Without vibrant color, our yards can quickly become dreary throughout winter.
This is where flowers that bloom in winter come in.
Take a look at these beautiful plants that add a pop of color during winter time.
Flowers That Bloom In Winter – Blooms That Defy the Cold
1. Winter Jasmin
Bright yellow flowers appear in late winter, often blooming even through light snow.
This hardy plant can cascade beautifully from walls or containers, adding a splash of color when most other plants are still dormant.
Its cheerful blossoms bring a sense of warmth to cold winter days.
- USDA Growing Zones: 6-10
- Average Mature Size: 3-4 feet
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Flower Color: Yellow
- When Flowers: Late winter to early spring
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Botanical Name: Jasminum nudiflorum
2. Winter Aconite
Golden yellow flowers make an early appearance, often breaking through snow to signal the approach of spring.
This low-growing perennial thrives in shaded areas, forming a cheerful carpet of blooms.
It’s perfect for adding a splash of color to winter gardens.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4-8
- Average Mature Size: 4-6 inches
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Yellow
- When Flowers: Late winter
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Botanical Name: Eranthis hyemalis
3. Snowdrops
Delicate white flowers grace your garden in late winter, often emerging from beneath frost or snow.
These resilient perennials are among the first signs of spring, adding a fresh touch to otherwise barren landscapes.
Their elegant blooms bring hope and beauty to the cold season.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3-7
- Average Mature Size: 6-8 inches
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: White
- When Flowers: Late winter to early spring
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Botanical Name: Galanthus nivalis
4. Hellebore
Elegant blooms in shades of white, pink, and purple offer winter gardens a touch of sophistication.
This perennial thrives in shaded spots, providing color and interest throughout the coldest months.
Its long-lasting flowers brighten up winter landscapes with their rich hues.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4-9
- Average Mature Size: 12-18 inches
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: White, pink, purple
- When Flowers: Winter to early spring
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Botanical Name: Helleborus spp.
5. Camellia
Vibrant blooms in pink, red, or white add a striking contrast to winter gardens.
This evergreen shrub continues to showcase its beauty from late winter to early spring, making it a standout plant during the colder months.
Its lush foliage and colorful flowers are a garden highlight.
- USDA Growing Zones: 7-9
- Average Mature Size: 4-10 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Pink, red, white
- When Flowers: Late winter to early spring
- Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
- Botanical Name: Camellia japonica
6. Cyclamen
Colorful flowers in shades of pink, red, and white bring a vibrant touch to winter settings.
Thriving in cool conditions, Cyclamen is ideal for shaded areas or indoor spaces, offering continuous blooms during the colder months.
Its charming appearance adds a bright note to winter landscapes.
- USDA Growing Zones: 5-9
- Average Mature Size: 6-8 inches
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Pink, red, white
- When Flowers: Winter to early spring
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Botanical Name: Cyclamen spp.
7. Pansies
Bright and colorful, pansies can bring a cheerful splash to your winter garden.
Their hardy blooms in shades of purple, yellow, and blue continue to flower throughout the cooler months, making them a vibrant addition to winter landscapes.
Perfect for containers or garden beds, they thrive in chilly weather.
- USDA Growing Zones: 6-10
- Average Mature Size: 6-9 inches
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple, yellow, blue
- When Flowers: Winter to early spring
- Plant Type: Annual/Perennial
- Botanical Name: Viola x wittrockiana
8. Primrose
Bursting with color, Primrose lights up winter gardens with its delicate yet vibrant flowers, offering a welcome sight when most plants are dormant.
Known for its early bloom, this hardy plant adds life and charm to cold, dreary days.
Its resilience makes it a favorite choice for winter landscaping.
USDA Growing Zones: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall, 6-9 inches wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Yellow, pink, purple, white
When Flowers: Late winter to early spring
Plant Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Primula vulgaris
9. Winter Heath
Adding vibrant color to snowy landscapes, Winter Heath is a tough, low-growing shrub that blooms with delicate flowers during the coldest months.
Its evergreen foliage and cheerful blooms make it a standout in winter gardens, providing much-needed color and texture.
This plant is perfect for borders or rock gardens, where it thrives even in harsh conditions.
USDA Growing Zones: 5-7
Average Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall, 18-24 inches wide
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Flower Color: Pink, purple, white
When Flowers: Late winter to early spring
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Botanical Name: Erica carnea
10. Glory of the Snow
Brightening up the late winter garden, Glory of the Snow produces a delightful display of star-shaped flowers that peek through the snow.
These early bloomers are small yet impactful, creating a carpet of vibrant color that signals the approaching spring.
Perfect for naturalizing in lawns or under trees, this resilient plant thrives in cold climates.
USDA Growing Zones: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 4-6 inches tall, 2-3 inches wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Blue, pink, white
When Flowers: Late winter to early spring
Plant Type: Perennial bulb
Botanical Name: Chionodoxa forbesii
11. Mahonia
With striking, spiky foliage and clusters of bright yellow flowers, Mahonia brings a bold presence to winter gardens.
This evergreen shrub not only adds visual interest during the colder months but also attracts pollinators with its fragrant blooms.
Ideal for shaded areas, Mahonia thrives in a variety of conditions, making it a versatile choice for winter landscaping.
USDA Growing Zones: 5-9
Average Mature Size: 3-6 feet tall, 3-5 feet wide
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Flower Color: Bright yellow
When Flowers: Late winter to early spring
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Botanical Name: Mahonia aquifolium
12. Pieris
Gracing the winter garden with its elegant, drooping clusters of flowers, Pieris adds a touch of refinement to any landscape.
Its evergreen leaves provide year-round interest, while the delicate blooms in shades of white or pink create a striking contrast against the dark foliage.
This shrub is perfect for adding structure and beauty to shaded garden areas.
USDA Growing Zones: 5-8
Average Mature Size: 9-12 feet tall, 6-8 feet wide
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: White, pink
When Flowers: Late winter to early spring
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Botanical Name: Pieris japonica
13. Crocus
Emerging through the snow, Crocus brings a burst of color to late winter gardens with its cheerful, cup-shaped flowers.
These early bloomers are a symbol of the changing seasons, often being among the first to flower after winter’s cold grip.
Perfect for naturalizing in lawns or borders, Crocus is a resilient and delightful addition to any winter landscape.
USDA Growing Zones: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 2-4 inches tall, 2-3 inches wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Purple, yellow, white
When Flowers: Late winter to early spring
Plant Type: Perennial bulb
Botanical Name: Crocus spp.
14. Dutchman’s Breeches
Adding a whimsical touch to the late winter landscape, Dutchman’s Breeches offers unique, pant-shaped flowers that dangle delicately from arching stems.
This woodland plant thrives in shaded areas, providing early-season interest with its distinctive blooms.
Its delicate appearance belies its hardy nature, making it a charming addition to any winter garden.
USDA Growing Zones: 3-7
Average Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall, 6-12 inches wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: White, pale pink
When Flowers: Late winter to early spring
Plant Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Dicentra cucullaria
15. Scilla
Bringing vibrant blue hues to the late winter garden, Scilla is a hardy bulb that thrives in cold climates.
Its nodding, bell-shaped flowers create a striking contrast against the lingering snow, making it a welcome sight as winter wanes.
Ideal for naturalizing in lawns or under trees, Scilla adds a pop of color to the early season.
USDA Growing Zones: 2-8
Average Mature Size: 4-8 inches tall, 2-3 inches wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Blue, white
When Flowers: Late winter to early spring
Plant Type: Perennial bulb
Botanical Name: Scilla siberica
16. Amaryllis
Bringing bold, dramatic blooms to indoor winter displays, Amaryllis is known for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers that add vibrant color to the colder months.
Often grown as a houseplant, this showstopper delivers a striking visual impact with minimal care.
Perfect for brightening up indoor spaces, Amaryllis flowers in a variety of colors, from deep reds to pure whites.
USDA Growing Zones: 9-11 (outdoors), commonly grown indoors
Average Mature Size: 18-24 inches tall, 6-8 inches wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Red, pink, white, orange
When Flowers: Late winter to early spring (indoors)
Plant Type: Perennial bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum spp.
17. Christmas Cactus
Lighting up the holiday season with its vibrant, cascading blooms, Christmas Cactus brings a tropical touch to indoor winter decor.
Known for its colorful flowers that appear right around the holidays, this easy-care plant adds life and warmth to any room.
With proper care, it can bloom year after year, becoming a cherished part of your winter celebrations.
USDA Growing Zones: 9-11 (outdoors), commonly grown indoors
Average Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall, 12-24 inches wide
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Flower Color: Red, pink, white, orange
When Flowers: Late fall to winter
Plant Type: Perennial succulent
Botanical Name: Schlumbergera bridgesii
18. Daphne
Filling the winter air with a sweet fragrance, Daphne delights with clusters of small, star-shaped flowers that bloom in the cold months.
Its evergreen leaves provide year-round interest, while the aromatic blossoms are a treat for both the eyes and the senses.
Ideal for sheltered spots in the garden, this shrub is a perfect way to add beauty and fragrance during winter.
USDA Growing Zones: 7-9
Average Mature Size: 3-4 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: Pink, white
When Flowers: Late winter to early spring
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Botanical Name: Daphne odora
19. Viola
Brightening up the cold season with its cheerful, delicate blooms, Viola is a hardy plant that thrives in winter gardens.
These versatile flowers come in a variety of colors, adding charm and color when most other plants are dormant.
Perfect for containers, borders, or ground cover, Viola brings a touch of life to winter landscapes.
USDA Growing Zones: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 4-10 inches tall, 4-12 inches wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Purple, yellow, blue, white
When Flowers: Late winter to early spring
Plant Type: Perennial or annual (depending on species)
Botanical Name: Viola spp.
20. Witch Hazel
Lighting up the winter garden with its unique, spidery flowers, Witch Hazel offers a burst of color when few other plants are blooming.
Its fragrant blossoms, in shades of yellow, orange, or red, add warmth and charm to cold, dreary days.
This hardy shrub is also valued for its medicinal properties, making it both beautiful and beneficial in winter landscapes.
USDA Growing Zones: 3-9
Average Mature Size: 10-20 feet tall, 10-15 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Yellow, orange, red
When Flowers: Late fall to winter
Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
Botanical Name: Hamamelis spp.
Want More?
Did you pick out some lovely flowering plants that will make your yard stand out in winter?
If you loved this article and want to learn about winter flowering trees and shrubs or small winter garden ideas or perhaps winter vegetable garden ideas, then take a look at our articles on those topics.
