Have you ever been to the WRAL Azalea Gardens in Raleigh? I’ve only been in the spring to see the azaleas, but I knew they had plants that bloomed at different times of the year. I was in the area a few weeks ago and decided to explore the garden again. (This was before our ice and snow storms.)
There were camellias, hellebores and even a few azaleas with flowers on them. A fall blooming witch hazel and a cherry tree were also in full bloom. It was a nice taste of spring in the middle of January.
I was most excited to see the paper bushes (Edgeworthia chrysantha)! They were scattered throughout the garden. They were full of flower buds getting ready to burst open. I found a couple of flowers, but didn’t see a fully opened bud.
I’ve never seen the fully opened flower in person. I will try to make a point to get down to Raleigh again in February to see these beautiful flowers.
Do you have a paper bush near you?