What you’ll learn:
In this piece, we’re digging into a few topics that will come in handy as fall turns into winter:
- Which flowering plants can stand up to winter weather
- How to choose flowers that suit your growing zone
- Tips for gardening during the winter
- Experienced gardeners’ secret to successful winter gardening
Who says you have to wait for spring to enjoy vibrant, beautiful blooms? Though plenty of plants tend to save their flowers for early spring and summer, you might be surprised at just how many plants truly blossom during the winter months.
This winter, you can surround yourself with plants that aren’t put off by cold weather or shorter days – which means that both your garden and your home can be overflowing with color and life despite the dropping temperatures. Some plants thrive during winter, making it the perfect time of year to cultivate varieties that may be new to you.
If you’d like to keep the joy of gardening alive and well through the winter, we’ve created a useful guide to the best flowers for the chilliest time of year.
Which plants flower in winter?
Are you ready to experience the joy of bright, colorful blooms this winter? Here’s everything you need to know about how to enjoy outdoor plants that flower during this season.
First, find out which of the USDA growing zones you’re located in.
Credit: www.oregonstate.edu, copyright 2012.
If you’re wondering which flowers bloom in winter, you’ll first need to know which hardiness zone you live in. Even neighboring regions can be dramatically different in terms of winter conditions, which has a significant effect on the plants that can successfully survive there.
The United States Department of Agriculture provides a free map of the U.S. hardiness zones, which you can use to pinpoint which flowers grow in winter where you live. First, you’ll need to pinpoint your location, then check the corresponding zone. Make a note of this zone map to refer to it as you make your plans (we’ve included zone details with each of our suggested flower varieties).
Then, consider your winter garden wish list
One of the most enjoyable aspects of growing is the creative control you have over the color, size, and overall look of each plant you buy. Whether you’re working with a small collection of pots, outdoor beds, or even just your existing landscaping, you get to decide exactly what you want to create.
Before you start shopping for blooming plants for winter, try to pin down your vision by asking yourself some of the following questions:
- What colors do you hope to see?
- Do you prefer low-growing plants, climbing varieties, or ones that can grow to considerable heights?
- How much work/maintenance are you willing to do?
- In the area where your plants will be, what is the sun exposure like?
Keep your answers to the above questions in mind as you browse our list of the best flowers in winter.
Finally, choose your plants
Here are our top picks for winter-friendly flowering varieties that will add extra cheer to the season.
- Crocus: From late winter to early spring, these cheerful purple flowers will brighten your garden beds, pathways, and even rock gardens. You can even see them peeking through the snow to open their cup-shaped blooms! (USDA Zones 3 to 8)

- Leucojum: With a nickname like “spring snowflake,” it’s no wonder that this dainty plant is a winter favorite. Even on the snowy ground, the bell-shaped, white flowers will appear on the plant’s thin foliage. (USDA Zones 3 to 9)

- English Primrose: The majority of primrose varieties bloom in spring and summer, but the English primrose begins to flower in winter. They don’t need full sun, making them ideal for shady driveways and paths. The flowers can come in a veritable rainbow of colors, including yellow, red, pink, blue, and orange. (USDA Zones 3 to 8)

- Viola: Violas are one of the most recognizable flowers at any time of year, with deep purple petals that you’ll see from late fall through most of the winter. They’re annuals, but tend to drop lots of seeds, so don’t be surprised if they make a repeat appearance come spring. (USDA Zones 4 to 9)

- Camellia: Fragrant and stunning, the camellia’s blooms show up just in time to inspire extra holiday cheer. Many gardeners opt to place camellias near frequently-traveled walkways to make the most of their lovely scent. (USDA Zones 7 to 9)

- Hellebores Niger: Also known as the Christmas rose, this unique flowering plant is an incredibly hardy one. Despite the delicate-looking blooms, it is actually a reasonably easy-to-grow addition to your garden. (USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9)

- Winter Aconite: You can’t miss the cheerful pop of color that these yellow flowers bring to a snowy landscape! If you often find yourself struggling with snack-happy deer and rodents, you’ll be glad to hear that this is one plant that doesn’t appeal to their taste buds. (USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 7)

- Pieris Japonica: The cascading bell-like flowers of this evergreen shrub make for a stunning addition to your outdoor space, especially because they last for weeks on end. One plant’s light pink flowers can easily number into the hundreds. (USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 8)

- Winter Heath: Even late winter can be full of flowers when you have winter heath in your garden. Dozens of pink blossoms cover this evergreen, typically reaching their peak from January to March. (USDA Hardiness Zones 6 to 8)

Don’t Forget to Give Your Winter Garden Every Advantage
Even if you live in a fairly moderate climate, winter’s changing weather can throw many plants for a loop. And while many varieties can stand up to harsh temperatures, you’ll still need to make sure you do everything possible to help them stay healthy.
Adding Harvest Gold Premium Soil Conditioner to your go-to gardening supplies is the secret to year-round success. We’ve crafted a one-of-a-kind organic, mineral-rich soil additive that can be used for indoor and outdoor plants, offering a myriad of benefits. By strengthening the existing soil structure, boosting resilience against temperature shifts, and nurturing outstanding foliage and flower growth, Harvest Gold Premium Soil Conditioner will completely transform your winter garden for the better. And if you’re hoping to succeed with flowers that bloom in winter, why not make sure you give your garden the very best?
Harvest Gold Premium Soil Conditioner is the not-so-secret key to becoming a skillful gardener, without requiring you to master complex soil mixtures, changing weather patterns, and other common gardening challenges.
Unearth the Hidden Potential of Winter Flowers
Don’t let another dismally drab winter pass you by – especially not where there are dozens of winter blooms that can help you weather the cold season. With Harvest Gold Organics, you can be confident that you’re setting your garden up for success – no matter what time of year it is. Shop Harvest Gold Premium Soil Conditioner or follow us on Twitter for more information about how our product can help you grow your gardening skills.