Kinghorn Gardens

Forcing Spring!

January 29th, 2010

As winter drags on, we are all yearning for spring and the first signs of life. Instead of waiting for the weather to warm, there is a way to bring a bit of that life indoors, even if just for a fleeting while.

Spring flowering shrubs and trees set their flower buds in the previous summer, and remain dormant over the winter.  Therefore, by taking cuttings of these stems and branches and bringing them indoors, we can trick them into blooming early.

The flowering stems can make a dramatic impact in a fresh flower arrangement or in a vase on their own.

Here are a few tips to help you force your own branches:

• Carefully prune branches as to not injure the plant or detract from its shape.
• Select branches with lots of flower buds.
• Bring branches indoors and immediately place in water.
• Keep branches cool and out of direct sunlight.  If possible keep near a humidifier.
• Once buds begin to display color, use in arrangements or vases.  Adding a floral preservative may help to prolong the blooms.

Suggested branches:  Witchhazel, Forsythia, Cornelian Cherry Dogwood, Crabapple, Redbud, Cherry, Spirea, Rhododendron, Serviceberry

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