5 Winter Flowers That Will Thrive in Your Garden

While many gardens appear barren and lifeless during the colder winter months, there are actually several beautiful flower varieties that will keep your landscape colorful even when temperatures drop. Whether placed in beds, borders, or containers, these five types of winter-blooming plants are sure to please with their cheerful displays. Read on to learn which flowers you can rely on for natural elegance during the dreariest times of the year.

Winter Pansies

Winter pansies are one of the best flowers to grow during the cold months. Even though it is cold and snowy outside, these pretty flowers still look as vibrant and colorful as during the warmer seasons. Winter pansies come in a variety of colors like yellow, purple, red, and white. They are one of the hardiest flowers for winter flower gardening that will keep blooming throughout fall, winter, and sometimes even early spring. You can plant winter pansies right in the garden beds or in containers. They are very low maintenance and don't need a lot of care. Just give them some sunshine and water when the soil is dry.

Iceland Poppies

Iceland poppies may sound like they come from very far away but they actually do great in cooler climates. Unlike regular California poppies, Iceland poppies thrive when the temperatures get cooler. They produce beautiful cup-shaped blooms that are usually in bright orange or yellow colors. Iceland poppies look enchanting amongst foliage plants, shrubs, or other flowers. Since they grow relatively short, they are perfect for front yards and flower borders. Here is a winter garden tip - give Iceland poppies a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. This will keep the blooms lasting for a long time even during winter months. Just water them when the topsoil looks dry.

Snapdragons

Snapdragons may be one of the most cheerful spring flowers in Jefferson but did you know many varieties will also happily bloom all through the fall and winter seasons. When planted in late summer or early fall, snapdragons will continue producing their unique flower spikes that resemble the faces of dragons. Snapdragons do prefer sunny locations and average, well-drained soil. Be sure not to overwater them during winter as wet soil conditions can cause root rot issues. As long as the soil is not soggy, snapdragons will keep blooming for months on end.

Ornamental Cabbage and Kale

If you are looking to plant a unique flower that looks like no other, consider growing ornamental cabbage and kale during winter. Popular varieties like 'Red Ruby' produce striking burgundy-red heads and frilly leaves akin to ornamental cabbages. 'Winterbor' kale develops beautiful blue-green leaves flushed with purple undertones. Not only are ornamental cabbages and kale gorgeous additions to winter gardens, but they are also cold hardy plants that will thrive even after several frosts. Place them in borders, or mixed containers or raise their beds for a decorative edible, and long-lasting bloom.

Also Read: The Best Flowers to Pair with Poinsettias for a Festive Display

Pansies

No winter garden flowers list is complete without mentioning good old pansies. Often considered a spring flower, many pansy varieties today have been bred to withstand significant drops in temperature. From plain colors like yellow and purple to fancy faces gazing back at you, pansies come in an assortment of patterns and hues. Pansies typically prefer partial sun and cool climates. You need winter garden maintenance for it, make sure the soil is loose, fertile, and retains moisture well.

Hellebores

Commonly known as Lenten or Christmas roses, hellebores are elegant perennials that produce lovely flowers that bloom in the winter and early spring seasons. While their blooms resemble roses, hellebores are actually not true roses. Hellebores come in shades of white, pink, purple, green, and even black! They prefer woodland-type growing conditions with afternoon shade and consistently moist, organic soil. As a bonus, hellebores don't have any serious pest or disease issues either.

If growing your own winter flowers seems like too much work or you don't have the space, go to Lily Lee's Florist– your local florist in West Jefferson NC. Ordering a bouquet is an easy way to bring the vibrancy of winter blooms indoors if you don't have an outdoor space– shop today!