9/14

Cyclamen

I often see florist cyclamen for sale in December. Some people find them fussy, but their blooms — usually red, white or pink — will last several weeks.

They’re challenging because they like to go dormant after flowering, and most of us lack the right conditions or patience to get them to rebloom. I treat my cyclamen like a cut flower arrangement. After the blooms fade, I compost it.

10/14

Caladium

What’s next in the holiday parade of flowers and plants? Caladiums, which many of us consider a tropical plant for the shade garden to add color in the summertime.

Now Proven Winners has introduced Heart to Heart Christmas caladiums, grown as houseplants through the holidays. The variegated leaves in all shades of red, green, pink and white are perfect for Christmas.

11/14

Lily of the Valley

You won’t find pre-cooled Lily of the Valley pips (the growing tips and roots) for sale. But if you have Convallaria majallis growing in your garden, dig up a few pips after they’ve had sufficient time to cool in the fall. Pot them up, and they’ll soon grow and flower.

I’m still working out my timing. Mine bloom in January, but someday I’ll get them to bloom for Christmas.