Winter doesn’t have to mean a dull garden. With the right selection of plants, your winter flower bed can stay colorful, textured, and interesting even in the coldest months.
From winter-flowering perennials to evergreen foliage and hardy shrubs, these plants are perfect for adding life to your garden when most others are dormant.
1. Hellebores (Christmas Rose)
Hellebores are classic winter perennials that bloom in late winter to early spring.
Their delicate nodding flowers range from white to deep purple, adding elegance to a winter flower bed.
They thrive in partial shade and are deer-resistant. Planting in fall or early winter allows roots to establish before blooming.
Hellebores also produce long-lasting flowers that persist through frost, providing color when most plants have retreated.
Instructions:
- Choose a partially shaded, well-draining spot.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
- Place the plant so the crown sits at soil level.
- Backfill and press gently.
- Water thoroughly.
- Mulch lightly to protect roots from freezing.
2. Camellias
Camellias bloom in winter and early spring, producing large, glossy leaves and flowers in shades of red, pink, or white.
They prefer acidic, well-draining soil and partial shade.
Planting in fall ensures roots establish before the coldest months.
Camellias are perfect for adding height, structure, and seasonal color to your winter flower bed.
Instructions:
- Select a partially shaded area with acidic soil.
- Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
- Place the shrub at the same depth as in its container.
- Refill with soil and firm gently.
- Water well.
- Mulch around the base to retain warmth.
3. Winter-Flowering Pansies
Hardy pansies are one of the few annuals that can survive winter and bloom in frosty conditions.
They bring cheerful colors like purple, yellow, and white to winter flower beds and containers.
Planting in fall ensures strong roots and extended winter blooms.
Pansies tolerate partial sun and cold nights, making them perfect for low-maintenance winter color.
Instructions:
- Choose a sunny to partly shaded location.
- Loosen soil and add compost.
- Plant 6–8 inches apart.
- Water thoroughly.
- Mulch lightly to protect roots.
- Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooms.
4. Ornamental Kale
Ornamental kale provides vibrant winter color with deep purples, greens, and creamy whites. Its textured leaves remain attractive even after frost. Planting in fall allows roots to establish and leaves to develop robust color. Kale works well in borders, containers, or mixed beds, creating a lively backdrop for more delicate winter flowers.
Instructions:
- Choose a sunny or partly shaded area.
- Prepare soil with compost.
- Dig a hole slightly bigger than the root ball.
- Plant at the same depth as the container.
- Water thoroughly.
- Mulch lightly to maintain soil moisture.
5. Ornamental Cabbage
Similar to kale, ornamental cabbage adds color and texture to winter flower beds. Its round rosette leaves in white, purple, or pink provide a bold focal point. September planting ensures strong roots before frost. These plants are deer-resistant and low-maintenance, making them perfect for both borders and container arrangements.
Instructions:
- Pick a sunny to part-shade spot.
- Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
- Place the plant at the same depth it grew in its container.
- Backfill and firm gently.
- Water thoroughly.
- Add mulch to retain soil warmth.
6. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel blooms in late winter with bright yellow, orange, or red spidery flowers.
Its vibrant color and unique texture brighten dull garden beds during the cold months.
It tolerates most soil types and thrives in partial shade. Planting in fall or early winter helps it establish before flowering.
Instructions:
- Select a sunny to partially shaded location.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
- Position the plant at soil level.
- Backfill with native soil and compost.
- Water well.
- Mulch around the base to protect roots.
7. Snowdrops
Snowdrops are early-blooming bulbs that push through late winter snow with delicate white flowers.
Planting in fall gives bulbs time to establish roots.
They naturalize easily, forming charming carpets of flowers over time.
Snowdrops thrive in partial shade and add subtle, early-season beauty to a winter flower bed.
Instructions:
- Select a partially shaded area.
- Dig holes 3 inches deep.
- Place bulbs point-up, spaced 2–3 inches apart.
- Cover with soil and press gently.
- Water to settle bulbs.
- Mulch lightly to retain soil warmth.
8. Hellebore ‘Winter Jewels’
A specialized hellebore variety, ‘Winter Jewels’ offers extended winter blooms in cream, pink, or speckled purple shades. Planting in September allows roots to establish and ensures flowers open reliably in winter. Its evergreen foliage also adds visual interest to a winter flower bed.
Instructions:
- Choose a partially shaded, well-draining site.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
- Set the crown at soil level.
- Backfill and firm soil.
- Water deeply.
- Mulch around the plant to protect roots.
9. Skimmia
Skimmia is an evergreen shrub with fragrant leaves and clusters of red berries in winter. It thrives in partial to full shade and acidic soil. Planting in fall ensures it establishes before winter, producing beautiful berries and adding structure to your winter flower bed.
Instructions:
- Choose a shady to partly sunny spot.
- Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
- Place the plant at the same depth as in the pot.
- Backfill and firm soil gently.
- Water well.
- Mulch to retain moisture and warmth.
10. Winter Heather (Erica carnea)
Winter heather blooms in pink, purple, or white flowers throughout late winter, providing color when most other plants are dormant.
It thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic soil and tolerates frost.
Planting in September ensures roots establish in mild soil before freezing temperatures.
Instructions:
- Choose full sun to partial shade.
- Dig a hole wide enough for the root ball.
- Plant at the same depth it grew in the pot.
- Backfill and firm gently.
- Water thoroughly.
- Mulch lightly to protect roots.
11. Holly
Holly shrubs are evergreen and produce bright red berries in winter, adding festive color. They’re hardy in cold climates and provide excellent structure and privacy. Fall planting allows roots to take hold before the coldest months. Holly pairs beautifully with winter flowers for a layered winter flower bed design.
Instructions:
- Select a sunny or partially shaded site.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
- Set the plant at soil level.
- Backfill and firm gently.
- Water thoroughly.
- Mulch around the base to retain warmth.
12. Winter Jasmine
Winter jasmine is a trailing or climbing plant that produces bright yellow flowers in late winter. Planting in fall gives it time to establish before flowering. It’s hardy, fast-growing, and perfect for draping over walls or adding color to the back of winter flower beds.
Instructions:
- Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
- Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball.
- Position the plant at the same depth it grew in its container.
- Backfill and firm gently.
- Water well.
- Provide support for climbing varieties if needed.
13. Mahonia (Oregon Grape)
Mahonia is an evergreen shrub with glossy leaves, spiky clusters of yellow flowers in winter, and dark blue berries. Its bold foliage adds texture to a winter garden, and flowers attract early pollinators. Planting in September allows roots to establish before frost. Mahonia is also deer-resistant and thrives in partial shade.
Instructions:
- Select a partially shaded spot with well-draining soil.
- Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball.
- Position the shrub at soil level.
- Backfill and firm soil around roots.
- Water thoroughly.
- Mulch lightly to protect roots from cold.
14. Viburnum tinus
Viburnum tinus is an evergreen shrub with small clusters of white flowers in winter followed by dark berries. It thrives in sunny to partly shaded locations and is hardy in colder climates. Planting in fall ensures strong root establishment before winter. Its dense foliage also makes it a good background plant for colorful winter flowers.
Instructions:
- Choose a sunny or partly shaded location.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
- Place the plant at soil level.
- Backfill soil and press gently.
- Water thoroughly.
- Mulch to retain moisture and warmth.
15. Snowflake (Leucojum)
Snowflakes are early-blooming bulbs with white, bell-shaped flowers appearing in late winter. They naturalize easily, forming charming carpets of blooms over time. Planting in September allows roots to develop before frost. These bulbs are ideal for naturalized flowerbeds or under trees where early spring color is desired.
Instructions:
- Select a partially shaded area with well-draining soil.
- Dig holes 3–4 inches deep.
- Place bulbs point-up, spaced 3 inches apart.
- Cover with soil and press gently.
- Water thoroughly.
- Mulch lightly to insulate bulbs over winter.
16. Winter Viburnum (Viburnum bodnantense)
Winter viburnum produces clusters of fragrant pink flowers throughout winter, adding color and scent to the garden. Its compact, upright habit makes it ideal for winter flower beds. Planting in September ensures it establishes roots before the cold months. This shrub also attracts early pollinators and adds structure to winter landscapes.
Instructions:
- Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
- Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
- Position the shrub at soil level.
- Backfill and firm soil around roots.
- Water thoroughly.
- Mulch lightly to maintain soil warmth.
17. Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon Holly Grape)
This variety of Mahonia offers evergreen foliage, clusters of yellow flowers, and blue-black berries. It thrives in partial shade and tolerates frost well. September planting ensures strong root establishment. Its spiky leaves and bright flowers provide interest when most other plants are dormant.
Instructions:
- Pick a shaded to partly sunny spot.
- Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball.
- Place the plant at soil level.
- Backfill with soil and press gently.
- Water thoroughly.
- Apply mulch to protect roots during winter.
18. Skimmia japonica
Skimmia japonica is an evergreen shrub with red berries and fragrant flowers in winter. It prefers partial shade and acidic soil, making it perfect for under trees or borders. Planting in September allows roots to settle before frost. Its compact size and decorative berries make it a favorite for a winter flower bed.
Instructions:
- Choose a partially shaded, well-draining area.
- Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
- Set the plant at soil level.
- Backfill and firm soil gently.
- Water thoroughly.
- Mulch to retain soil warmth.
19. Winter Daphne
Winter Daphne produces fragrant pink or white blooms in winter, adding scent and color to any winter flower bed. It thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil. Planting in September allows roots to establish before flowering. Daphne is low-maintenance and its compact form works well in borders or near pathways.
Instructions:
- Pick a location with partial shade and well-draining soil.
- Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
- Place the plant at soil level.
- Backfill and gently firm soil.
- Water well.
- Mulch lightly to protect roots.
20. Cyclamen coum
Cyclamen coum is a small, hardy tuberous plant that blooms in winter with pink, white, or red flowers. Its attractive foliage remains present even after blooms fade. Planting in September allows tubers to settle and thrive in colder temperatures. They naturalize well and are perfect for rock gardens or woodland borders.
Instructions:
- Choose partial shade with well-draining soil.
- Dig a hole slightly larger than the tuber.
- Place tubers flat with top slightly exposed.
- Backfill soil and firm gently.
- Water moderately.
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture and warmth.
21. Snow Crocus
Snow crocus blooms in late winter, often appearing through the snow. Its delicate flowers in purple or white brighten dull winter flowerbeds. Planting in September ensures the bulbs establish roots and are ready for winter flowering. They thrive in well-draining soil and sunny or partially shaded spots.
Instructions:
- Choose a sunny or lightly shaded spot.
- Dig holes 3–4 inches deep.
- Place bulbs point-up, spaced 2–3 inches apart.
- Cover with soil and press gently.
- Water thoroughly.
- Mulch lightly to protect from frost.
22. Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis)
Winter aconite is a tiny, bright yellow flower that emerges early in winter, often under snow. It naturalizes easily and spreads over the years, adding cheerful color when most plants are dormant. Planting in September allows bulbs to establish before frost. These flowers are ideal for naturalized beds, borders, or under deciduous trees.
Instructions:
- Select a sunny to partly shaded location.
- Dig holes 2–3 inches deep.
- Place bulbs point-up, spaced 2–3 inches apart.
- Cover with soil and gently press.
- Water thoroughly.
- Mulch lightly to retain warmth and moisture.
If you love winter gardening, why not check out our other winter garden posts 22 Winter Vegetables That Can Survive the Cold and Frost
