Japan's Winter Flowers

One of the not-so-obvious features of Japan is that even in winter it continues to bloom. While most people associate Japan primarily with spring cherry blossoms, the cold season reveals a more calm, reserved and contemplative look of the country.

Sakura has become a global symbol of Japan, but Japanese flora is much more diverse: there are species that bloom in winter or early spring.

In Japan, January and February belong to other plants. At this time you can see flowering camellias, or tsubaki, with their dense, like wax-covered petals. Simultaneously begins to bloom plum - ume, the flowering of which has long been considered a symbol of a new beginning and renewal of the life cycle.

The winter landscape complements the blooming aloe. Its elongated inflorescences with bright red or orange flowers appear unexpectedly and especially spectacularly stand out against the background of the cool, restrained winter palette.

In addition, winter in Japan is the time of citrus fruits. Bright fruits hanging on the branches become part of the natural landscape and create an expressive contrast with the clear air and calm colors of the season, reminding that even winter here is filled with life.