25 Cold-Loving Winter Flowers to Plant in 2025

As their name suggests, Iceland poppies thrive in frigid temperatures, like those on the island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean. This winter flower adds a lovely pop of color to the often gray winter landscape, and in mild climates, it’ll begin to bloom as early as mid-February to early March.

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Despite snapdragons being known for their springtime blooms, they’ll hold their stunning color in cooler climates through fall and into winter. Snapdragons will wilt and scorch in the hot sun, so be sure to plant them in at least partial shade if not full shade outdoors.

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When seen on the roadside or in meadows, cornflowers are actually considered weeds. However, when grown intentionally, the bloom can add a lovely blue hue to your winter garden. In mild winters, seeds should be planted six to eight weeks before you want to see the peak growth.

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These tiny spikes of purple, white, or pink are scented with a decidedly grape-like fragrance. These adorable winter flowers pop up in late winter to early spring, and they make a sweet, petite-cut flower, too.

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Winter heath is a reliable winter flower, even in cold climates. The long-lasting flowers come in various shades of pink or white with evergreen foliage. Heath also makes a pretty, dense ground cover.

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Teeny but gorgeous blue blooms make scilla a must-have in the winter garden. Groups of them planted in a rock garden have the best effect.

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Also known as ipheion, these tiny white, pink, or blue flowers were popular in colonial gardens. Plant them in masses at the edge of walkways, so you can enjoy their perfume in late winter or early spring.

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In warm climates, this fragrant iris blooms as early as December, but its foliage is evergreen. Plant this winter flower along walkways so you can enjoy its scent.

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Pansies and violas bloom for most of the winter in mild climates, and some types perk back up in the spring in cold climates. They’re technically annuals, but many varieties drop seeds, so they’ll pop up again the next spring. Varieties such as Cool Wave pansies can last most of the winter in moderate climates.

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Also called galanthus, snowdrops must be planted in the fall for a very early spring show. These darling, droopy-headed winter flowers look best at the front of borders or in rock gardens and often start blooming when snow is still on the ground (thus, the name!).

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These sunny little flowers are some of the first ones to crop up in the early spring, but depending on where you live, they may bloom as early as February. Plant these bulbs in the fall for late winter/spring blooms. These are a great choice if rodents like to dig up (and eat!) your bulbs because they tend to avoid these.

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These exquisite perennials are known as Lenten roses because they bloom around the time of Lent in some climates. They appear in mid-to-late winter, depending on where you live. Despite their delicate appearance, these winter flowers are tough as nails and their waxy green foliage looks good all year. The blooms also make lovely cut flowers.

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This showy plant blooms when least expected in mid-to-late winter! Hundreds of bell-like white or pink flowers dangle from fine stems on this striking evergreen shrub.

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When you’re getting weary of winter, these petite flowers appear, often when snow still is on the ground. Their buttercup-yellow blooms help to attract early-season pollinators. Deer, rabbits, and digging rodents also tend to leave these winter flowers alone.

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This adorable shrub boasts wispy yellow or orange flowers in late winter or very early spring before the foliage appears. Their whimsical appearance makes them a fun addition to the landscape. Be sure to plant the winter-flowering variety because there are many different types.

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These dainty winter flowers are some of the earliest perennials to bloom in late winter to early spring, depending on where you live. With hundreds of types, be sure to choose a type of primrose that can survive winters in your USDA Hardiness Zone.

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Camellias bloom from late fall to mid-spring, depending on the variety. Their huge blooms are reminiscent of roses. Make sure to choose a winter-blooming type that is hardy in your part of the country.

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As the name indicates, this charming, late-winter bloomer appears when snow still may be on the ground. Plant this bulb in the fall for late winter and early spring blooms. Glory of the snow is best massed at the front of garden edging or under trees for the most impact. The flowers will continue to spread every year.

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This evergreen shrub has leathery, frond-like leaves and dramatic sprays of bright yellow flowers that appear in late fall or early winter. Before you buy it, check the plant tag to make sure it’s a type suited to survive winters in your region.

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