Gardens can look bare in February, but David Domoney has shared that there are some low-maintenance flowers for vibrant colours
Katherine McPhillips and Katie Oborn GAU Writer
11:46, 09 Feb 2026
These pretty flowers are at their best in February – Hellebores (Image: Getty Images )
February marks the time when gardens gradually begin to awaken and recover from the severe winter conditions, and is also the optimal period to start sowing flowers. David Domoney, a horticulturist and presenter on Love Your Garden, is urging gardeners to venture outside now in order to achieve “the best-looking bulbs” possible in the earlier part of the year.
On his website, David explained: “February is a month of quiet expectation. It is that subtle turning point when winter’s quiet slumber is gently interrupted by signs of fresh growth.”
While it may appear premature for some gardeners, numerous British flowers flourish in cold conditions, meaning your garden will be brimming with colour once spring arrives.
The damp weather at this time of year also helps nourish plant roots, resulting in stronger and healthier blooms in just a few weeks.
George Iris bulbs
Iris flowers are known for their deep purple petals with yellow patterns (Image: Getty)
Iris is an exceptionally hardy plant that can survive without much maintenance and are popular in spring gardens due to their vibrant petal colours.
They will thrive best in moist but well-drained soil where they are able to receive plenty of sunlight, reports the Express.
David explained: “These late winter-flowering bulbs are easy to grow and naturalise.
“As a result, they are the perfect colour tonic for February 2026. ‘George’ has deep purple flowers with a distinct yellow flash on the petals.”
February Gold daffodils
Daffodils cheer people up as they are often the first sign of spring (Image: Getty)
Daffodils are amongst the earliest blooming flowers in the UK, and will enliven a garden that is still looking sparse in late winter. What’s wonderful about daffodils is that they begin to bloom as soon as the days start to lengthen, often lifting spirits as they herald the arrival of spring.
They are relatively low-maintenance flowers that thrive with minimal care, provided they are placed in a sunny location in your garden. They typically flourish along the edges of lawns or driveways – and are best planted in November or December if you are seeking February colour.
Anny’s Winter Orange dogwood
Orange dogwood is unusual but strangely beautiful (Image: Getty)
This variety of dogwood is recognised for its unusual yet striking orange stems, which can add a unique touch to any garden.
It’s a rather distinctive plant as it survives with little maintenance and can be planted anywhere in the garden. However, it will produce larger and more vibrant flowers if positioned in a sunny spot where it can absorb plenty of light.
Double Ellen White Spotted hellebore
These pretty flowers are at their best in February – Hellebores (Image: Getty Images )
These hellebore flowers are known for their speckled petal patterns, and their unique blooms will look absolutely stunning in a garden setting.
Hellebores prefer a shady spot in the garden and appreciate having ample organic matter in their soil to retain moisture.
Wendy’s Gold yellow snowdrops
Gardener names 5 flower bulbs to plant in February for a ‘best looking’ spring garden(Image: Getty)
Yellow snowdrops are quite rare in the UK, and can be rather pricey to purchase, with some varieties costing over a thousand pounds for a single bulb.
However, Wendy’s Gold snowdrops are considerably more affordable, with seed packs priced between £15 and £25.
David advised: “Yellow-flowered cultivars should be grown outside in a border or a good-sized container. Choose a position that gets plenty of winter sun.
“However, do not be tempted to plant the bulb in a small pot. The bulbs need to be kept reasonably cool and moist during the summer months when they are dormant.”
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