A friend texted me this picture this weekend–she’s forcing paperwhites in these gorgeous vintage silver bowls she inherited from her grandmother. So special! By the time Christmas comes, she’ll have gorgeous flowers in heirloom containers to display.
Paperwhites are a perfect complement to the holiday season. I love how they add a freshness to any holiday decor. Plus, they’re super easy and a very affordable, yet beautiful arrangement.
On a console or buffet…
(as a side note, these “mercury glass” trees were readily available at TJ Maxx and Marshalls last year if you’re looking for some!)
For the mantel…
As a centerpiece…
Or, just in random spots around the house…
It’s not a difficult process–what you put the bulbs in (pebbles or gravel) and water are the two most important aspects of forcing paperwhite bulbs.
1. Once you’ve selected your pot, fill it with a few inches of pebbles (or gravel) and place the bulbs snugly against one another and the container’s walls.
2. Add water up to the base of the bulbs. Make sure you check the water daily–it should remain moist at all times.
3. Wait for them to bloom!
Yes, it’s really that easy. Oh, and remember…size does matter when it comes to bulbs. Bigger the bulb, bigger the bloom!
One issue I have when I plant them in a shallow container is that mine grow so tall that they just end up flopping over. Yes, you can tie a beautiful ribbon around them, but I also read this on Martha Stewart’s site and thought it was interesting: “To rein (paperwhites) in, root the bulbs in gravel with a solution of 1 part rubbing alcohol and 10 parts water. They’ll stop growing at about two-thirds their usual height.”
So, head out right now and get some bulbs! If they don’t bloom by Christmas, well they make a fab New Year’s centerpiece too!
Love paperwhites – have done these for 30 years!