17 Winter Flowers That Thrive During the Coldest Months of the Year
Plant these flowers for winter color.
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.
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