If there ever is a time when you need some colour in your life, it’s those drab, grey winter days. Luckily, while many plants prefer to keep their flowers hidden away until spring, there are some that aren’t put off by the cold. These plants that will flower in winter are a great way to bring some life and colour into your home when icicles start to hang from the eaves.
Published November 5 2018, Updated December 5, 2020
Published November 5 2018, Updated December 5, 2020
Green Living
20 Indoor and Outdoor Plants That Will Flower in the Winter
December 5, 2020
If there ever is a time when you need some colour in your life, it’s those drab, grey winter days. Luckily, while many plants prefer to keep their flowers hidden away until spring, there are some that aren’t put off by the cold. These plants that will flower in winter are a great way to bring some life and colour into your home when icicles start to hang from the eaves.
Published November 5 2018, Updated December 5, 2020
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African Violet (Saintpaulia)
1/20African Violet (Saintpaulia)
1/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
African violets come in a variety of colours, such as purple, pink and white. Native to tropical east Africa, they prefer bright but indirect light. In winter, a sunny east-facing window is the ideal place to keep them. <bR><BR> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/indoor-plants-thrive-low-light-1912891/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Indoor Plants That Thrive on Low Light</a>Green Living20 Indoor and Outdoor Plants That Will Flower in the WinterAfrican Violet (Saintpaulia)
PHOTO 1 of 20READ LESS -African violets come in a variety of colours, such as purple, pink and white. Native to tropical east Africa, they prefer bright but indirect light. In winter, a sunny east-facing window is the ideal place to keep them. <bR><BR> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/indoor-plants-thrive-low-light-1912891/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Indoor Plants That Thrive on Low Light</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Rieger Begonia
2/20Rieger Begonia
2/20Photo Credit: Serres Fortier/FlickrSource: flic.kr
Rieger begonias are a begonia hybrid bred specifically as winter flowering plants. They come in colours like pink, yellow, orange and even deep red. They like bright, indirect light and a bit of extra humidity during winter. <bR><BR> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/the-best-plant-for-every-room-in-your-home-1906809/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Best Plant for Every Room in Your Home</a>Green Living20 Indoor and Outdoor Plants That Will Flower in the WinterRieger Begonia
PHOTO 2 of 20READ LESS -Rieger begonias are a begonia hybrid bred specifically as winter flowering plants. They come in colours like pink, yellow, orange and even deep red. They like bright, indirect light and a bit of extra humidity during winter. <bR><BR> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/the-best-plant-for-every-room-in-your-home-1906809/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Best Plant for Every Room in Your Home</a>Photo Credit: Serres Fortier/FlickrSource: flic.kr
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Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum)
3/20Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum)
3/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Winter jasmine’s Chinese name, yingchun, means “the flower that welcomes spring”. It’s a hardy, frost-resistant plant that will do well in outdoor plant pots, either as a hanging or a climbing plant, as long as it’s in a sunny location sheltered from the wind. The flowers range from white to bright yellow.Green Living20 Indoor and Outdoor Plants That Will Flower in the WinterWinter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum)
PHOTO 3 of 20READ LESS -Winter jasmine’s Chinese name, yingchun, means “the flower that welcomes spring”. It’s a hardy, frost-resistant plant that will do well in outdoor plant pots, either as a hanging or a climbing plant, as long as it’s in a sunny location sheltered from the wind. The flowers range from white to bright yellow.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Winter Heath (Erica carnea)
4/20Winter Heath (Erica carnea)
4/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Also called winter-flowering heather or alpine heath, the winter heath is native to the mountains of Central and Southern Europe. They come in colours such as pink and white and they’re among the hardiest of the outdoor winter plants. Not even snow will deter them. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/how-to-keep-your-plants-alive-while-youre-on-vacation-1927570/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">How to Keep Your Plants Alive While You’re on Vacation</a>Green Living20 Indoor and Outdoor Plants That Will Flower in the WinterWinter Heath (Erica carnea)
PHOTO 4 of 20READ LESS -Also called winter-flowering heather or alpine heath, the winter heath is native to the mountains of Central and Southern Europe. They come in colours such as pink and white and they’re among the hardiest of the outdoor winter plants. Not even snow will deter them. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/how-to-keep-your-plants-alive-while-youre-on-vacation-1927570/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">How to Keep Your Plants Alive While You’re on Vacation</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas)
5/20Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas)
5/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
One of your best options for winter garden plants is the Cornelian cherry, a shrub or small tree in the dogwood family. It blooms in late winter, bringing splashes of yellow to your garden, and has adapted to Canada’s freezing temperatures. A bonus is that in fall, the Cornelian cherry produces tasty fruit.Green Living20 Indoor and Outdoor Plants That Will Flower in the WinterCornelian Cherry (Cornus mas)
PHOTO 5 of 20READ LESS -One of your best options for winter garden plants is the Cornelian cherry, a shrub or small tree in the dogwood family. It blooms in late winter, bringing splashes of yellow to your garden, and has adapted to Canada’s freezing temperatures. A bonus is that in fall, the Cornelian cherry produces tasty fruit.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis)
6/20Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis)
6/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Native to Europe, snowdrops are often regarded as wildflowers in Canada. However, you can plant the bulbs in your garden early in the fall and watch them flower in winter. They’re best planted in groups, for instance along the garden path, for a pretty display among the snow. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/best-online-plant-stores-canada-1939786/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Support Local: The Best Online Plant Stores in Canada</a>Green Living20 Indoor and Outdoor Plants That Will Flower in the WinterSnowdrops (Galanthus nivalis)
PHOTO 6 of 20READ LESS -Native to Europe, snowdrops are often regarded as wildflowers in Canada. However, you can plant the bulbs in your garden early in the fall and watch them flower in winter. They’re best planted in groups, for instance along the garden path, for a pretty display among the snow. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/best-online-plant-stores-canada-1939786/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Support Local: The Best Online Plant Stores in Canada</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Oriental Paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha)
7/20Oriental Paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha)
7/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
One of the best winter plants for B.C.’s milder climate is the Oriental paperbush or Edgeworthia, a shrub native to China. In Japan it’s called mitsumata and its bark is used to make mitsumata paper. It prefers sunny spots and usually produces yellow flowers. However, you may be able to find red varieties too.Green Living20 Indoor and Outdoor Plants That Will Flower in the WinterOriental Paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha)
PHOTO 7 of 20READ LESS -One of the best winter plants for B.C.’s milder climate is the Oriental paperbush or Edgeworthia, a shrub native to China. In Japan it’s called mitsumata and its bark is used to make mitsumata paper. It prefers sunny spots and usually produces yellow flowers. However, you may be able to find red varieties too.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Amaryllis (Amaryllis belladonna)
8/20Amaryllis (Amaryllis belladonna)
8/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The amaryllis is native to South Africa and from the end of December, it produces clusters of flowers, usually white or pink, on a leafless stem. This makes it one of the most beautiful indoor plants to give as a gift for the holidays. You can even make it flower again by digging up the bulb after the flowers have faded, storing it for at least six weeks and then planting it again. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/easy-to-care-for-indoor-plants-1926218/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Easy-to-Care-for Indoor Plants That Go Beyond Succulents</a>Green Living20 Indoor and Outdoor Plants That Will Flower in the WinterAmaryllis (Amaryllis belladonna)
PHOTO 8 of 20READ LESS -The amaryllis is native to South Africa and from the end of December, it produces clusters of flowers, usually white or pink, on a leafless stem. This makes it one of the most beautiful indoor plants to give as a gift for the holidays. You can even make it flower again by digging up the bulb after the flowers have faded, storing it for at least six weeks and then planting it again. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/easy-to-care-for-indoor-plants-1926218/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Easy-to-Care-for Indoor Plants That Go Beyond Succulents</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
9/20Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
9/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The Christmas cactus gets its name from the fact that it usually flowers only once a year, just around the time when Santa Claus is making his rounds. There are six species, all native to Brazil, where they tend to flower in May. They grow best in hanging baskets and are easy to care for.Green Living20 Indoor and Outdoor Plants That Will Flower in the WinterChristmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
PHOTO 9 of 20READ LESS -The Christmas cactus gets its name from the fact that it usually flowers only once a year, just around the time when Santa Claus is making his rounds. There are six species, all native to Brazil, where they tend to flower in May. They grow best in hanging baskets and are easy to care for.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans)
10/20Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans)
10/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
When the lipstick plant starts to bloom, the red buds look like little tubes of lipstick: hence the name. This plant is native to the Malay Peninsula and makes a great hanging plant. It needs humidity and lots of bright but indirect light. The lipstick plant usually blooms in late summer or fall but with a little luck, can also flower in winter. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bedrooms/photos/the-best-bedroom-plants-to-help-you-get-a-better-sleep-1918667/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Best Bedroom Plants to Help You Get a Better Sleep</a>Green Living20 Indoor and Outdoor Plants That Will Flower in the WinterLipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans)
PHOTO 10 of 20READ LESS -When the lipstick plant starts to bloom, the red buds look like little tubes of lipstick: hence the name. This plant is native to the Malay Peninsula and makes a great hanging plant. It needs humidity and lots of bright but indirect light. The lipstick plant usually blooms in late summer or fall but with a little luck, can also flower in winter. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bedrooms/photos/the-best-bedroom-plants-to-help-you-get-a-better-sleep-1918667/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Best Bedroom Plants to Help You Get a Better Sleep</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe sp.)
11/20Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe sp.)
11/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Pronounced something like "kahlunkohee", the kalanchoe is native mainly to Madagascar and the tropical parts of Africa. There are about 125 species of this succulent and the flowers come in a wide variety of colours, including shades of red, pink, orange and yellow. They need full sun and normal room temperatures and are very easy to care for.Green Living20 Indoor and Outdoor Plants That Will Flower in the WinterKalanchoe (Kalanchoe sp.)
PHOTO 11 of 20READ LESS -Pronounced something like "kahlunkohee", the kalanchoe is native mainly to Madagascar and the tropical parts of Africa. There are about 125 species of this succulent and the flowers come in a wide variety of colours, including shades of red, pink, orange and yellow. They need full sun and normal room temperatures and are very easy to care for.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Impatiens (Impatiens sp.)
12/20Impatiens (Impatiens sp.)
12/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Sometimes also called jewelweed, snapweed or touch-me-not, impatiens includes about a thousand species. They’re usually sold as garden plants but don’t tolerate frost, so unless you live in B.C.'s milder climes, you may want to grow them in pots and bring them in during winter. Artificial light during this time will encourage them to bloom. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/hacks-bring-your-dead-plant-back-to-life-1926974/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Hacks That Will Bring Your Dead (or Dying) Plant Back to Life</a>Green Living20 Indoor and Outdoor Plants That Will Flower in the WinterImpatiens (Impatiens sp.)
PHOTO 12 of 20READ LESS -Sometimes also called jewelweed, snapweed or touch-me-not, impatiens includes about a thousand species. They’re usually sold as garden plants but don’t tolerate frost, so unless you live in B.C.'s milder climes, you may want to grow them in pots and bring them in during winter. Artificial light during this time will encourage them to bloom. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/hacks-bring-your-dead-plant-back-to-life-1926974/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Hacks That Will Bring Your Dead (or Dying) Plant Back to Life</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Geranium (Geranium sp.)
13/20Geranium (Geranium sp.)
13/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
With over 400 species, geraniums come in a wide variety of bright colours. Most species are native to the Mediterranean, where they are ubiquitous growing in pots in windowsills. Some species are more tolerant of Canadian winter conditions than others but most grow well when placed in full sunlight in south- or west-facing windows.Green Living20 Indoor and Outdoor Plants That Will Flower in the WinterGeranium (Geranium sp.)
PHOTO 13 of 20READ LESS -With over 400 species, geraniums come in a wide variety of bright colours. Most species are native to the Mediterranean, where they are ubiquitous growing in pots in windowsills. Some species are more tolerant of Canadian winter conditions than others but most grow well when placed in full sunlight in south- or west-facing windows.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Persian Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)
14/20Persian Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)
14/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Native to the Mediterranean, the Persian cyclamen is a cyclamen species that typically blooms in winter. There are different varieties with flowers coming in shades of white, pink and red. Persian cyclamens grow best in sunny windows. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/house-plants-that-help-reduce-humidity-bathroom-1942997/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">House Plants That Help Reduce Humidity in the Bathroom</a>Green Living20 Indoor and Outdoor Plants That Will Flower in the WinterPersian Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)
PHOTO 14 of 20READ LESS -Native to the Mediterranean, the Persian cyclamen is a cyclamen species that typically blooms in winter. There are different varieties with flowers coming in shades of white, pink and red. Persian cyclamens grow best in sunny windows. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/house-plants-that-help-reduce-humidity-bathroom-1942997/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">House Plants That Help Reduce Humidity in the Bathroom</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis)
15/20Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis)
15/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Orchids are notoriously difficult to grow but moth orchids are among the easiest to care for. There are around 60 species and numerous hybrids, so they come in a wide variety of colours. Moth orchids prefer warmer temperatures and humid conditions and they can bloom for as many as six months at a time.Green Living20 Indoor and Outdoor Plants That Will Flower in the WinterMoth Orchids (Phalaenopsis)
PHOTO 15 of 20READ LESS -Orchids are notoriously difficult to grow but moth orchids are among the easiest to care for. There are around 60 species and numerous hybrids, so they come in a wide variety of colours. Moth orchids prefer warmer temperatures and humid conditions and they can bloom for as many as six months at a time.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Flowering Maple (Abutilon sp.)
16/20Flowering Maple (Abutilon sp.)
16/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The flowering maple’s leaves look like tiny versions of the leaf on the Canadian flag but the plant is actually a kind of mallow. Some hybrids of this bushy indoor plant bloom in the warmer months but there are also hybrids that bloom in winter. They like bright light and come in colours like red, pink, orange and yellow. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/weird-plant-tips-for-your-home-and-garden-that-work-1917397/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Weird Plant Tips for Your Home and Garden That Actually Work</a>Green Living20 Indoor and Outdoor Plants That Will Flower in the WinterFlowering Maple (Abutilon sp.)
PHOTO 16 of 20READ LESS -The flowering maple’s leaves look like tiny versions of the leaf on the Canadian flag but the plant is actually a kind of mallow. Some hybrids of this bushy indoor plant bloom in the warmer months but there are also hybrids that bloom in winter. They like bright light and come in colours like red, pink, orange and yellow. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/weird-plant-tips-for-your-home-and-garden-that-work-1917397/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Weird Plant Tips for Your Home and Garden That Actually Work</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
17/20Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
17/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Rosemary isn’t typically grown for its flowers but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t let this culinary stand-by brighten up your winter kitchen. Depending on the cultivar, rosemary flowers can be white, pink, blue, lavender or even violet. This robust plant is best brought in during winter and kept in a pot in the kitchen windowsill, where it can get lots of bright sunlight and the leaves are handy for snipping as you’re cooking those cold-weather roasts.Green Living20 Indoor and Outdoor Plants That Will Flower in the WinterRosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
PHOTO 17 of 20READ LESS -Rosemary isn’t typically grown for its flowers but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t let this culinary stand-by brighten up your winter kitchen. Depending on the cultivar, rosemary flowers can be white, pink, blue, lavender or even violet. This robust plant is best brought in during winter and kept in a pot in the kitchen windowsill, where it can get lots of bright sunlight and the leaves are handy for snipping as you’re cooking those cold-weather roasts.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Hawaiian Wedding Flower (Stephanotis floribunda)
18/20Hawaiian Wedding Flower (Stephanotis floribunda)
18/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The Hawaiian wedding flower is actually native to Madagascar but as its name suggests, it’s a popular flower for weddings. The star-shaped white blooms have a fragrance not unlike that of jasmine. Even though the plant typically flowers in summer, it can produce blooms in winter too if kept indoors in a sunny spot.Green Living20 Indoor and Outdoor Plants That Will Flower in the WinterHawaiian Wedding Flower (Stephanotis floribunda)
PHOTO 18 of 20READ LESS -The Hawaiian wedding flower is actually native to Madagascar but as its name suggests, it’s a popular flower for weddings. The star-shaped white blooms have a fragrance not unlike that of jasmine. Even though the plant typically flowers in summer, it can produce blooms in winter too if kept indoors in a sunny spot.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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String-of-Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
19/20String-of-Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
19/20Photo Credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking/FlickrSource: flic.kr
One of the more unusual indoor plants to grow in a hanging basket is the string-of-pearls, also known as the string-of-beads. It’s a succulent native to dry southwestern Africa, so it’s a hardy, low-maintenance plant. With proper care, it can bloom in winter, with its white flowers giving off a faint scent of cinnamon and cloves: perfect for cold weather! <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/hanging-planters-make-buy-under-75-1940078/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hanging Planters You Can Make or Buy for Under $75</a>Green Living20 Indoor and Outdoor Plants That Will Flower in the WinterString-of-Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
PHOTO 19 of 20READ LESS -One of the more unusual indoor plants to grow in a hanging basket is the string-of-pearls, also known as the string-of-beads. It’s a succulent native to dry southwestern Africa, so it’s a hardy, low-maintenance plant. With proper care, it can bloom in winter, with its white flowers giving off a faint scent of cinnamon and cloves: perfect for cold weather! <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/hanging-planters-make-buy-under-75-1940078/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hanging Planters You Can Make or Buy for Under $75</a>Photo Credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking/FlickrSource: flic.kr
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Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
20/20Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
20/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The festive season would not be the same without bright red poinsettias adding colour to your holiday decorations. The red bits are actually leaves while the flowers are the tiny yellow clusters in the middle. Poinsettia plants prefer bright, indirect light and are best kept away from drafts. <bR><BR> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/plants-child-pet-safe-1913786/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 plants that are safe for children, cats and dogs</a>Green Living20 Indoor and Outdoor Plants That Will Flower in the WinterPoinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
PHOTO 20 of 20READ LESS -The festive season would not be the same without bright red poinsettias adding colour to your holiday decorations. The red bits are actually leaves while the flowers are the tiny yellow clusters in the middle. Poinsettia plants prefer bright, indirect light and are best kept away from drafts. <bR><BR> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/plants-child-pet-safe-1913786/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 plants that are safe for children, cats and dogs</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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