Winter doesn’t need to be all doom and gloom.
These stunning trees flower in winter and will put a smile on your face.
Take a look at our favorites and see which one will look best in your yard.
Winter Flowering Trees & Shrubs – 10 Colorful Landscaping Ideas
1. Wintersweet
Golden-yellow blooms grace the Wintersweet shrub in the heart of winter, filling the cold air with their sweet fragrance.
This hardy plant adds a touch of sunshine to the dormant garden, making it a favorite for those who crave winter interest.
Small but powerful, these flowers stand out against the bare branches, reminding us that beauty persists even in the coldest months.
USDA Growing Zone: 7-9
Average Mature Size: 10-15 feet tall and wide
Flower Colors: Yellow
Botanical Name: Chimonanthus praecox
2. Star Magnolia
Star Magnolia dazzles with its star-shaped, pure white flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring, often before the leaves emerge.
These delicate petals provide an early burst of beauty, contrasting against the bare branches and adding elegance to any garden.
With a compact size, the Star Magnolia fits well in small spaces or as a striking focal point in mixed borders.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-9
Average Mature Size: 10-20 feet tall, 10-15 feet wide
Flower Colors: White, pale pink
Botanical Name: Magnolia stellata
3. Winter Jasmin
Bright yellow flowers burst to life on Winter Jasmine’s arching branches during the cold months, often blooming from late winter into early spring.
Unlike most jasmine varieties, this shrub isn’t fragrant, but it compensates with its vibrant, sunshine-like display.
Perfect for cascading over walls or fences, Winter Jasmine brings a splash of color to otherwise bare winter landscapes.
USDA Growing Zone: 6-10
Average Mature Size: 3-4 feet tall, 4-7 feet wide
Flower Colors: Yellow
Botanical Name: Jasminum nudiflorum
4. Camellias
Elegant blooms emerge on Camellias when little else is flowering, offering a stunning display from late fall through early spring.
Their flowers range from pure white to deep red, with some varieties even sporting multi-colored petals.
With glossy evergreen leaves, Camellias add year-round appeal, making them a staple in winter gardens.
USDA Growing Zone: 7-9
Average Mature Size: 6-12 feet tall, 5-10 feet wide
Flower Colors: White, pink, red, variegated
Botanical Name: Camellia japonica, Camellia sasanqua
5. Winter Daphne
Winter Daphne delights with its clusters of small, star-shaped flowers that bloom in late winter, filling the air with a rich, sweet fragrance.
With its glossy, variegated leaves, this compact shrub offers visual appeal even when not in bloom.
Perfect for small spaces, it thrives in partial shade, adding beauty and scent to winter gardens.
USDA Growing Zone: 7-9
Average Mature Size: 3-4 feet tall and wide
Flower Colors: Pink, white
Botanical Name: Daphne odora
6. Japanese Loquat
Fragrant white flowers of the Japanese Loquat bloom in late fall to early winter, adding a subtle charm when most plants are dormant.
Its large, glossy leaves create a lush, tropical look, making it a standout evergreen shrub or small tree.
Following the flowers, the loquat produces sweet, tangy fruit in spring, perfect for fresh eating or preserves.
USDA Growing Zone: 8-10
Average Mature Size: 10-25 feet tall, 10-15 feet wide
Flower Colors: White
Botanical Name: Eriobotrya japonica
7. Snowdrift Crabapple
Snowdrift Crabapple showcases a cloud of white blossoms in early spring, offering a spectacular display after the winter chill.
This ornamental tree is known for its disease resistance and small, persistent orange-red fruit that provides winter interest and attracts birds.
With a rounded canopy, the Snowdrift Crabapple is perfect for adding structure and seasonal color to landscapes.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-8
Average Mature Size: 15-20 feet tall and wide
Flower Colors: White
Botanical Name: Malus ‘Snowdrift’
8. Japanese Magnolia
Large, tulip-shaped blooms appear on Japanese Magnolia in late winter to early spring, often in shades of pink, purple, or white.
These early flowers add a striking pop of color to the garden while the branches are still bare.
Known for its compact form and elegance, it’s ideal for smaller landscapes or as an accent tree.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-9
Average Mature Size: 15-25 feet tall and wide
Flower Colors: Pink, purple, white
Botanical Name: Magnolia x soulangeana
9. Higan Cherry
Soft pink to white blooms adorn the Higan Cherry tree from late fall to early spring, offering a gentle touch of color in the colder months.
This ornamental tree blooms in two waves, creating a long-lasting display that adds romantic charm to gardens.
Graceful arching branches enhance the Higan Cherry’s visual appeal, making it a lovely addition to any landscape.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-8
Average Mature Size: 20-30 feet tall and wide
Flower Colors: Pale pink, white
Botanical Name: Prunus subhirtella
10. Cornelian Cherry
Bright yellow blossoms adorn the Cornelian Cherry in late winter, bringing a pop of color to the bare landscape.
This hardy dogwood variety offers multi-season interest with its showy flowers, attractive bark, and edible red berries.
The Cornelian Cherry is great for mixed borders or as a small specimen tree, it provides year-round beauty and utility.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-8
Average Mature Size: 15-25 feet tall, 15-20 feet wide
Flower Colors: Yellow
Botanical Name: Cornus mas
Trees & Shrubs That Bloom In Winter Infographic
Want More?
I hope you enjoyed looking at these stunning winter flowering trees and bushes.
If you are looking for fall gardening ideas then these stunning trees with fall foliage are a great place to start.
You could also take a look at these yellow, pink, orange, purple, blue and white flowering trees.
