17 Winter Flowers That Will Thrive During the Coldest Months of the Year

Winter Flowers That Will Thrive During the Coldest Months of the Year

As soon as spring rolls around, gardeners everywhere head outside with new bulbs and tools in hand. However, gardening doesn’t have to be a warm weather-specific hobby because there are plenty of winter flowers that thrive in the cold. That’s right, even when the temperatures fall below freezing and a thick blanket of snow covers the ground, some flowers can grow tall. Many perennials, annuals, and shrubs actually bloom during the coldest months of the year.

So if you’re looking to break out your gardening gear or to try out your green thumb for the first time, there’s no need to wait until May. We’ve done some digging and rounded up 17 floral species that prefer winter over spring. Everything from pansies to black tulips would also make for a beautiful pop of color against the bright white snow. 

We also offer some helpful tips to keep them alive and well. Note: Perennials and shrubs need to be planted before the ground freezes to establish their roots. In mild climates, you can plant hardy annuals like pansies for much of the winter. So without further adieu, we bring you our favorite winter flowers.

Pansies

Pansies and violas bloom for most of the winter in mild climates, and some types will rebound in the spring in cold climates. They're technically annuals, but many varieties drop seeds so they'll come back again 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!).

Daffodils

These sunny little flowers are usually the first ones to crop up in the early spring, but sometimes they can grace your yard as early as February. For the best results, plant your bulbs at least three weeks before the expected first frost. This will give the daffodils enough time to grow a strong root base.

Hellebores

These gorgeous perennials, also known as Lenten roses because they bloom around the time of Lent, appear in mid to late winter, depending on where you live. Despite their delicate appearance, they're tough as nails.

Black Tulips

Black tulips, also known as Queen of the Night tulips, are the perfect moody winter flower. While tulips are usually associated with spring, they are actually pretty resilient and can withstand cold temperatures, so if you're in a milder climate or feel up to the challenge, it's worth planting these for a late winter/ early spring bloom (they need 8 to 15 weeks in the ground, so plant them during the fall).

Winter Berries

This shrub is a deciduous holly, meaning it drops its leaves in winter. But its gorgeous berry-laden branches pop against a carpet of snow. Make sure you also purchase the "male" pollinator plant so it will produce berries.

Winter Jasmine

This medium-sized shrub has long, arching branches and bright yellow flowers. It's not fragrant, but it is striking in the otherwise dull landscape of late winter.

Pieris

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

These lesser-known bulbs have buttercup-yellow blooms that boldly pop up through the snow! Plant them in masses for the best effect.

Cyclamens

This flower is often sold as a houseplant, but in mild climates, cyclamens in shades of pink, white, lavender, and fuchsia are used as a cheerful ground cover. They prefer winter sun and summer shade, so plant them beneath deciduous trees.

Witch Hazel

This shrub boasts wispy-looking flowers on bare branches in February or March, long before much else is going on in your garden. 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

English Primroses

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 one that can survive winters in your USDA Hardiness zone.

Camellias

These gorgeous evergreen shrubs have lush white, pink, or red flowers that bloom from fall through winter. With hundreds of varieties, read the plant description or label to make sure you choose one that will bloom in winter.

Glory of the snow

As the name indicates, these little beauties may peep through the snow in the coldest climates. They come in starry blues, pinks, and whites. Plant in rock gardens or at the front of the border.