Winter doesn’t mean your garden has to appear bare, brown, and depressing. Plenty of winter flowers bloom during the darkest, coldest times of the year, just when you need color the most! Some, such as bulbs, need to be planted in the fall for late winter flowers, while others can be planted in early to late fall before cold weather sets in for the year. Snowdrops and winterberry are obvious choices—they have those names for a reason, after all. Surprising plants like ornamental kale can bring unexpected color and lovely texture to your winter garden. And some varieties of fragrant flowers like camellias and shrubs like witch hazel bloom in the middle of winter.
Many annuals, perennials, bulbs, and flowering shrubs offer winter color that will brighten an otherwise barren landscape. Whether you live in the snowy north or sunny south, there’s a winter flower that will grow in your garden. Just make sure if you’re planting perennials or shrubs that they are suited to withstand winters in your USDA Hardiness zone.
The other thing to remember is that you must plant perennials in the fall so that they can get established at least six weeks before the ground freezes in your area. If you’re not sure when that is, your local university co-op extension service can give you an estimate. Bulbs also must be planted in fall in order to enjoy late winter and early spring flowers.
Ahead, our favorite winter flowers will thrive even when snow still is on the ground. You’ll love watching for them to poke through and signal that spring is around the corner.
Pansies and Violas
Pansies and violas bloom for most of the winter in mild climates, and some types perk back up in the spring in cold climates. They’re technically annuals, but many varieties drop seeds so they’ll pop up again the next spring.
Snowdrops
Also called galanthus, snowdrops must be planted in the fall for a very early spring show. These darling droopy-headed flowers look best at the front of borders or in rock gardens and often start blooming when snow is still on the ground (thus, the name!).
Hellebores
These exquisite perennials are known as Lenten roses because they bloom around the time of Lent in some climates. They appear in mid to late winter, depending on where you live. Despite their delicate appearance, they’re tough as nails.
JOHNATHAN A. ESPER, WILDERNESSCAPES PHOTOGRAPHY//GETTY IMAGESWinterberry
It’s not really a flower, but the bright red berries of winterberry, a type of deciduous holly, make this a must-have for any winter garden. Make sure to buy both a male and female plant (so that pollination occurs) if you want berries.
Lily of the Valley Shrub
This showy plant blooms when least expected in mid to late winter! Hundreds of bell-like flowers dangle from fine stems on this striking evergreen shrub.
Winter Aconite
When you’re weary of winter, these petite flowers appear, often when snow still is on the ground. Their buttercup-yellow blooms are also welcome to early-season pollinators.
WESTEND61//GETTY IMAGESWitch Hazel
This adorable shrub boasts wispy yellow or orange flowers in late winter or very early spring. Their whimsical appearance makes them a fun addition to the landscape. Be sure to plant the winter-flowering variety because there are many different types.
MARTINRLEE//GETTY IMAGESPrimrose
These dainty flowers are some of the earliest perennials to bloom in late winter to early spring, depending on where you live. With hundreds of types, be sure to choose a type of primrose that can survive winters in your USDA Hardiness zone.
ANWARABEE//GETTY IMAGESCamellia
Camellias bloom from late fall to mid spring, depending on the variety. Their huge blooms are reminiscent of roses. Make sure to choose a winter-blooming type that is hardy in your part of the country.
Glory of the Snow
As the name indicates, this charming late winter bloomer appears when snow still may be present on the ground. Plant this bulb in fall for late winter and early spring blooms. Glory of the Snow is best massed for the most impact.