Contrary to what some individuals with purple thumbs may believe, gardeners work nonstop, even during the winter. It is still possible to plant in the South during December and January, especially in the milder regions. And if you prefer to get a head start or reside in a harsher climate, the winter is the ideal time to prepare for the following year’s garden. This considers sowing seeds in anticipation of a bountiful spring and summer and initiating summer annuals indoors for outdoor planting following the last snowfall in your region.
10 Flowers You Can Plant During The Winter
1. English Primrose (Primula vulgaris)
- Type of plant: Perennial
- Zones 4 to 8
- The lighting condition is partial shade.
- From late winter to early spring is bloom time.
- Spread: 8 to 9 inches wide; 6 to 12 inches in height.
Primroses are frequently sold as houseplants in the spring; however, the following cold-hardy variety can be planted outdoors and bloom in March, illuminating the winter months with its endearing clusters of pale-yellow flowers. It flourishes in moist soil and partial shade, similar to most primroses, which makes it an ideal addition to a woodland garden.
2. Winter Jasmine (Jasmine nudiflorum)
- Type of plant: shrub
- Zones 6 to 10
- From complete sun to partial shade
- Time to bloom: late winter
- Maximum height and width are 15 feet when supported vertically and 4 feet when allowed to extend.
Winter jasmine, which is frequently misidentified as a forsythia due to its brilliant yellow flowers, blooms earlier and its blossoms can persist for up to eight weeks. Additionally appealing, the slender, willowy branches retain their verdant hue throughout the winter. This shrubby vine can be trained to ascend or be grown as a groundcover.
3. Hellebore (Helleborus Spp. and Hybrids)
- Type of plant: Perennial
- Zones 4 to 9
- Partial to complete shading
- Time to bloom: mid- to late winter
- Height and width of up to 24 inches per side
In regions with mild winters, this evergreen perennial, also known as Christmas rose or Lenten rose, begins to bear flowers as early as December. In regions with lower temperatures, the plant frequently withholds the display of its exquisite rose-like blossoms, some of which feature dramatic bi-colored patterns and double petals, until late winter, around the time of Lent.
4. Winter Aconite (Eranthis Hyemalis)
- Type of plant: bulb
- Zones 3 to 7
- From complete sun to partial shade
- Blooming season: February through March
- Spread and height: 3 to 4 inches
Winter aconite, which frequently blooms in conjunction with snowdrops, enlivens the late winter landscape with its cheery yellow blossoms resembling buttercups. Highly suitable for naturalization, these elongated-blooming plants proliferate prolifically via seed dispersal, culminating in a verdant carpet.
5. Camellia (Camellia Japonica)
- Type of plant: shrub
- Zones 7 to 10
- Partial shade protects from the intense afternoon sun.
- Blooming: late winter to midwinter and spring
- Dimensions: 6 to 12 feet in height and width
This beautiful evergreen shrub, often called the Rose of Winter, is a mainstay in Southern gardens. It bears soft rose-like blossoms in various red, pink, or white hues, which commence in December and persist for several months. Although camellias generally require moderate winters to thrive, certain more recent hybrids can withstand temperatures as low as Zone 6. To cultivate an assortment of blossoming varieties from late autumn to midspring, consider planting a blend of early, mid, and late varieties.
6. Crocus (Crocus Spp.)
- Type of plant: bulb
- Zones 3 to 8
- From partial to maximum sun exposure
- From late winter to early spring is bloom time.
- Dimensions: 3 to 6 inches in height and width
This early-blooming bulb indicates that spring is approaching, beginning with the cold-resistant snow crocus and progressing to the more voluminous Dutch hybrids, producing a vibrant display for several weeks. Crocuses of every variety will proliferate without difficulty in the garden, bringing delight year after year.
7. Japanese Pieris (Pieris Japonica)
- Type of plant: shrub
- Zones 5 to 8
- Full sun to moderate shade for exposure
- From late winter to early spring is bloom time.
- 9 to 12 feet in height and 6 to 8 feet in width
Late in the winter, this shade-tolerant evergreen shrub is most aesthetically pleasing when the branches are adorned with clusters of lily-of-the-valley-like blossoms in shades of white, pink, or deep rose. The flowers persist for several weeks, after which new bronze-red leaves arise in the spring, which develop into a glossy dark green maturity. Additionally, there are compact cultivars available for smaller gardens, which attain a mature height of merely 3 to 4 feet.
8. Reticulated Iris (Iris reticulata)
- Type of plant: bulb
- Zones 5 to 9
- Full sun to moderate shade for exposure
- Time to bloom: March
- Spread and height: 3 to 6 inches
This extra-early iris, which is diminutive in size but impressive in effect, resembles its larger relatives in appearance, with its vivid royal blue blossoms featuring unique white and yellow markings. Although it produces the most significant effects when cultivated in large quantities, it gradually occurs naturally. Annual flower consistency can be achieved by planting fresh bulbs in the autumn.
9. Winter Heath (Erica Carnea)
- Type of plant: shrub
- Zones 5 to 7
- Full sun to moderate shade for exposure
- Blooming season: January through March
- Dimensions: 6 to 12 inches in height and width.
This low-growing evergreen shrub, known as snow heath, produces clusters of bell-shaped blossoms that occasionally emerge from snow-covered ground during the winter. It rapidly expands to form a dense carpet of needle-like foliage that is visually appealing throughout the year, making it an exceptional groundcover. Numerous cultivars produce flowers in pink, white, purple, and red hues.
10. Snowdrops (Galanthus Nivalis)
- Type of plant: bulb
- Zones 3 to 9
- Full sun to moderate shade for exposure
- Blooming season: January to March
- Spread: 4 to 6 inches wide; 6 to 12 inches in height.
True to their name, these early-blooming bulbs frequently emerge while snow still falls, providing winter-weary cultivators with fresh air. Snowdrops may bloom in moderate winter climates as early as late January; however, the typical months are February or March. The bulbs multiply over time when left undisturbed and are most effective when planted in naturalistic locations, such as woodland margins.
