreak tarp in winter; they will be all the more beautiful!
If the small, discreet yet highly fragrant flowers of Sarcococcas and Daphnes have stimulated my sense of smell all winter, it is now the majestic flowers of Magnolias and Camellias that delight my field of vision at the start of spring. Adorned with magnificent and abundant flowers or with graphic and colourful foliage, ericaceous shrubs […]
In regions subjected to cold and harsh winters, vegetation is in forced dormancy. The gardener, eager to see their peonies, roses, and other hydrangeas bloom again, impatiently awaits the scheduled end of this dreary season. However, many plants, far more than one might think, dare the cold to showcase their most beautiful flowers in winter. Here is a selection of must-have bushes and perennials for winter:
1) Hellebore or Christmas Rose
The hellebores (Helleborus niger and H. orientalis) are the princesses of winter (it should actually be said "Prince" as Hellebore is masculine)! Their flowers come in a wide range of colours and provide a spectacle until early spring. They are easy to grow in cool, semi-shaded soil. To learn all about this superb perennial, check out our plant sheet: "Hellebores: planting and cultivating them"
The Helleborus niger Double Fashion (on the left) is the first to open the ball, its immaculate white flowers bloom in December; it is the only Christmas Hellebore with double flowers / Helleborus orientalis Double Picotee (on the right) is equally original. This variety blooms at the end of winter.
2) Japanese Quince
The Japanese quinces (Chaenomeles japonica, C. speciosa) delight us with the early onset of their flowering. They offer simple or double flowers in colours ranging from fiery red, remarkable from afar, to pure white, with lovely salmon or apricot pinks in between. These are vigorous bushes, easy to live with, and perfect for hedges or borders.
Two stunning varieties: Chaenomeles Nicoline and Chaenomeles speciosa Kinshiden, one of the few with greenish-white flowers.
3) White Forsythia or Abeliophyllum distichum
The abeliophyllum distichum is a small Asian bush, native to Korea, that deserves attention! Very hardy, it offers graceful little white flowers with four petals and a yellow-orange centre on bare branches at the end of winter. Its modest size (1.5 metres in all directions) is ideal for small gardens or the front of shrub borders.
The white flowers of Abeliophyllum distichum resemble snowflakes; it is also known as White Forsythia.
4) Witch Hazel
Sublime in the heart of winter, Witch Hazel also surprises with the unique shape of its flowers. Its fine, elongated petals give it a particular charm, which is likely why it is often referred to as "witch hazel." Considered by many as the "mimosa of the North," it is just as floriferous, though it lacks the fragrance!
To learn more, check out our complete dossier: "Witch Hazel: planting, cultivation, maintenance, and association"
Different varieties of witch hazel: H. pallida, Jelena, Feuezauber, and Amethyst.
5) Camellia 'Cinnamon Scentsation'
Camellias are renowned for their winter flowering, but the variety 'Cinnamon Scentsation' particularly captivates us with its natural form and the sweet, refined scent of cinnamon from its numerous small pale pink flowers. Its flowering typically occurs in February and continues until the heart of spring. Compact, it is easily grown in the garden or in pots on the balcony or terrace.
The camellia Cinnamon Scentsation: a rustic camellia with highly fragrant flowers in winter.[/caption>
6) Daphne odora
Daphne odora is a shrub that can lead you by the nose because, in terms of fragrant plants, no other species can dethrone it! Indeed, its small, deep pink flowers emit a powerful, intoxicating fragrance that can be detected from 30 metres away. In the garden, it prefers shade and semi-shade, as well as cool but well-drained soils. Its growth is relatively slow, but your patience will be rewarded with its wonderful fragrance. To learn all about Daphnes, we invite you to consult our plant sheet:"Daphne: how to plant, cultivate, and maintain it"
The Daphne odora aureomarginata, a shrub with evergreen foliage whose flowers exude an almost mythical fragrance.
7) Garrya elliptica
Garrya elliptica or Elliptical-leaved Garrya is a beautiful shrub that reaches a height of about 3 metres. Original and very ornamental, it stands out in the heart of winter with its remarkable flowering in pendulous catkins, measuring 20 to 30 cm long. But don’t be fooled by its precious appearance; it is indeed hardy (down to -12 °C) and quite easy to grow. It particularly thrives in well-drained soil, in a maritime climate, or in any garden sheltered from cold winds.
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The Garrya elliptica, a remarkable shrub in winter.
8) Winter honeysuckle or Lonicera fragrantissima
Much less known than climbing honeysuckle, the Lonicera fragrantissima forms a rounded, flexible, somewhat spreading bush. Relatively discreet, it reveals itself in winter by covering itself with small, highly fragrant white flowers. Semi-evergreen and about 2 metres tall, it is a perfect candidate for free hedges or the back of borders. It is appreciated by bees, providing them with valuable food, as well as by birds that consume its berries in autumn.
The winter honeysuckle is appreciated by bees, providing them with valuable food, as well as by birds that consume its berries in autumn.
9) Winter clematis
In terms of flowering, climbing plants, and particularly clematis, are not to be outdone: in mild climates, adopt Clematis cirrhosa such as 'Advent Bells', which bloom as early as the beginning of winter! Elsewhere, rely on a safe bet: the Clematis armandii, which, in addition to being evergreen, is hardy and blooms at the end of winter, in March-April.
The clematis cirrhosa 'Advent Bells' and Clematis armandii.[/caption>
10) Winter jasmine
The Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) shines with the brilliance of its flowers. It is a somewhat stiff, sprawling climbing plant that displays bright yellow flowers from December on bare branches, which further accentuates the effect. This jasmine will be perfect against a well-exposed wall where it will bloom abundantly.
The golden yellow flowers of Jasminum nudiflorum bloom in the heart of winter; despite appearances, this winter jasmine is perfectly hardy, and its flowers bloom even when it freezes.[/caption>
Bonus - Chimonanthus praecox
Many of you have reminded us about the Chimonanthus praecox, and you are right! Also known as Chimonanthe, this winter shrub is particularly distinguished by its fabulous fragrance. Native to China, it is a hardy shrub with a somewhat stiff habit that reaches 3 to 4 metres tall at maturity. From December, its bare branches are adorned with small, rather discreet yellow flowers. To get to know it better, I recommend reading Pierre's article: Chimonanthus praecox, an enchanting fragrance in winter
The flowering of Chimonanthus praecox, divinely fragrant.
With the exception of Clematis cirrhosa, all these plants are very hardy and easy to grow. While some tolerate calcareous soils, others prefer more acidic soil. To prolong these winter blooms in cold regions, one tip: plant them sheltered from cold, dry winds in winter, at the foot of a wall or hedge facing west or south. Protected, the flowers will bloom for a few more weeks!
Also read:
In regions subjected to cold and harsh winters, vegetation is in forced dormancy. The gardener, eager to see their peonies, roses, and other hydrangeas bloom again, impatiently awaits the scheduled end of this dreary season. However, many plants, far more than one might think, dare the cold to showcase their most beautiful flowers in winter. […]
