Forcing Blooms from Shrubs and Trees Indoors
Forcing branches to bloom in the winter is one of the most rewarding off-season pleasures for gardeners and nature lovers. Flower buds of spring-blooming shrubs and trees are fully formed in autumn. After a long winter's nap, the buds are ready to grow when warmth and moisture are provided. Usually, at least six weeks of cold temperature are required before flower buds awake. You can bring branches indoors for forcing any time after the first of the new year.
Most shrubs have an abundance of buds along the younger shoots. Check for large, plump buds -- these are usually the flower buds, while the smaller ones are leaf buds. Select branches with as many flower buds as possible. Look for "spurs" when collecting from quince or ornamental crabapples, as this is where their flower buds are found. Select shoots with interesting curves and angles. Make a clean cut . Prune the branches you select flush with the trunk or main branch so that no stubs are left.
Shred or mash the cut end of the stem and then soak the branches overnight in room-temperature water. Submerge the whole branch if possible (the bathtub is a good place). The next morning, place the crushed ends in a deep container or pail. Add a piece of charcoal to keep the water sweet, and change the water once or twice a week. Place the container is a cool room to let the buds develop (best temperature is around 60 to 65 degrees). Higher temperatures will speed the buds opening, but the flowers will be smaller and have less color. At this time they do not require light.
As soon as the buds begin to fatten, bring the branches into the light to develop further. Never place them directly in the sun. When the buds are nicely plump and color is becoming evident, remove them from their pails. Create arrangements in vases or containers using other decorative materials such as moss, bark, pine cones, pebbles, etc.
Taller branches look best in tall containers and low bowls are excellent for vertical arrangements. Red Japanese Quince or Pink-Flowering Almond make lovely Oriental arrangements if used with a black flat container. Azaleas look good simply left alone (I impale these on a needlepoint-arrangement holder, set in a shallow container). The arrangement will survive longer if kept in a cool place.
Here is a list of shrubs and some trees that can be forced to flower indoors. (The trees tend to be more stubborn to force than shrubs, and their blossoms may not be as rewarding as those of the shrubs). The numbers indicate the number of weeks they will take to flower.
Buckeye (5), Cherry (4), Cornelian Dogwood (2), Crabapple (4), Deutzia (3), Flowering Almond (3), Flowering Dogwood (5), Flowering Quince (4), Forsythia (1), Honeysuckle (3), Horse Chestnut (5), Lilac (4), Magnolia (2), Pussy Willow (2), Red Maple (2), Redbud (2), Red-Twig Dogwood (5), Spicebush (2), Spiraea (4), Wisteria (3)