February Plant of the Month

I got a nice surprise when I nipped out to the shed a couple of weeks ago. My white forsythia was blooming and looking really pretty and delicate against the house wall. It’s in a pot under my kitchen window so I hadn’t noticed that it was flowering. This side of the house is south facing so any sun will have helped coax it into flower. This is a shrub that likes a warm, sheltered position. Having said that, it is hardy and can withstand low temperatures, but won’t tolerate an exposed or shady spot.

Abeliophyllum is a small, deciduous shrub with scented white flowers produced on bare stems in February through to March. Open and spreading in habit, it reaches about 1.5m in height and spread. Mine has been in a pot for some time and doing ok, but would put on more growth if planted in the garden. About time I found space for it!  A great little shrub that gives you a reminder that spring is on the way.

Posts from the blog:

Adding annuals

A selection of recommended annuals.

The bees are a’ buzzing!

The garden is alive with bees as they gather pollen from a whole host of flowers.

Unfurling ferns

Take the opportunity to get close up to your ferns and admire the fascinating structures that exist within this family of ancient plants.

Plant sleuth

This mystery plant had leaves that were still lush in October but with no sign of any flowers to give me a lead.