4 winter indoor bloomers

1 Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi): They aren't just for Christmas -- many will bloom later (check the plant tag). And these long-lived beauties might even outlive you if cared for properly. Plant in a container with cactus mix (not general potting mix), provide indirect sunlight and be careful not to overwater. Lower the heat and provide 12-16 hours of darkness daily during autumn (stick pots in a closet if you must), and you'll be rewarded with red, orange, yellow, white or pink blooms on arching stems during winter.

2 Cyclamen: Sweetly fragrant blooms will flower all winter long if you keep the plant cool, water from underneath, place in a south-facing window and deadhead regularly. If leaves start turning yellow, chances are the plant is being kept too warm; don't house it above 70 degrees. Cyclamens go dormant after blooming but can be kept from year to year if you stop watering and store them in a cool place. Cut back when all the foliage has browned and resume care in fall, watering only after new growth has emerged.

3 Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides): Keep gardenias nice and warm indoors over the winter, and let them vacation outdoors over the summer to keep their glossy dark leaves vibrant and their super-fragrant, waxy white flowers blooming.

4 Jasmine (Jasminum spp.): For the most fragrance, choose J. officinale (common), J. sambac (Arabian; try "Grand Duke of Tuscany," pictured) or J. polyanthum (pink) species. The vining seasonal bloomers will flower indoors from late winter through early spring, with sporadic repeat blooms likely. Place the plant outdoors over the summer, returning it to a cool, bright, sunny indoor spot once buds set in early fall, and reduce watering during winter.