pamela_d_mcadams//Getty ImagesSnowdrops
The tiny white, drooping blooms of snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) pop up in mid to late winter, often before the snow has melted–thus giving this darling perennial its charming name. These delicate flowers look best at the front of borders.
Hardiness zones: 3 to 8
Sun: Full sun
Winter Heath
Winter heath (Erica carnea) is a hardy evergreen groundcover with fine, needlelike foliage and tiny pink or white flowers that cover its foliage in early to late winter, depending on the variety. Although many types are hardy in cold climates, heath doesn’t like hot summers. Plant this in large drifts for maximum aesthetic impact or in window boxes in more temperate climates.
Hardiness zones: 5 to 8
Sun: Full sun
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Hellebore
Also known as Christmas or Lenten rose (Helleborus spp) , these exquisite perennials bloom around the time of Christmas or Lent in late winter to early spring, depending on the variety and where you live. They’re delicate-looking but actually tough-as-nails and will survive the coldest winters. They have waxy evergreen foliage and are resistant to rabbits and deer. Plant at the front of landscape beds.
Hardiness zone: 5 to 8
Sun: Part sun with afternoon shade
Winter Jasmine
Winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) has fragrant, star-shaped blooms in mid winter. You’ll love seeing the sunny yellow flowers on a dark winter’s day. The shrubby vine can be trained up a trellis or to spill over a wall.
Hardiness zones: 6 to 10
Sun: Full to part sun
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Ornamental Kale
Who knew kale could be so pretty? These ornamental varieties in shades of pale pink, fuchsia and white look like giant cabbage roses. Ornamental kale (Brassica oleracea) is an annual plant that will survive for much of the winter in many climates. They bring color to beds, window boxes, and borders.
Hardiness zones: Annual
Sun: Full sun
Winter Aconite
The bright yellow blooms of winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) are a welcome sight when they appear in late winter, often when snow is still on the ground. Early pollinators adore these flowers, and digging rodents won’t bother them like they will tulips or hyacinths. Plant the tiny corms in fall.
Hardiness zones: 3 to 7
Sun: Full to part sun
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Daphne
The sweet, fruity fragrance of daphne (Daphne odora) make this delightful winter bloomer a must-have in the landscape. This shrub blooms in late winter to early spring, and some species are evergreen.
Hardiness zones: 6 to 9
Sun: Part sun, with afternoon shade in hot climates.
Witch Hazel![winter flowers witchhazel hamamelis vernalis [witch hazel]](https://www.allforgardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/hamamelis-vernalis-witch-hazel-royalty-free-image-1764796768.pjpeg "winter flowers witchhazel Hamamelis vernalis [witch-hazel]")
There are many different types of witch hazel, but look for native vernal witch hazel (hamamelis vernalis) or its hybrids, which produce crinkly yellow, reddish, or coppery blooms in late winter to early spring before the foliage appears. This shrub also boasts pretty fall color.
Hardiness zones: 3 to 8
Sun: Full to part sun
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Sweet Box
Sweet box (sarcococca confusa) is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that’s covered in creamy-white, vanilla-scented flowers in winter to early spring. They’re especially attractive to early pollinators. The handsome foliage is glossy and dark green, making it an attractive landscape planting year-round.
Hardiness zones: 6 to 9
Sun: Part sun
English Primrose
Primroses (Primula vulgaris) are hardy little souls that bloom from late winter to early spring, depending on where you live. Their petite flowers are incredibly tough, even after the coldest winters. They provide welcome splashes of white, pink, yellow, or bicolor. Deer and rabbits tend to leave them alone. Plant at the front of borders or in containers.
Hardiness zones: 3 to 8
Sun: Full sun
Arricca Elin SanSone is a writer, editor, and content creator who specializes in lifestyle and gardening. With a background in health reporting, she applies these same research skills when writing about the science of growing things. She trials new plants in her expansive garden, and her houseplant collection consists of 60+ varieties. Arricca has written thousands of articles for publications such as Country Living, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, VERANDA, Southern Living, and more. She’s happiest when digging in the dirt, baking, or spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
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