Depending on which part of the country you live in, winter can run from near non-existent like in Florida and southern Texas, to mind-numbingly cold that people in Vermont and Colorado have to endure. Luckily, for the most part, humans are adept at adapting to life in colder climates but that isn’t the case for a lot of our favorite outdoor plants.
It doesn’t matter whether your area only hits freezing a few times a season or is covered in snow for months at a stretch, if you enjoy brightening up your home throughout the year, there are plenty of options. You can choose from flowering plants such as Christmas Roses, succulents like ‘Lime Twister’ SunSparkler Sedums and Hens-and-Chicks, and other eye-catching winter plants that are perfect almost anywhere you live.
Keep reading to learn more.
9 Winter Flowering Plants
1. Christmas Roses have glistening, white bowl-shaped flowers crowned with bright, golden-yellow stamens that bloom in the winter.
2. In some climates, Hellebores bloom around the time of Lent and as such, they’re commonly known as Lenten Roses. Their display of purple-ish and white blooms with light green stamens is a great addition to any outdoor display.
3. The Lily of the Valley shrub is a favorite because it blooms in mid to late winter with hundreds of pink bell-shaped flowers.
4. With its buttercup-yellow blooms, Winter Aconite adds a welcoming pop of bright color that often appears before the season’s snowfall is gone.
5. In milder climates, Ornamental Kale has bright yellow or pink leaves that last well into winter.
6. Daphne shrubs have sweet, fruity-smelling blooms that show up in late winter to early spring.
7. Another late winter bloomer is the Glory of the Snow. With its bright purple flowers, it makes for a great winter display. Especially when you plant groups of them close together.
8. If you’re serious about having a gorgeous outdoor winter display, you have to plant a variety of Snowdrops. These tough plants can showcase blooms from mid-winter to spring and look fantastic in gardens or planters.
9. With blooms of red, white, or pink, Cyclamen are some of the best outdoor winter plants. However, be sure that you plant them in an area where they are protected from heavy rain but receive morning sunlight for best results.
6 Succulents, Evergreens, and Other Outdoor Winter Plants
1. Hens-and-Chicks is a super-tough succulent native to Siberia but before you add them to your list, research and ensure you get a variety that is rated for your climate as some are heartier than others.
2. The evergreen shrub Mahonia has a display of frond-like leaves adorned with splashes of bright yellow flowers that bloom in late fall to early winter but it’s another one that you need to ensure that you select a variety suited for your region.
3. Viburnum Tinus is a hearty glossy evergreen that is easy to grow and has fragrant pinkish-white winter flowers, making it a longtime favorite of many.
4. The tongue-twister name of the ‘Lime Twister’ SunSparkler Sedum isn’t nearly as tough as this little succulent. Its cream and green leaves stay around all winter long in some of the harshest climates.
5. Crocus has beautiful, petite lavender blooms surrounded by slender green fronds that happily grow in the snowy winter.
6. Blooming in late winter to early spring, the vining shrub Winter Jasmine may not be quite as fragrant as its Jasmine brethren, but its bright yellow flowers are a lovely contrast to those dreary winter days.
The List Goes On
When it comes to outdoor winter plants, no matter what your personal taste is, there’s something for everyone. In addition to the list above, there’s Primrose, Witch Hazel, Winterberry, Daffodils, Pansies, Violas, and on and on.
Whether you love colorful blossoms or just want a little green to offset all that white snow, there are plenty of cold hardy plants to choose from. Take a look at our stock today and you can add some cheer around your home in just a few short days.
