Find Out About Four Different Types Of Paperwhites
Paperwhites are worth having in your home for their beauty and interest during the holidays when most other flowering plants are not available. They are a type of narcissus, typically known for their pretty white flowers that bloom during the winter. The paperwhite gets its name from its papery-looking petals, which make them resemble a piece of paper.
Paperwhite flowers are native to the Mediterranean region of the world. They are grown for their delightful scent and attractive flower clusters. Paperwhites are popular during the Christmas holiday time because they brighten up your home and are very easy to grow indoors. They will not only make your home smell nice, but they also clean the air by removing toxins like formaldehyde from furniture and paint from walls.
In the language of flowers, paperwhites symbolize new beginnings or renewal. They are one of the first plants to bloom in the spring and even sooner if forced indoors.
Planting and Growing Paperwhites
Planting paperwhites is a great way to celebrate the holidays or start the New Year with fresh flowers indoors. They take about 30-40 days to bloom. Just follow these steps:
1. Choose the pot that you want to plant your paperwhites in. The pot should be at least 10 inches tall and 8 inches wide, but it does not need a drainage hole.
2. Place 5-6" of peat moss or a mix of one part soil and two parts peat moss in the bottom of your pot. This provides support for your bulbs, so they don't fall over, and ensures lots of air space around them allowing them to grow well.
3. Place paperwhite bulbs on top in rows, gently pressing them into the soil.
4. Add at least 2 inches of soil on top of the bulbs and make sure it's loose enough so that water can drain through but not so loose that water will seep out without being able to be absorbed into the soil.
Paperwhites tend to perform better in cooler climates. As your paperwhites develop, it will grow towards the light, so rotate the container. They prefer bright indirect sunlight and keep the soil moist but not soggy. If they are in direct sunlight, they will not last as long.
Here are four great paperwhites you can grow:
Inbal – Inbal paperwhites are slightly fragrant. Each stem produces numerous clusters of white flowers. They grow 14-18 inches tall. You can put 4 bulbs in a 6-inch pot. They can also be grown outdoors in hardiness zones 8 and more.
Nir – Nir paperwhites are moderately fragrant and have larger white flowers than other paperwhites. Israel is one of the best producers of these bulbs. These flowers can be grown indoors and outdoors and reach up to 18 inches tall.
Wintersun – Wintersun paperwhites are unique as they have white flowers with a yellow center. They resemble classic daffodils. These flowers have a sweeter scent than other paperwhites. They grow 16-20 inches tall. Like the other paperwhites, these can be grown outdoors.
Ziva – Ziva paperwhites are by far the most popular paperwhite. Ziva paperwhites are more fragrant than other paperwhites. They grow 18 – 22 inches tall. The bulbs typically produce one stem with clusters of 6-8 flowers. These bulbs can also be planted outdoors in warmer climates.
Why not try going some paperwhites this year!
