31 Flowers that Will Survive Winter

Winter flowers are spectacular. They’re unlikely bloomers, opening their flowers when other plants are resting until spring. Some bloom in the fall, others in the winter, and a select few flower in early spring.

When you add flowers that survive winter to the yard, you create an eclectic garden full of ornamental interest. Other gardens will be full of bare branches and empty beds, while yours will be full of blooms! These winter-hardy flowers are superb in beds, pots, and planters for gardeners across the U.S.

Try a new variety, or go for a mix of different flowers that survive winter. Try native plants, hardy bulbs, and woody shrubs in cold zones. In frost-free climates, grow cool-season flowers throughout the fall, winter, and spring seasons.

No matter what you do, you can’t go wrong adding more flowers that survive winter to your yard!

With a range of bloom colors and many different species, there’s sure to be an American aster that’s right for your garden. Choose from Douglas, New York, and smooth asters for flowers that survive winter. Look for the genus Symphiotrichum in the name to ensure you’re buying a perennial aster, not an annual one like the China aster. 

These asters bloom at the end of the growing season, as fall evolves into winter. The blooms will persist after light frosts, and the seed heads will remain until birds eat them or they fall to the ground. Leave them standing for structural interest through the cold months. 

Andromeda

	botanical name Pieris japonica
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 8-10’
	hardiness zones 4-8

This perennial shrub features bell-shaped blooms that resemble blueberry and manzanita flowers. Bees love them, and so too do other insect pollinators. Many different andromeda varieties offer different leaf colors, bloom hues, and heights. 

‘Mountain Fire’ is a classic variety. This andromeda has fiery red new growth that contrasts with the old green leaves. Some white blooms may appear in the fall, but most of the flowers will open in late winter and early spring. 

If you like funky cultivars, try the unique ‘Flaming Silver.’ It features new red foliage, and the old leaves are green with a distinctive silver band on their margins. When it blooms, the shrub is a spectacle of white, green, silver, and red hues. 

Calendula

	botanical name Calendula officinalis
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 1-2’
	hardiness zones 9-11

Calendula, or pot marigold, is a flower that survives winter with impressive frost-hardiness. It’s a beautiful specimen for flower beds, and its petals are edible! Use them to add color and fresh flavor to salads, sandwiches, and charcuterie boards with cheese and crackers.

Calendula flowers often come in orange and yellow colors. A new variety, ‘Zeolights,’ has pink-apricot blooms that stand out from the other cultivars. They change colors as they age, providing much-needed flower power during the fall and winter seasons. 

Though calendulas are frost-hardy, they may not survive extreme storms that freeze the ground. Mulch them heavily with compost to help them survive the onslaught of snow, ice, and rain that’s common in winter. 

Chrysanthemum

	botanical name Chrysanthemum spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-4’
	hardiness zones 3-9

Chrysanthemums are common sights during the fall, and for good reason! They come in all sorts of fall colors, like mahogany, orange, yellow, pink, white, and red. Some new cultivars sprout so many flowers that you can’t see their leaves below!

Frost-hardy chrysanthemum flowers survive winter easily. They’ll continue through the winter in mild climates, and the plants will enter a temporary dormant state in cold climates. This plant likes mulch around its roots; use compost, leaf mold, or fallen leaves. 

Perennial chrysanthemums may not survive the winter if they receive a late planting. They need to grow in the ground at least two months before your first average frost date. Transplant them in early fall to guarantee they make it through the cold season.

Crocus

	botanical name Crocus spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-6”
	hardiness zones 3-8

Crocus flowers sprout from corms underground. The corms are like bulbs, and they allow the plant to survive difficult growing conditions. Crocus flowers range in hues of purple, white, and yellow. Some have stripes on their petals!

Crocus species tend to bloom in late winter, though some flower in the fall, like the saffron crocus. Plant a mix of both for continuous blooms this season. 

Try growing the saffron species to enjoy the expensive spice. Collect the stigmas, the darker orange colored floral parts, and use them fresh or dry to flavor your food.

Cyclamen

	botanical name Cyclamen spp.
	sun requirements Partial to full shade
	height 4”-1’
	hardiness zones 4-11

Cyclamen sprout heart-shaped leaves during the growing season. Before the leaves sprout, pink or purple flowers emerge from the ground. Without the leaves, the flowers stand out in the winter landscape. 

Different cyclamen exist, and not all species are winter hardy. Use frost-tolerant species, like C. hederifolium. For blooms indoors, grow Persian cyclamen. Or, plant both to enjoy the beautiful flowers indoors and outdoors!

Daffodil

	botanical name Narcissus spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 6”-2.5’
	hardiness zones 3-9

Plant daffodil bulbs in the fall for late winter or early spring flowers. These cold-tolerant bulbs grow dormant in the summer, and they emerge to thrive during the cooler months. Find cultivars with yellow, white, orange, and multicolored flowers.

Daffodil hybrids may not survive year to year as well as species types. Grow daffodil species, not cultivars, if you’d like bulbs that naturalize over time. If you’d like unique flowers, plant the hybrids. Their beauty is short-lasting, but it’s breathtaking to behold. 

Daphne

	botanical name Daphne odora
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 3-6.5’
	hardiness zones 7-9

Winter daphne is fragrant and cold-hardy! It’s perfect if you’re looking for flowers that’ll survive winter. Plant it near your walkway to enjoy the flowers’ strong fragrance every time you walk by.

Daphne dislikes transplanting, and it needs some time to establish itself. Plant it in moist, free-draining soil that doesn’t get soggy. For winter protection, add mulch around the roots, leaving a gap between the mulch and the trunk. 

Many daphne cultivars exist, with yellow-green, white-green, or all-green leaves. Choose a hardy variety that’s both beautiful and tough. 

English Primrose

	botanical name Primula vulgaris
	sun requirements Partial shade
	height 3-6”
	hardiness zones 4-8

This longtime winter favorite excels in home gardens. The species has soft, yellow flowers with white petals. New hybrids provide winter color in showy colors like magenta, sunshine yellow, and deep purple. 

The flowers emerge from the plants’ centers, and long green leaves sprout from the clumps. They’ll appear year after year, growing larger in time. Divide them every two to three years to propagate free primroses from your garden. 

Forsythia

	botanical name Forsythia spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 3-10’
	hardiness zones 5-8

Forsythia flowers sprout from naked branches during the winter. They’ll survive light frosts, and they appear before most other shrubs and trees bloom. Use the shrubs as deciduous screens, or plant them on their own as focal points in the landscape.  

Forsythia shrubs reach tall and wide in maturity. Prune them to keep them small, but do so at the right time so you don’t lop off the flowers. Prune forsythias right after they finish flowering, when new sprouts appear. 

Hazelnut

	botanical name Corylus americana
	sun requirements Full sun to full shade
	height 9-12’
	hardiness zones 4-9

Hazelnut flowers are different from most other shrubs. The male and female flowers bloom separately on the same shrub. The male flowers are more showy than the tiny, red female blooms.

Male hazelnut flowers resemble catkins. They hang downwards, and they turn yellow as they release pollen in the wind. They’re gorgeous when they all appear at once throughout landscapes with hazel trees. The flowers can turn a bland winter garden into one bursting with ornamental interest.

Hellebore

	botanical name Helleborus x hybridus
	sun requirements Partial to full shade
	height 1-2’
	hardiness zones 4-9

Hellebores are the best plants for winter shade gardens. They thrive under taller trees and shrubs, and they live for many years after they establish themselves. Their flowers grow up and over, nodding downwards like daffodils. 

Most hellebores at garden centers and plant nurseries are hybrids. Try any number of cultivars with flowers in shades of black, gray, yellow, white, red, and maroon. 

Hellebores have deep-reaching roots that thrive in well-drained soil. They’re incredibly adaptable, though they prefer rich, fertile garden soil that’s not soggy or waterlogged. 

Mountain Cowslip

	botanical name Primula auricula
	sun requirements Partial shade
	height 6-8”
	hardiness zones 2-9

Mountain cowslips are close relatives of English primroses. They have a similar low-growing habit and stunning flowers. The species grows distinct yellow flowers, while hybrids offer rare flowers that are maroon, purple, or different shades of yellow. 

Mountain cowslips require excellent drainage, as they naturally grow on mountainsides and in alpine environments. Grow it in a rock garden, or plant it in a container with free-draining soil. 

Muscari

	botanical name Muscari spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 6-9”
	hardiness zones 4-8

Muscari, or grape hyacinth, sprouts globular purple flowers on short stems. The small, round blooms look like champagne grapes, and they’re edible! The bulbs, stems, and leaves are toxic raw, though the bitter-tasting flowers are safe to consume.

Instead of eating the blooms, steep them in vinegar to make a marinade or salad dressing. Or, try brewing a tea with the flowers and mix in honey and lemon juice. 

Muscari bulbs naturalize over time, forming vast clumps full of purple flowers at the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Divide them every few years, or let them spread on their own.

Oregon Grape

	botanical name Berberis aquifolium
	sun requirements Partial to full shade
	height 3-10’
	hardiness zones 5-8

Oregon grape is one of Oregon’s treasured plants! It’s native to the state, and it grows throughout the forests of the Pacific Northwest. It features bright, yellow, and aromatic flowers in late winter. They emit an astringent fragrance that’s subtly pleasing. 

Below the yellow flowers grow spiny leaves on woody, ridged stems. The blossoms fade to reveal blue berries that birds love to eat. They don’t taste that great, but they do make a delicious jam or jelly with added sugar. 

Ozark Witch Hazel

	botanical name Hamamelis vernalis
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 6-16’
	hardiness zones 3-8

Another U.S. native shrub, the Ozark witch hazel, sprouts flowers with a similar scent to Oregon grape blooms. They smell astringent, and they range in color from yellow to orange-red. The frilly, smelly blossoms emerge on naked branches, creating a beautiful spectacle in the winter garden.

Ozark witch hazel is particularly hardy because of its native range. It originates from the Ozark plateau, a harsh environment where many plants struggle to survive. This shrub thrives in that region, and it’ll perform well in gardens with consistent moisture and well-drained soil.

Witch hazel blossoms grow from year-old stems, so it’s best not to prune the shrub until after it flowers. Make trimming cuts in the spring when the flowers fade and new foliage begins to emerge.

Pampas Grass

	botanical name Cortaderia selloana
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 6-12’
	hardiness zones 6-10

Pampas grass is a clump-forming perennial that reaches high in the sky. Its fuzzy blooms stand through the winter, and they wave in the wind during storms. Leave them standing, or trim them off and bring them indoors for free fall decor. 

Pampas grass is invasive in some regions. It’ll quickly spread into wild landscapes in parts of California and the Pacific Northwest. Grow an alternative plant if you live in a state where this plant is invasive. 

Pansy

	botanical name Viola x wittrockiana
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 4-9”
	hardiness zones 6-10

Pansies are frost-hardy perennials that tend to live short lives. Though they aren’t long-lasting, they’re stunning additions to the fall or winter garden. They sprout multi-petal flowers with many different colors. 

Find pansies with blue and white, purple and yellow, and orange flowers that survive winter. Choose types that go well with the rest of your garden, and plant them in the cool months for winter color. 

Pansies dislike hot temperatures, and they tend to die out when summer’s heat arrives. Plant them in a spot with protection from afternoon sun to help them survive the hot months. 

Piqsqueak

	botanical name Bergenia crassifolia
	sun requirements Full sun to full shade
	height 1-1.5’
	hardiness zones 3-8

Pigsqueaks have a funny name, and for good reason. If you rub their leaves, they squeak like a pig! The plants sprout purple, red, or white flowers on tall stems above the foliage. As winter temperatures lower, the leaves gain a red color that contrasts with the green. 

Piqsqueaks grow well in the shade, though they’ll survive in a sunny spot with consistent moisture. Water them regularly, and plant them in well-drained soil so their roots don’t rot. 

Pussy Willow

	botanical name Salix spp.
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 10-20’
	hardiness zones 2-7

Pussy willows are native to North America! They’re incredible willow specimens with multi-season interest. In winter, male pussy willows sprout ornamental, fuzzy flower buds. They look like cats’ paws when they’re young, and they open into frilly flowers. 

If you’d like the attractive blooms, plant a male pussy willow. Check the label to ensure it’s a male plant, or ask the plant nursery if they’re aware of the shrub’s sex. 

Pussy willows may grow into tall trees if you let them! Reduce their height annually with pruning after the flowers fade. 

Russian Sage

	botanical name Salvia yangii
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 2-4’
	hardiness zones 5-9

Russian sage is a lovely perennial with aromatic leaves and flowers. Its violet blooms emerge during the growing season, and they last well into winter. Plant Russian sage near a walkway or doorway to enjoy the fragrance every time you pass by. 

This sage used to go by Perovskia atriplicifolia. Now, taxonomists agree it’s a true sage in the genus Salvia. Use any of the names to search for it at local nurseries and online. 

Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’

	botanical name Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Autumn Joy’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 1.5-2’
	hardiness zones 3-10

‘Autumn Joy’ is one of those perennials that everyone knows about. You may not recognize it by name, but you’ve surely seen it before in gardens and landscapes. It features succulent green leaves, and pink blossoms emerge in clusters from the tips of the stems.

Plant ‘Autumn Joy’ in a spot with six or more hours of daily direct sunlight for the best growing results. The stems may flop in the shade, and they’ll require staking to stay upright. They’re more likely to stand on their own in a sunny spot.

Snowdrop

	botanical name Galanthus nivalis
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 4-10”
	hardiness zones 3-9

Snowdrops are iconic winter-blooming bulbs with snow-white flowers. They poke out of the snow when it’s frigid, providing color and structure while most other perennials are still dormant.

Divide the plants to propagate them, or take stem cuttings. Over time, they’ll form wide clumps as they naturalize in your garden. Plant snowdrops in lawns, under trees, and around tall woody shrubs.

Many different types of snowdrops exist. Some have all-white flowers, while others have green stripes and markings on their inner petals. Select a variety that you enjoy looking at, or choose a mix to see multiple types all at once. 

Spring Snowflake

Spring snowflakes resemble snowdrops, though they are slightly larger and their blooms look a tad different. The nodding, white flowers decorate winter gardens, and the lush green leaves provide much-needed color after a long, dreary cold season. 

Summer snowflakes are similar, though they bloom in spring instead of late winter. Both types enter dormancy for the summer, and they emerge when the weather cools again. 

Plant snowdrops and snowflakes together if you’re trying to create a moon garden. Moon gardens feature white and night-blooming flowers, and the two bulbs are perfect for blanketing the ground in these gardens. 

Spurge ‘Ascot Rainbow’

	botanical name Euphorbia x martinii ‘Ascot Rainbow’
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 1-3’
	hardiness zones 6-9

‘Ascot Rainbow’ is one of the showiest spurges. Its flowers look like Shrek’s ears. They’re yellow, and they each have a red spot on them.

Spurge will flower throughout the cold months, and you’ll notice the flowers developing from fall through spring. They unravel from the stems like a snake uncoiling its head, or a fern unraveling its fronds. 

Give ‘Ascot Rainbow’ a good pruning job after the blooms fade. Wear gloves, and avoid touching the toxic milky sap that leaks out of the stems.

Tea-oil Camellia

	botanical name Camellia oleifera
	sun requirements Partial shade
	height 10-20’
	hardiness zones 6-9

Tea-oil camellia is a tree form of the popular shrub, and this species may reach up to 20 feet tall in the garden. It sports white, pink, or red blossoms that are often aromatic. 

This camellia receives its name because of the oil-rich seeds it grows. Growers will sell the seeds to oil producers, and they grind the seeds up to extract the valuable cooking oil. 

In the garden, tea-oil camellia is more hardy than most other cultivars. If you have trouble cultivating other camellias, try this one! It may prove hardy enough to survive the winter in your garden. 

Tulip

	botanical name Tulipa spp.
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 4”-2.5’
	hardiness zones 3-8

Tulips, like daffodils, are early spring bloomers that sprout from bulbs. They come in all sorts of colors, like yellow, red, white, pink, and purple. Some varieties have frilly petals, while others have cup-shaped flowers that stand tall despite late winter storms. 

Plant tulips deep underground, giving them rich, fertile soil to grow in. Add a mulch, like compost, to feed and protect them through the winter months. 

Tulips need cold temperatures to bloom, and they’ll struggle in warm climates. If you’re up for a challenge, try refrigerating them each winter before planting them at the end of the season. You can trick the plants into blooming!

Viola

	botanical name Viola spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to full shade
	height 5-7”
	hardiness zones 1-10

If you think pansies are hardy, try planting viola species! These low-growing perennials sprout purple, yellow, or white flowers and heart-shaped leaves. Some are aromatic, like the famous sweet violet. 

Many violas are native to parts of the U.S., like the evergreen violet in the Pacific Northwest. For hardy, winter flowers, grow a native viola species that thrives in your local region. 

Violas may perform okay if they receive six or more hours of direct sunlight. They’ll grow better if you plant them in partially shady sites with protection from afternoon sunlight. 

Winter Aconite

	botanical name Eranthis hyemalis
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 3-6”
	hardiness zones 3-7

Winter aconite grows from bulb-like roots that sit underground. Its flowers emerge in winter or spring, and they’re bright yellow with a collar of green leaves. 

These gorgeous specimens are highly toxic! Enjoy them from a distance, and use gloves when handling them. Also, keep pets and children away from them to avoid accidents. 

Winter Heath

	botanical name Erica carnea
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 6”-1’
	hardiness zones 7-9

Winter heath, or scotch heath, is a plant common in many Victorian novels. The flowers sprout all over the United Kingdom, and that is why they’re common in Victorian books from that time and area. This low-growing, spreading heath is perfect for borders and beds in cold climates.

Find heath varieties with flowers in pink, purple, and white hues. To trim them, lightly shear the stems after the blooms fade. Avoid cutting too deeply into the plants to keep them looking their best. 

Winter Jasmine

	botanical name Jasminum nudiflorum
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 10-15’
	hardiness zones 6-10

If you like the fragrance of daphnes, consider adding winter jasmine to the winter garden. This vining perennial sprouts yellow, aromatic flowers on naked branches. They’re beautiful and fragrant, pleasing the eyes and noses of many gardeners.