The 10 best winter flowers that bloom in wintertime
As November rolls around, many gardens start to look sad, dead and brown. If you plan ahead, you can plant botanicals in the fall before the first hard freeze.
Flowers that grow in winter may seem like an oxymoron to you, but it is true even if they are few and far between. Bursting through the snow, your winter flowers will bring you joy during seasonal depression. To begin your winter garden, check out our list of 10 beautiful and winter-blooming flowers so that you can have a bright and beautiful season of snow.
Below you will find that we have listed the hardiness zones of the winter plants as well. A plant's hardiness zone range is based on how resilient that plant is in certain climates. Check out what hardiness zone you reside in so you know what plants will grow well and with the least amount of maintenance where you live.
Photo by Aaron Burden
1- Snowdrop
Snowdrops, known to the scientific community as Galanthus nivalis, are, if planted in late fall, going to be some of the first winter blossoms you’ll see. The legend goes: these will be the first flowers to welcome in the new year as the flowers can blossom anywhere between late November to early January. The soft, white petaled flower droops down like a drop of rain. For the best effect, grow snowdrops in clusters.
Hardiness zone: 3 to 8
Photo by Tavdina Lytvyn
2- Lenten Rose
One of the most resilient, easy winter flower to grow is lenten roses. Lenten roses go by many other names, such as hellebores. No matter if you live in a mild winter climate or one where the ground may freeze, the lenten rose can find the right conditions to grow it’s magnificent, spiraled flower. Pinks, purples, whites, the flower blooms will create a beautiful contrast against snow as they bloom anywhere between early January and late March, depending on the climate.
Hardiness zone: 4 to 9
Photo by Illiya Vjestica
3- Holly Bush
The little red berries are probably the most notorious snow plant in existence. These bushes add that Christmas red to the winter scene. While holly bushes aren’t technically a blooming flower and they don’t bloom until early spring, the red berries that pop up against the holly leaves may be that spot of color you are looking for this winter. If you are trying to get as many berries as possible during winter, be sure to get a male pollinator shrub as well.
Hardiness zone: 5 to 9
Photo by Annie Spratt
4- Camellia
Known as the “queen of winter flowers”, the camellia is one of the most beautiful flowers and not just of winter. Camellias have sophisticated layerings of petals that all lead to the center and have an almost hypnotic effect when you look into them. The flowers are most often found in red and pink shades. The camellia’s, being the queens that they are, can be a little difficult to maintain, from soil to sun. However, if you’re willing to put in the time, you will not be disappointed in this gorgeous winter flower.
Hardiness zone: 6 to 10
Photo by Annie Spratt
5- Witch Hazel
It may have a more Halloween-esque name, but the witch hazel belongs to the winter season. These winter flowers are yellow with deep, wine-purple centers. While the witch hazel flowers are small and delicate, twisting and turning like a witch’s nails might, but the tree from which the blossom is built from hard wood that can grow quite a few feet in height.
The best part about these winter plants is that they bloom as late as December.
Hardiness zone: 4 to 8
Photo by Nichiiro
6- Violet & Pansy
Violets and pansies, part of the viola family, have small flowers, but bold colors, and when put together in tight clusters, your winter garden will bloom as if spring came three months early. Violas need a lot of sun and they can survive all year in mild climates, such as California or Florida The biggest draw to these winter flowers is that violas come in so many different colors, are small, and easy to maintain. A part of these winter plants that you or any young children in your life will enjoy is that to prolong the bloom period, pick the flowers that have already flowered.
Hardiness zone: 3 to 9
Photo by Mabel Amber
7- Aconite
Winter aconites resemble the wild buttercups you may have found in your backyard and are just as small as you remember them to be. Winter aconites are yellow and grow better the harsher the winter so you’ll be sure to see these bright yellow blooms burst up through a thin layer of snow. Don’t plant these plants if you have kids or pets that may try and nibble on the garden as they are mildly poisonous, but otherwise, the winter aconite will make a fine addition to your yard.
Hardiness zone: 4 to 7
Photo by Alexas Fotos
8- Jasmine
With six delicate petals, the yellow flowers of the winter jasmine make the perfect entryway plant to your house. They are warm and welcoming, something much needed during a harsh winter. Winter jasmine can withstand really cold temperatures and are fairly low maintenance. The only thing you should really worry about is pruning these bushes as they can get quite tall. The cold season is without flowers, but this breed of jasmine prefers to bloom in early winter, from late December to early January.
Hardiness zone: 6 to 8
Photo by Brian Clark
9- Honeysuckle
While the honeysuckle you may find in your backyard blooms in spring, there is a breed, the winter honeysuck so aptly named, that blooms in the dead of winter. These honeysuckles do not well in wet conditions, but otherwise, the winter honeysuckle will make a fine addition to your cold season garden, even at the most brutal temperatures. Look for the bloom as early as November. You might notice the lemon-like scent before you even see the bloom.
Hardiness zone: 4 to 8
Photo by ZdenÄ?k MacháÄ?ek
10- Iris
The Algerian iris blooms as early as Thanksgiving and it has some of the deepest hues, from lavender purple to an indigo blue. This winter iris is a diva among flowers in looks, but when it comes to taking care of them , it is extremely easy-going as it is drought-resistant and can withstand so fairly chilly winter temperatures. If you’re looking for a flower that is easy to grow and will set your winter garden apart from your neighbors, the Algerian iris should be your top pick.
Hardiness zone: 7 to 9
Photo by Jill Wellington
Check your local forecast to know what kind of winter you’ll be having to know which plants you can grow during the winter to ensure you have the most enviable and beautiful winter garden during the frosty months of the year.
As winter ushers in spring, it’s never too early to start thinking ahead. There are many great spring plants and flowers that can extend the beauty into another season.
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