The cream and white plants listed below make for good greenhouse specimens in winter.
Common camellia (Camellia japonica ‘Nobilissima’)
Evergreen shrub with glossy leaves that taper to a point. The white peony-like flowers have crowded centers and are shaded with yellow. In the open garden camellia blooms may start to open in early winter and are often damaged by frost, snow or wind, but in a cold greenhouse the flowers can be enjoyed for several weeks in perfect condition. Hardy.
Height: 10 feet (3 m) Spread: 8 feet (2.5 m)
Under glass: Bright light. Soil-based and lime-free (ericaceous) compost.
Outdoor site: Partial shade. Lime-free, humus-rich and moist but well-drained soil.
Use: Containers, conservatory or greenhouse, shady borders or as underplanting for trees.
Coelogyne cristata
Evergreen epiphytic orchid with leathery strap-shaped leaves. Between early winter and spring trailing stems carry up to seven scented flowers that are pure white but for an orange-yellow mark on the lip. Tender.
General care: Do not water in winter. In summer place in bright light and maintain a humid atmosphere.
Height: 12 inches (30 cm) Spread: 2 feet (60 cm)
Under glass: Full light. Soil-less (epiphytic orchid) compost.
Use: Conservatory or greenhouse minimum 50ºF (10ºC).
Jasminum polyanthum
Twining evergreen climber with dark green leaves composed of five to seven leaflets. Under glass the airy sprays of sweetly scented white flowers are borne generously in airy sprigs between late autumn and early spring. Half hardy.
General care: To promote early flowering maintain a minimum temperature of 50ºF (10ºC).
Height: 10 feet (3 m) Spread: 5 feet (1.5 m)
Under glass: Full light. Soil-based compost (John Innes No. 2).
Use: Conservatory or greenhouse minimum 40ºF (5ºC) or as a houseplant.
Paper-white narcissus (Narcissus papyraceus)
Sturdy stems carry up to 10 sweetly scented white flowers in winter. Not fully hardy.
General care: Plant in early autumn with the top of the bulb just showing or set among pebbles in a bowl of water. Keep cool, moist and dark. When shoots are 2 inches (5 cm) long move into full light and gradually increase temperature to 50ºF (10ºC ).
Height: 14 inches (35 cm) Spread: 3 inches (8 cm)
Under glass: Full light. Soil-based compost (John Innes No. 2) or soil-less.
Use: Conservatory or greenhouse minimum 40ºF (5ºC) or as a houseplant.
Odontoglossum crispum
Evergreen epiphytic orchid with a pseudo bulb about 4 inches (10 cm) long that produces two narrow leaves. Usually flowers in late winter and early spring, when an arching stem, up to 2 feet (60 cm) long, carries large glistening white flowers, about 3 inches (8 cm) across and with a colored lip. Tender.
General care: Water sparingly in winter. In summer place in bright light and maintain a humid atmosphere.
Height: 20 inches (50 cm) Spread: 10 inches (25 cm)
Under glass: Full light. Soil-less (epiphytic orchid) compost.
Use: Conservatory or greenhouse minimum 50ºF (10ºC).
Moth orchid (Phalaenopsis amabilis)
Epiphytic orchid with large leaves on a short stem. Arching stems up to 2 feet 6 inches (75 cm) long each carry up to 15 very long-lasting blooms. These are brilliant white with yellow edging to the lip and red markings in the throat. Tender.
General care: Water sparingly in winter but maintain a humid atmosphere all year round.
Height: 12 inches (30 cm) Spread: 2 feet 6 inches (75cm)
Under glass: Bright light. Soil-less (epiphytic orchid) compost.
Use: Conservatory or greenhouse minimum 64ºF (18ºC).
Smokingdrum/iStockphoto
Common camellias are best grown in a greenhouse in winter to prevent frost damage.
