20 Best Winter Flowers That Will Bloom in the Cold

Naturally, something with the word "Christmas" in it feels very wintery. And this bright plant brings a lot of cheer, for sure, since they bloom right around the holidays. They thrive well in cold-hardy zones with partial sun and can be found in a variety of pink, purple, red, and white shades.

Actually considered a spring flower, these pretty, delicate flowers bloom so early that there's often snow still on the ground. You know, in winter! They are not prone to disease nor do they need pruning, so they're quite easy to care for. They also work well in full sun and partial sun, too.

Another flower that's technically a spring plant, these unique flowers are the small, wild version of Bleeding Hearts. They bloom so early that they actually look best in colder months and stay attractive as a plant year round. They're also very low maintenance, thriving in half or full shade.

If you’ve never seen these stunning flowers, also called Lenten roses, you’re in for a surprise. They appear in mid to late winter, often around the time of Lent, depending on your climate. Their lush petals and exquisite color make them a must-have. These perennials are super cold-hardy, so you can plant them even where you have tough winters.

Just as the name indicates, these tiny flowers appear when snow is still on the ground in cold climates. Snowdrops, also called galanthus, look delicate but are quite cold-hardy. Their petite drooping green and white flowers are a breath of fresh air in late winter and early spring. Plant them in the fall for winter and spring flowers.

These adorable flowers with little "faces" come in every color of the rainbow, and they don't mind a chill—so they'll last into late fall or early winter in many climates. In the South, they'll survive throughout most of the winter. Though they're often considered annuals, some types will drop seeds and come back next spring.

These evergreen shrubs have glossy leaves and stunning, lush flowers in shades of white, pink, and red to add year-round interest to Southern gardens. There are many different varieties, so make sure to choose a type that will bloom in winter in partial shade like tea-oil camellia or its hybrids.

Crocuses are sturdy little flowers that often bloom when snow still is on the ground. They often close their petals at night and then bloom in the morning sun. Plant the bulbs in fall for flowers in late winter or very early spring. They will return for many years in full sun to partial shade.

This lesser-known evergreen shrub is a lovely specimen for any garden. Hundreds of tiny pink or white bell-shaped flowers dangle from delicate stems in late winter and are great for shady areas. The flowers last for weeks! But be warned: They can be toxic to dogs and cats.

These pretty perennial flowers are extremely cold-hardy. They bloom in late winter or early spring in partial shade, depending on where you live. There are over 500 different types, so look for those that will survive in your particular hardiness zone.

This interesting shrub gets wispy, whimsical flowers in mid-winter, long before the foliage appears. It is native to North America and grows best in mild climates in full sun. Just make sure to plant a winter-blooming variety. And be on the lookout because you'll attract more pollinators and songbirds!

This dense evergreen shrub is low maintenance and works well as a groundcover, especially for beginning gardeners. The beautiful pink flowers that bloom from winter to early spring in full or partial sun. The shrub also help smoother weeds year round!

This evergreen shrub has frond-like leaves and sprays of bright yellow flowers that last for weeks in late fall to early winter. They’re followed by shiny blue-black berries. Plant them in partial sun for the best results. And bonus: They attract birds!

These sweetly-scented flowers boast late winter or early spring blooms and were popular in Colonial gardens. They enjoy full sun to partial shade to thrive, and their delicate star-shaped flowers are mildly fragrant in shades of pink, white, or blue.

Bright yellow flowers appear on the arching branches of this shrub in late winter. Unlike other types of jasmine, it’s not fragrant, but it adds a splash of sunshine to the landscape when you need it the most. It’s also a great option for slopes.

The sweet, fruity fragrance of these evergreen shrubs make them irresistible! Delicate pink, white, or lavender blooms appear in late winter to early spring in full sun to partial shade. The plants only last about three to four years, but you can easily propagate them for new.

This lesser-known flower has buttercup yellow blooms that appear in late winter. The ground-hugging foliage and flowers often pop up through the snow and work well in rock gardens and flower beds. Plant the bulbs in fall, and they’ll return for years.

Petite blue flowers and strap-like leaves make scilla, also called Siberian squill, a lovely addition to rock gardens or at the front of borders. They’re extremely cold-hardy and will multiply quickly in either full sun or partial shade.