Types

• Inexpensive winter flowers include the herbaceous perennial carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus), the cold hardy annual pansy (Viola x wittrockiana) and the perennial shrub fruit sage (Salvia dorisiana). Carnations are indigenous plants to Eurasia. Pansies are native to England. Fruit sage originates from Honduras.
  
  

Identification

• Carnations are 6 to 18 inches tall with grayish-green leaves. The ruffled petals develop on upright stems in colors of pink, white, red, yellow and salmon. Pansies have medium green coarse leaves and form heart-shaped flowers with five petals. The flower has a wide assortment of colors, like yellow, blue, red, bronze, pink, black, purple and orange. Fruit sage has heart-shaped, lime green leaves with a fruit punch fragrance. The large showy flowers have a magenta hue.
  
  

Growing Conditions

• Carnations produce flowers in the winter in warmer climates. They thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with full sun. Pansies are versatile year-round bloomers in warm climates and enjoy sunny locations with well-draining soil. Fruit sage requires full sun and mild climates, since it is not a hardy plant.