Think winter means a dull garden?
Think again!
There are plenty of beautiful plants that bloom in the cold months.
Discover 25 gorgeous flowering plants that thrive in winter.
Ready to brighten up your garden?
Let’s explore these winter wonders!
1. Christmas Cactus

If you’re in USDA zones 9 through 11, your Christmas cactus can stay outdoors all year. In cooler regions, it’s best to keep this plant indoors, but feel free to place it outside during the warmer months. It loves bright, indirect light and can grow up to 12 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Its lovely blooms typically appear in December and January, adding a festive touch to your space.
Light Needed: Bright, indirect
Height: Up to 12 inches
Width: Up to 24 inches
2. Lenten Rose
The Lenten Rose, part of the Hellebore genus, thrives in zones 4-9. Despite its name, it’s not actually related to roses. You’ll see its beautiful blooms in late winter, right before Easter. This period, known as Lent, is where it gets its name. The blooms come in various hues, adding vibrant colors to your garden. They reach up to 24 inches tall and 30 inches wide, fitting well in any garden setting. A key highlight is their ease of maintenance, making them a favorite for gardeners of all skill levels.
3. Glory Of The Snow
Glory of the Snow thrives in Zones 3-8, and you can plant it in part sun. The plant reaches up to 6 inches tall and 2 inches wide.
When the first blossoms appear, you know spring is near. This perennial is among the earliest bloomers. It features tiny star-shaped blooms with blue petals and white centers. For variety, consider adding pink types to create a spectacular, long-lasting display that reappears each year.
4. Poinsettia
Poinsettias thrive in zones 9 through 11 and prefer bright indirect light. They can reach up to 10 feet tall and 7 feet wide. Although they’re most popular around Christmas, they can be enjoyed year-round.
If you’re in the right zones, you can plant them directly in your garden. Otherwise, they do well in containers indoors. While the classic red blooms are common, don’t overlook the beautiful yellow, white, and variegated varieties. These vibrant plants are a fantastic choice for adding festive color to your home.
5. Amaryllis
Amaryllis thrive in zones 7 to 10 and grow best in full to part sun. These festive plants can reach up to 2 feet tall and 12 inches wide. They’re loved for their easy care. Place your Amaryllis in a well-lit spot and water it occasionally. Once the blooming season is over, you can move it to your outdoor garden. Expect it to return each year with minimal effort.
6. Scilla
Scilla plants are a great addition to your winter garden. They thrive in zones 4-8 and can handle conditions ranging from full sun to shade. Although they can grow in shaded areas, they flourish best under full sunlight. You’ll find Scilla growing up to 6 inches tall and wide.
One of the perks of planting Scilla bulbs is that they multiply every year, enriching your garden without extra cost. Plant them in the fall, and you’ll have a wonderful display by winter.
7. Viola
Meet the charming Viola, a garden favorite that you can enjoy from Zone 4 to 9. It thrives in full to part sun and reaches up to 12 inches in height and width. Known for its long blooming season, the Viola can also reseed in warmer areas, giving you more blooms for less effort.
Plant your Violas as soon as the ground thaws if you live in a colder region. These flowers are tough. Even if squirrels nibble on them, they’re quick to bounce back.
8. Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel thrives in zones 3-8 and enjoys full to part sun. It can grow up to 20 feet in height and width. You might recognize it from cosmetic products, known for its various benefits. This shrub offers winter gardens a touch of color with its unusual light yellow, fragrant blossoms. The thin petals add a unique charm, making it ideal for fall planting.
9. Pieris
Pieris is perfect for your garden, especially in Zones 4-8, with its ability to grow up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide. Full to part sun is ideal for this plant. You’ll love its large foliage which grows in a spiral pattern on the stems. The leaves range in color from red to yellow.
The bell-shaped blossoms of Pieris, appearing in green or white, are a treat in late winter. Once they fade, small fruits emerge, giving your garden a unique look. Partially shaded spots and some protection from high winds will help this plant thrive.
10. Primrose
Primrose is a lovely choice for your winter garden, thriving in zones 4-8 with partial shade. These evergreens can grow up to 20 inches tall and wide, making a striking visual impact. Their vibrant blossoms are found in red, purple, orange, and white. Even though they handle cold pretty well, they may go dormant if it gets too chilly. Don’t fret; they’ll perk up once it warms again.
11. Pansies
Pansies, often recognized from Alice in Wonderland, are charming additions to your winter garden. Thriving in USDA zones 4-10, they can grow up to 12 inches tall and wide. These beautiful flowers love full sun. If you’re in a warmer climate, enjoy their vibrant blooms from fall through spring. In cooler zones, expect the first blooms as spring begins.
12. Snowdrops
Snowdrops are a great addition to your garden, especially if you live in zones 3-7. These delightful flowers thrive in part shade and don’t mind the cooler weather. They grow up to 10 inches tall and 6 inches wide.
In winter gardens, you’ll find them multiplying quickly because they produce many offsets that turn into clumps, making them a perfect choice for adding beauty and attracting wildlife.
13. Winter Heath
Winter heath adds vibrant color to your garden with its purple, bell-shaped flowers. These blossoms, appearing in December and January, are a favorite among pollinators. The plant reaches up to 12 inches in height and spreads about 18 inches. Grown best in zones 5-7, it prefers full sun and loose, acidic soil. Resistant to squirrels and effortless to maintain, winter heath makes an excellent addition to any sunny garden spot.
14. Daffodil
Daffodils thrive in zones 3-9 and prefer full to part sun. These beauties can reach up to 30 inches in height and 12 inches in width. Plant the bulbs in the fall, and they’ll settle in nicely by March. Their fragrant, delicate blossoms come in lovely shades of orange, white, and yellow. A great choice for low-maintenance gardening!
15. Calendula
Calendula thrives in Zones 9 through 11 and grows up to 12 inches tall and wide. Plant it in part sun for best results. You’re not just limited to admiring its beauty; use Calendula to dye cloth, make tea, or create skin products. Plus, it attracts pollinators to your garden. Enjoy blooms in early winter if you live in cooler areas, or all winter in warmer climates. Remember to regularly deadhead your Calendula to keep it blooming longer and encourage healthy growth.
16. Dutchman’s Breeches
The Dutchman’s Breeches plant thrives in zones 3-8 under full or partial sun. Reaching up to 1 foot tall and wide, it’s a compact addition to your garden. This plant features fern-like foliage and distinctive white blooms in the spring. While it blooms seasonally, it looks great year-round. It’s easy to take care of and goes dormant once its flowers have faded, only to spring back to life as the weather warms.
17. Cyclamen
Cyclamen is great for adding color to your winter garden. Their flowers bloom from late fall through winter, making them a perfect choice for colder seasons. Aim for Zone 5-8 if you’re planting them outdoors. They prefer bright indirect light. These plants grow up to 9 inches tall and wide, giving them a modest footprint in your garden.
Remember to pick cold-hardy varieties. Many Cyclamen species don’t do well in the cold and are usually found as houseplants. Plant them in quick-draining soil and avoid frequent watering to keep them happy.
18. Winter Aconite
Winter aconites are your go-to if you love yellow blooms. These early bloomers thrive in Zones 4-7 and prefer full sun. They can grow up to 6 inches tall and wide. You’ll find them in woodlands originally, and they tend to form clumps. While they do die back in the summer, they’ll make their return come spring.
19. Distylium
Distylium thrives in Zones 7-9, needing full to part sun. Reaching heights of up to 10 ft. and spreading about 8 ft., it’s perfect for a range of garden spaces. These plants have gained attention recently, especially during winter when they burst into a plethora of tiny red blooms.
Coppertone and other varieties offer alluring coppery-red foliage, adding vibrant colors to your garden. Distylium stands out for its ability to grow in various soil types and its resistance to pests and diseases, making it a hardy choice for any garden enthusiast.
20. Mahonia
Mahonia thrives in zones 6-9 and enjoys full to part sun. You’ll love its glossy foliage and vibrant yellow blooms in late winter. The plant can grow up to 12 ft. tall and 10 ft. wide, making it a stunning addition to your garden. While it can handle full sun, you should provide some shade for it to truly flourish.
21. Crocus
Crocus is ideal if your garden needs more pollinators. These plants need a cold period before blooming, so plant them in the fall. They thrive in well-draining soil and spread quickly, making your winter garden beautiful each year. Crocuses grow best in full sun and can reach up to 6 inches tall and 3 inches wide. Perfect for zones 3-8.
22. Winter Jasmine
Need a winter plant for privacy and beauty? Winter jasmine is a great choice. Thriving in zones 6-10 and requiring full to part sun, this plant can grow up to 4 feet tall and spread 7 feet wide. Its yellow blooms brighten even the gloomiest winter days.
Though it lacks the fragrance of classic jasmine, it’s equally stunning. Be vigilant about mealybugs and aphids; if spotted, treat your Winter jasmine with insecticidal soap or neem oil solution.
23. Camellia
Camellias are tough evergreen shrubs, often called Winter roses. These plants can reach up to 14 feet tall and 7 feet wide. You’ll love the abundant blooms they produce in the fall and winter, adding color to your garden. While most varieties thrive in USDA zones 7-10, some can also do well in zone 6, making them quite versatile.
- Zones: 7-10
- Sunlight: Part sun
- Height: Up to 14 ft
- Width: Up to 7 ft
24. Spring Starflower
Spring starflower thrives in Zones 5-11 and enjoys part sun. This charming plant reaches up to 6 inches both in height and width. It displays delicate periwinkle blooms that gracefully fade to white at the center. The blooms and leaves are fragrant and resist pests and diseases, making it perfect for novice gardeners.
25. Daphne
Daphne is a real gem for your garden, growing up to 5 feet tall and wide. You can spot its colorful, fragrant clusters in winter, spring, and sometimes even summer. It thrives in zones 7-9 and loves part sun, making it perfect for a spot with partial shade. Sure, it grows slowly, but the beauty it brings is definitely worth the patience and care. Consider planting a few for the best results; their stunning presence will make your winter garden unforgettable.