Paperwhites are not just for Christmas! Let me show you how to grow Paperwhites from bulbs pretty in green stoneware for this Saint Patrick’s Day.
We are about 7 weeks out until Saint Patrick’s Day, which falls on March 17th every year. A favorite holiday of mine, being Irish and all. But I’m of the orange Irish descent, as my ancestors were protestants from Northern Ireland. But I still like to embrace both the Irish colors of orange and green on Saint Patrick’s Day.
About Paperwhite Flowers
*In full disclosure, I am not an expert on growing Paperwhites. I am simply sharing today’s post on growing Paperwhites as a lovely home decor idea that you can use in your home for the upcoming Saint Patrick’s Day.
Paperwhite bulbs take about 4-6 weeks to bloom. Therefore, in order to have these beautiful white flowers flourishing for the Saint Patrick’s Day celebration now is the time to start growing your Paperwhites.
Don’t you just love these festive Paperwhites that my friend Rachel, from The Ponds Farmhouse, has on her inspiring green table?
Paperwhites are winter-flowering perennial bulbs with an alluring degree of fragrance. You can pick up Paperwhite bulbs at your local nursery or like me, I chose to order mine direct from Amazon. Just 5 bulbs should give you a beautiful display for the upcoming Saint Patrick’s Day.
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How long do paperwhites last?
Paperwhites are loved for their pretty white blooms that last for about two weeks time. But the green stems can last another few weeks beyond the flowers.
Do paperwhites need to be pruned?
After they have faded you can snip off the white flowers and enjoy the long green stems.
* We love our pets around here, so as a warning, according to the ASPCA, paperwhites can be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested. Please keep Paperwhites out of the reach of your pets!
Vintage Green Stoneware
If you’ve been following along with me, you must be a vintage lover too! So maybe you have a favorite vintage green stoneware bowl or the like lying around? I ordered this one off of Etsy this past fall and am going to use it today to grow my Saint Patrick’s Day Paperwhites.
For more online shopping ideas, check out the post, How to Vintage Shop Online.
How to Grow Paperwhites in a Pot
The best part is it’s super easy to grow Paperwhite Bulbs.
What You Will Need to Grow Paperwhites
- Paperwhite Bulbs (I chose a package of 5 Bulbs)
- Rocks or Pebbles (I used 3 small bags)
- Water
- Green Bowl
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Do paperwhites need soil?
No, they do not, all you will need are stones, rocks, pebbles, and some water! This way you can beautifully use decorative display pieces, like this green stoneware we are using today.
You may also enjoy these Antique Crocks with White Tulips. One of my favorites!
And these paperwhites would be cute as a table centerpiece too. You may enjoy this post, Romantic Antique Table Setting with Thoughtful Design.
- 1. Layer the bottom of your green stoneware bowl with pebbles. Enough so that you can snuggle your paperwhite bulbs right down into them.
- 2. Next, it’s as simple as placing each of the bulbs into the pebbles about a third of the way down.
Each Paperwhite bulb will bloom about 20-60 flowers each.
Therefore with 5 bulbs, I placed the bulbs evenly around the bowl with two in the back, one in the middle, and two in the front.
- 3. Now simply add water to the bowl, just enough to hit the bottoms of the bulbs. Too much water and the bulbs will rot. The roots will grow quickly and reach down into the water as they grow.
You may also enjoy the post, Spring Table Setting Ideas | Green with Envy, and these 12+ Marvelous Ways to Decorate with Green in Home Decor.
- 4. Place your Paperwhite bulbs near sunlight and watch them grow!
Be sure to re-water your bulbs daily, keeping the water at a consistent level.
For more detailed information on growing Paperwhites, visit my go-to article from Better Homes and Gardens.
I wish I could show you how fitting this display of flowers will look on Saint Patrick’s Day right now. But we will both have to be patient together until these beauties bloom. I will update their progress here and over on Instagram stories too, so be sure to follow along.
Drop me a note and let me know if you are going to try this for the upcoming Saint Patrick’s Day.
You may also enjoy the post, Is Your Table Ready for Spring and St. Patrick’s Day?
Paperwhites in Time for Saint Patrick’s Day
My first batch of bulbs did not take and I had to start a new batch that I purchased locally. They developed roots right away and are growing daily now. Do you think they will make it in time for Saint Patrick’s Day, March 17th?
I’m so glad you dropped by, and if you are new to my blog, welcome! I hope you enjoyed your visit with us here today at our Home in Vermont.
Be sure also to check out our Home in Coastal Maine where we spend summers and weekends when we are craving a walk on the beach or a visit with old friends.
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Ann,
First, thanks for sharing my paperwhites. Second, I have a very similar green bowl and I may transfer my paperwhites for the summer. What a great idea.
Thanks Rachel, your Paperwhites were perfect for this post!
Love this idea, Ann! I just got rid of my Christmas paperwhites! I look forward to seeing them grow!
Thank you Molly. I love the green bowl and thought the Paperwhites would be fun to grow this time of the year.
Love paper Whites but can’t have them because of cat😡
Oh yes, we definitely need to be careful with them. That’s why I put a warning on the post. I’m glad you liked the idea though:)
LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. this idea. I’m heading out to get some paper white bulbs TODAY!!!! Thank you!
LOL, I’m thrilled Kathy. They’re going to look so pretty!