What’s in Bloom? February at RBG

What Blooms in February?

Note: this is a general guide of what typically blooms this month at RBG. Bloom periods may vary by up to 2 weeks. For the best view of what’s blooming right now at RBG, see the current photos on RBG’s Instagram, or find the “Bloom Watch” section on the What’s in Bloom page.

Spring comes early to RBG Centre with assorted colours of Hellebore, Primula, Crocus, and flowering trees in the Breezeway. Don’t miss this display during your visit to the latest winter exhibit: Nature’s Superheroes. Forced spring bulbs will begin to pop up mid-February throughout the display. Continue through to explore the Mediterranean Garden and the Cacti and Succulent Collection which thrive during these bright winter months.

The Orchid Society Annual Show returns in February, showcasing the beauty and diversity of orchids. Judged by the American Orchid Society, it features orchid displays by societies and growers from across Canada and the USA.

Pictured, left to right: Hellebore, Japanese Pittosporum, Citrus grove, Orchid display, Bird of Paradise

This time of year, many are planning for their garden and starting seeds indoors. A winter walk through Hendrie Park or Rock Garden is a great way to get inspired and find ways to enjoy your garden year-round even after the plants are dormant and covered in snow. If you are new to gardening, interested in growing a greater diversity of plants, or invested in supporting a community of growers, have a look at the seeds we are currently offering through the Seed Library.

At the Arboretum and Rock Garden, witch-hazel cultivars are the first shrubs to flower in the year (Hamamelis ×intermedia, January to April). In the genus Hamamelis (Witch-hazel) we have 81 individual plants represented by 27 different types in our collection.

Plant life slumbers but the nature sanctuaries are still full of life and interest. Long views of the Cootes Paradise landscape and the amazing glacial water carved rolling hills and ravines are available from the George North, Bulls Point, and Pine Point Lookouts on the north shore of Cootes Paradise, and the Sassafras Point lookout on the south shore.

Laking Garden is closed for the season. We eagerly await its spring reopening!

Pictured, left to right: Rose hip, Witch-hazel, Blue holly, dried Panicle hydrangea, Japanese anemone

February Favourites

Plants of Interest in February at RBG

• Orchid display (RBG Centre)
• Spring Breeeway display: Primula, hellebore, crocus
• Citrus Collection (Mediterranean Garden)
• Weeping bottlebrush (Mediterranean Garden)
• African iris (Mediterranean Garden)
• Japanese pittosporum (Mediterranean Garden)
• Aloe (Cacti and Succulent Collection)
• Witch-hazel (Rock Garden, Arboretum)
• Blue holly (Rock Garden)