Winter Flowering Plants

There are a surprising number of winter flower plants ranging from perennials to trees and shrubs. Each one adds beauty to the winter landscape just when the gray days of winter seem the longest. Frost and snow don't usually bother these plants and many blossom even when temperatures make you shiver.

Many plants bloom in winter.

Winter flowering plants can typically be grown from zone 5 to zone 9, with the majority of suggested plants suitable for zones 7 through 9.

Hellebores' popularity increases yearly, with more people embracing these miraculous perennials. Twenty species of hellebores provide gardeners with choices ranging from greenish-tinted flowers to yellows and pinks. They're native to Europe and the British Isles. Hellebores are also called "Christmas Rose" because of legends associating this winter-bloomer with Christmas.

Hellebores are related to ranunculus, another flower that doesn't mind chilly weather. But unlike ranunculus, hellebores bloom in the winter garden, often surprising gardeners with blossoms in January or February.

These perennials like rich, well-drained soil. They are relatively easy-going and can thrive in full sun to partial or even full shade. Plants grown in full shade tend to remain small, while plants receiving full sun often spread into large well developed clusters over the years.

For more about this wonderful group of plants, visit Hellebores, a website created by a hellebore aficionado that includes a large gallery of photos, history, cultivation and propagation information and more.

Camellias are winter blooming plants but care must be taken to choose varieties that will thrive in your gardening zone. They're actually related to the tea plant that provides the tea brewed into beverages worldwide. Native to Asia, the camellia's flowers are highly prized. Even Elizabeth, the Queen Mother (grandmother of Prince Charles of England), grew camellias in all her gardens – and a single camellia blossom from her garden was placed inside her coffin.

According to the American Camellia Society, plant camellias in the late fall through early spring. They absolutely need well-drained soil, so be sure to plant them in areas well away from standing water or where water collects in the garden. They prefer semi-shaded areas such as the north side of a building or a place underneath a pine tree.

The University of Georgia also offers extensive information on growing camellias for the home garden.

Flowering quince was called Japonica by old-timers to distinguish it from fruit-bearing quince plants. These shrubs tentatively unfurl a flower or two as early as January or February, depending upon the garden zone, then bloom in full splendor around March. If the winter is mild they may bloom earlier. Enjoy it while you can, because the flowers last only about two weeks. But while they last, they add delightful color to the landscape at a time when few other plants bloom.

Flowering quince is considered a shrub. It can grow to be many feet high and quite thick without regular pruning. Plant flowering quince in zones 4 through 8 and in sun to partially shaded spots. It's relatively easy going and needs no special soil preparation.

For more information about flowering quince, visit Arkansas Home and Garden or North Carolina State's Cooperative Extension website.

Witch hazel trees or large shrubs are the harbingers of spring in many northern gardens, with their pretty yellow blossoms that promise sunny days to come. Witch Hazel need moist, acidic soil and full sun to partial shade. It can get as tall as 20 feet high and about 15 feet wide, so leave plenty of room around the witch hazel and plant it well away from the house so it doesn't crowd out the view.

If you're looking for ideas to spruce up the winter landscape, think beyond flowers.

• Evergreens: From gorgeous hollies to boxwood, evergreen shrubs provide much-needed color in the midst of winter. Holly's variegated foliage and berries and the many shades of green, ranging from light green to the blue green of spruce trees ensures color in the landscape among the snow drifts and gray winter skies.

• Shrubs: Some shrubs such as the Harry Lauder's Walking Stick, with its intricate curls, twists and whorls, provide intriguing shape and form in the garden. Virburnum provide berries for birds to nosh on all winter long. Get creative with shrubs and enjoy seasonal interest in the garden.

• Bulbs: While not technically winter flowering, many bulbs will flower very early in the season. Glory of the Snow and Snowdrops are two that peek out from among late winter snowdrifts. Crocus are also a lovely favorite for late winter and early spring.

Whether you plant a single witch hazel tree or intersperse winter blooming plants among your landscape shrubs and garden flowers, you can have four seasons of blooms in the garden if you plan it right.

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