Patio snow
Fluffy white azaleas and hydrangeas piled in containers resemble snowballs. Forced into flower for the holidays, both plants are sold at nurseries, garden centers, and grocery stores, usually in 6-inch containers ( for store locations). Lightweight fiberglass-clay planters, 16 and 20 in. wide; from $69; or 800/981-9888.
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Icy trio
fills three glazed ivory pots. To finish the frosty look, we covered the potting soil around each plant with glacial blue tumbled glass. Display the pots in full sun, on entry steps or on a patio table. Water regularly. Plommon pot, 5½ in. tall and wide; $3;
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More choice whites: narcissus
Given regular water, these plants can last several weeks in mild climates.
Narcissus: Paperwhites, with perfumed flowers, bloom over a two-week period. Grow the plants in a bright, cool area (in cold-winter climates, display indoors). Sunset climate zones 5-24.
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More choice whites: camellia
Camellia: Bloomers include C. japonica, Nuccio's Gem' (pictured), and cold-hardy hybrids such as 'Polar Ice'. Zones 4-9, 12, 14-24.
Other snowy blossoms include:
Crab cactus (Schlumbergera truncata). 'White Christmas' has flowers with spreading, pointed petals.
Cymbidiums. The long-blooming orchids are among the easiest to grow.
Kalanchoe. Hybrids and named varieties of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana come in various sizes. Tiny flowers grow in tight clusters above succulent green leaves.
Miniature roses. Buds open to small, perfectly formed roses among deep green foliage.
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