The Great Botanical Mystery: Exploring the Connection Between Winter Cold and Spring Flowering

As I stepped outside my home in the east San Fernando Valley, I was struck by the explosion of flowers that seemed to have appeared overnight. It was a sight I hadn’t seen in many years, and I couldn’t help but wonder what could be behind this phenomenon. The usual explanation given is that a sufficient number of hours of winter chill – when temperatures are less than 45 degrees between September 1 and the end of March – are needed for a plant to break dormancy or open its flower buds.

1. The connection between winter cold and spring flowering is a mystery that has puzzled botanists and gardeners for centuries.
2. The process of breaking dormancy generally refers to deciduous plants, such as roses and apple trees, that lose their leaves in the fall or winter.
3. However, evergreen plants, such as azalea, Indian hawthorn, and Chinese fringe flower, are also capable of flowering in response to winter cold.

What’s more, I’ve noticed that some of my own semitropical plants, such as wild gardenia and amole, are flowering for the first time this season, despite being completely bereft of blooms last year. This got me thinking: is there a connection between the cold winter we’ve been experiencing and the explosion of flowers we’re seeing?

According to the University of California’s chill calculator, the San Fernando Valley has experienced its coldest winter in years, with 514 hours of winter chill. For comparison, Los Angeles and San Diego had significantly fewer hours of chill, with 342 and 220 hours, respectively.

But what exactly is winter chill, and how does it affect plants? Winter chill refers to the period of time when temperatures are less than 45 degrees between September 1 and the end of March. This period of cold exposure is essential for many plants to break dormancy and open their flower buds.

The importance of vernalization – cold exposure to induce flowering or other physiological processes – is not limited to deciduous fruit trees. Many spring-flowering bulbs and seeds require vernalization to produce optimal results.

For example, most spring-flowering bulbs require a period of cold exposure to produce optimal results. Refrigerating bulbs for at least a month before planting can increase the number of flowers and the size of the blooms. Similarly, seeds from many species, especially those native to cold climates, require vernalization to germinate.

The Maximalist Style in Gardening

As I was pondering the connection between winter cold and spring flowering, I stumbled upon an article on the National Garden Bureau website that caught my eye. “10 Ways to Embrace the Maximalist Style in the Garden” is a beautiful example of how to create a bold and boisterous garden that is truly unforgettable.

The maximalist style is all about repetition and abundance, creating a sense of drama and surprise in the garden. It’s a style that is perfect for those who want to make a statement in their garden.

• Choose a single color to repeat throughout the garden, such as burgundy, and use it in flowers, foliage, and other elements to create a cohesive look.
• Repeat a single theme, such as the use of tropical plants, to create a sense of excitement and surprise.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things – the maximalist style is all about taking risks and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the garden.

One of the easiest ways to design a maximalist garden is to choose seldom-seen species to fill up your garden space. This will create a sense of excitement and surprise, as visitors move from one botanical wonder to the next.

Creating a number of garden rooms is also a great way to satisfy your craving for a combination of different maximalist looks. For example, you could create a room that is full of California natives or Mediterranean plants, or another room that is a fern grotto, or even one that is dedicated to berries.

California Native of the Week: Coral Bells

Coral bells (Heuchera spp.) are a popular choice for gardeners looking to add some color and interest to their garden. These plants have maple-like leaves in a range of colors, including lime green, gold, salmon, burgundy, and purple.

However, coral bells are notorious for being short-lived, especially if they are overwatered. To extend the life of your coral bells, it’s best to provide them with bright, filtered shade and avoid overwatering.

I recently had the chance to visit the Getty Center garden in Brentwood, which is a quintessential maximalist garden. The garden is free to visit, but admission is by reservation only, and parking is required.

Share Your Maximalist Garden

If you have a maximalist garden that you’d like to share with readers, please let me know!