Choosing Winter Flowering Plants

The frosty winds and piles of snow remind us to stay inside, cozied up where it is safe and warm. The fairy gardens we lovingly tend all year long put on “pause” unless they are moved indoors. We wait and wait for springtime to arrive, bringing with it the chance to putter in the garden once more.

If you live in a part of the country where winter shows its freezing face each year, you know exactly what I am talking about. Though spring always comes, sometimes it can seem like the cold and clouds could last forever. The good news? The temperature does change, eventually. The even better news? There are some plants that, if planted early enough, can add some bright colors and beauty to the yard, even on those longest days of winter. As you consider plants for fall and winter, take a look at this list of some of my favorite winter flowering plants. They may just add some warmth and cheer to those cold and cloudy days.

Winter Flowering Plants

Whether you are planting a winter container garden or filling out your yard with some ground cover plants, there are plenty of options. Here are a few winter flowering plants that add color to the garden. Remember to check your USDA Hardiness Zone before choosing winter plants. Not all winter flowering plants will flourish in every part of the country.

Snowdrops

If you live in a cooler climate, you can take advantage of these gorgeous woodland flowers. Snowdrops are a woodland plant that do best when planted under trees and shrubs. With enough sun, they will grow droopy, raindrop-shaped white flowers that will last from November to early January. Hardiness Zones 3 to 8. 

Winter Aconite

Did you ever think you could grow a yellow flower in the wintertime? These cup-shaped flowers tend to bloom in late winter. If you have a winter container garden with a springlike theme or mood, these will fit the bill! The cheerful flowers resemble buttercups. Hardiness Zones 3 to 7.

Lenten Rose

Also known as Christmas Rose or Helleborus, these shade-loving plants are beautiful and easy to grow. With its big blossoms, Helleborus is eye-catching in pots or in the ground. In warm climates, this evergreen plant does well outside, while in colder climates, it may prefer an indoor winter container garden. Hardiness Zones 4 to 9.

Viola

If you live in a mild climate, violas will bloom all winter long, providing bright colors during the coldest, dreariest moments. These edible flowers love the sun. Contrary to their name, they will grow in a variety of colors, from violet and blue to yellow, cream, and white. If you have experimented with growing pansies in your winter container garden, you should definitely give violas a try. Hardiness Zones 3 to 8.

There you have it. These are a few of my favorite winter flowering plants, but there are so many more! I can’t wait to share even more plants for fall and winter as the weeks progress. As you plan and plant your winter container gardens and yards, stay tuned for more tips and tricks from Miniature Gardening.

Miniature Gardening offers winter flowering plants, accessories, fairies, garden tools & dollhouse furniture to create enchanting miniature landscapes for winter container garden or your yard. Story telling and imaginary fairy garden from 'Miniature Gardening' bring the playful kid out in all of us. Filled with intrigue and mystique each little miniature garden scene you create is a snapshot of such a dream.