The decorations are down, the holidays are past and new year is beginning. After the finery of Christmas, our homes and gardens may look a little blah during these gray January days. Fortunately, you can still add some winter color even after the holidays are past.

Flowering Cacti

A favorite that fits well with our southwestern décor is a winter-blooming flowering cacti. These tropical cactus plants grow well indoors. The name of the cactus gives a hint for its blooming period – Christmas cactus blooms in December and January, while Easter varieties flower in late winter and early spring.

Forced Bulbs

Forcing a few flower bulbs indoors adds instant color. Paperwhites and amaryllis send up flower buds within a few weeks. Tulips, daffodils and hyacinths are other options, although they are bit more finicky to get started.

Poinsettias

If the red poinsettia seems a little too Christmas-like, consider a few white or pink varieties. These will provide color well into February or March and they require very little care. Chances are most nurseries have these on clearance right now since the Christmas season is past, making them a good deal for some winter color.