winter-blooming shrubs

I am trying to write an article on winter-blooming shrubs. These shrubs must bloom in areas that get frost (Zone 7). All I can think of is hellebores and witch hazels. Are there any shrubs that will do this? I'd appreciate any help I can get. I have posted this request in the perennial forum, too.

There is a little shrub growing in a National park area locally I have'nt been able to identify that has small, fragrant flowers in February. I'll try to find it, but you may want to do a search with ForestFarm as they carry a large variety of shrubs. The unidentified shrub I mentioned looks a lot like a honeysuckle (Lonicera), but I don't know if any of those bloom in winter. Good luck, Neal.

I think this is it. http://www.forestfarm.com/search/closeup.asp?PlantID=lofr065

Thanks so much. It was harder to find winter-blooming shrubs than perennials and bulbs. There is no picture there, however, do you know where I can view it?

Woodspirit1: Many camellias are winter blooming. Camellias start blooming in September and go until late spring - depending on the species. They are beautiful evergreen shrubs and some of them will survive in zone 6 and even Zone 5, I think. You can find out a lot more by checking with Camellia Forest or Greer Gardens. Both are in the Plant Files. Dotti

How'z about Viburnum x bodnantense 'Dawn'. It's a vase-shaped shrub that is semi-evergreen here that has blooms through the winter months sparatically. http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/64304/index.html

I've always liked to place it on a design at an entrance or viewed from a window for winter affect.

You may also like Jasminum nudiflorum (Winter Jasmine) in a planting where it is able to grow downwards.
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/2346/index.html

Have you thought of Sarcococca? The bloom at the coldest/wetest time of the year (gloom). The fragrance is delightful!
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/60785/index.html

I know a few gardens that have Grevillea victoria that blooms from now until February with red blooms on evergreen foliage. I'm not sure if it's hardy in your area.
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/92834/index.html

I hope I've given you some leads for your article. I'll try and think of more later.
Mike

woodspirit1, here's the link for images of Lonicera fragrantissima http://images.google.com/images?q=Lonicera+fragrantissima&hl=en&btnG=Search+Images.

Heaths and Heathers....PJM rhododendrum blooms very late winter

Other choices in winter blooming shrubs are Corylopsis (Winter Hazel), Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry), Daphne mezereum (February Daphne) and Chimonanthus (Wintersweet). Classifying PJM as winter blooming is pushing it I think....Rhododendron dauricum blooms earlier than PJM. Heaths certainly can bloom in late winter in the right climate but not heathers. And there is Viburnum farreri as well.

I stand corrected about the Heaths Todd..but my PJM really does bloom in mild winters BEFORE March 21st (which is still winter).

Great suggestions Todd. I'd also suggest "winter affect" plants that may not necessarily have the blooms.

I found this list which might be helpful: http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/winterplantlist.html

I really like Garrya elliptica 'James Roof', Stachyurus praecox and my parents large Corylus avellana 'Contorta' for masses of catkins puts on a great show. Callicarpas for purple berries, some of the Cotoneasters and Pyracantha for fruit, and of course early blooming Forsythia. I certainly like the winter affect of Stewartia bark. I really like Todd's suggestion of Corylopsis. Abeliophyllum (White Forsythia) blooms very early (March).

Hope this helps.

Levilyla, my PJM doesn't bloom until mid-May! Your in a different world than me! Rhododendron dauricum can bloom by late April in a good spring, so I guess that one would bloom in early march in your area. Another additional plant for winter interest would be Skimmia japonica...it probably blooms late winter in mild areas, but again, it's May before it flowers locally. Certainly, its berries are attractive all winter.

I am amazed. I can't thank all of you enough. The viburnum looks like a good bet for me. And that Grevillia is to die for. I wonder if it can be bought in the U.S. I did mention the heaths in the article and things that are attractive but not necessary blooming like red-twig dogwood, mahonia, Harry Lauder's Walking Stick.
The article discussed plants that look good during the fall color season. Here is some wild solomon's seal on my property. I love the way the center turned yellow first and the edges remained green. Can you see the black berries dangling underneath?