10 Most Popular Winter Plants

When we think of winter, we often do not think of flowers blooming and bright colorful gardens. Images of winter often conjure up thoughts of snowy and harsh environments where flowers and plants cannot survive. However, there are many plants that actually bloom in the winter and produce colorful flowers that will brighten up a dreary winter garden. Below is a list of the top 10 winter flowering plants that will add a much-needed brightness to your winter garden. 

1. CHRISTMAS ROSE

The Hellebore, or more commonly known as the Christmas Rose, is a beautiful winter-blooming flower native to central and eastern Europe.  This delicate looking flower has pearly-white petals and a bright yellow crown of stemins at its center that blooms between January and March. 

Maintenance: Christmas Rose plant care is quite easy as it is a low maintenance plant and perfect for beginners.

Sun Exposure: If given plenty of sun in a sheltered area away from rough wind and exposure, the Christmas Rose will thrive.

Water Needs: As with many other winter blooming plants, do not water your Christmas Rose in freezing temperatures for this will cause potential damage to the plant’s roots. Only water your Christmas Rose once every two weeks.

2. PANSY

The Viola x wittrockiana, or more commonly known as the Pansy flower, is a popular and low maintenance perennial that is perfect if you want to add a burst of color to your winter garden.  The Pansy comes in an extensive range of colors from a light yellow to a bright blue. Pansy growing season is in the colder months, and typically blooms from November to March. 

Maintenance: The Pansy is a low maintenance plant and is perfect for beginners. 

Sun Exposure: The Pansy enjoys full to partial sun exposure. The ideal location for your Pansy is the south facing side of your home, where the Pansy will receive direct morning sun and partial sun in the afternoon. The afternoon shade helps to protect the plant from potential high heat.

Water Needs: The Pansy requires moist soil and requires water during times of low rain or drought. Water your plans as close to the soil as possible to protect your plant from disease.

3. SNOWDROPS

The Galanthus, or more commonly known as the Snowdrop plant, is a small, bell-shaped plant with white petals and a bright green stem. This resilient flower can grow in the coldest of temperatures between January to March, sprouting up through a layer of snow. If taken care of, your snowdrops will come back every year. 

Maintenance: The Snowdrop is a low maintenance plant and is perfect for beginners. 

Sun Exposure: Snowdrops prefer partial shade. The perfect location for your Snowdrop is near a tree or other garden shrubs. 

Water Needs: Snowdrops have very minimal watering needs. Only requiring water when the soil is completely dried out during a long term dry spell. Ensure you water your plant close to the soil to prevent disease. 

4. WINTER HEATHER

The Erica Carnea, or more commonly known as the Winter Heather, is a low growing, evergreen with green leaves and beautiful small light purple petals and brown tips. This plant is perfect for ground covering and weed protection, and blooms between February and March. 

Maintenance: Once established, the Winter Heather plant care is pretty easy. It is a low maintenance plant that is perfect for intermediate plant owners.

Sun Exposure: The Winter Heather prefers full sun exposure. The perfect location for your Winter Heather is on the southern or western facing side of your home. This location will ensure your Heather is receiving as much direct sunlight as possible! 

Water Needs: Water your Winter Heather every 2 weeks to ensure soil remains moist.

5. CYCLAMEN

The Cyclamen is a popular winter plant with long brown stems and heart shaped flower petals ranging in color from white, pink, and red. Native to Turkey, this plant blooms between January and April. 

Maintenance: The Cyclamen has some pretty specific needs so it isn't recommended for beginners. If you can manage its water and light needs, you're in for a beautiful flower! 

Sun Exposure: The Cyclamen requires a bright, cool location where it will receive filtered sun exposure. The perfect location for your Cyclamen is about 5 feet away from a southern or western facing window to protect your plant from direct sun rays.  

Water Needs: Water your Cyclamen every few days, allowing the soil to dry out a bit in between. Make sure to water the soil directly and not the flowers!

6. FLOWERING QUINCE

The Chaenomeles or more commonly known as the Flowering Quince is a beautiful bright pink plant that blooms in the winter time. This plant is perfect if you are looking to add a bright shrub or a colorful border to your garden. 

Maintenance: The Flowering Quince is considered a low maintenance plant. 

Sun Exposure: The Flowering Quince will thrive in full sun to partial shade. For the best flower results, full sun is recommended. 

Water Needs: Water your Flowering Quince once a week, allowing the soil to dry in between. 

7. WINTER JASMINE 

The Jasminum nudiflorum, or more commonly known as the Winter Jasmine, is a bright yellow flowering plant that blooms in January. This plant is perfect for a gardener who wants to add a tropical feel to a cold winter garden. 

Maintenance: The Winter Jasmine is a low maintenance shrub that is perfect for gardeners of any experience. 

Sun Exposure: The Winter Jasmine prefers partial shade. The ideal location for this plant is an eastern-facing location with 3 to 6 hours of morning light.

Water Needs: The Winter Jasmine requires moist soil and therefore should be watered about once a week. Be careful not to overwater your Winter Jasmine, as it will cause damage to your Winter Jasmine and potential root rot. 

8. SWEET BOX 

The Sarcoccoa, or more commonly known as the Sweet Box, is an evergreen, winter flowering shrub that blooms delicate bell-shaped flowers. Resilient to harsh winter weather, this plant blooms between December and March. 

Maintenance: The Sweetbox is a relatively easy plant to care for if its water, light, and soil needs are met. This plant is recommended for a person who has experience with gardening. 

Sun Exposure: The Sweetbox prefers partial sun exposure. The perfect location for your Sweetbox is the eastern-facing side of your home. This location will provide your Sweetbox with about 3 to 6 hours of direct sunlight in the morning. 

Water Needs: The Sweetbox requires moist soil and therefore should be watered about once a week. 

9. WINTER DAPHNE

The Winter Daphne is a beautiful winter flowering shrub that blooms tiny, star-shaped pink and white flowers. This slow growing plant blooms between February and March. 

Maintenance: The Daphne is a low maintenance flowering shrub that is perfect for gardeners of any experience

Sun Exposure: The Winter Daphne will thrive in full sun to partial shade. The perfect location for your Winter Daphne is a southern or western facing location where it will receive at least 6 hours of full sun exposure a day.

Water Needs: The Winter Daphne requires most soil and should be watered thoroughly every 2 weeks. 

10. WINTER ACONITES

Eranthus hyemalis or more commonly known as the Winter Aconite is a small perennial with bright yellow flowers and glossy green leaves. Blooming between February and March, this resilient plant can withstand snow and frost. 

Maintenance: The Winter Aconites is a relatively easy plant to care for if its water, light, and soil needs are met. This plant is recommended for a person who has experience with gardening. 

Sun Exposure: Winter Aconite requires full sun. The ideal location for your Winter Aconite is on the southern or western facing side of your home. This location will ensure your Winter Aconite is provided with sunlight throughout the entire day. 

Water Needs: The Winter Aconite prefers moist, well-drained soil. During dry spells, water your Winter Aconite until the soil is completely moist.