At this time of the year it is not that easy to find plants that are in flower outside in the garden. In fact this list includes a few plants that are true winter bloomers together with others that I would regard more as early spring flowers. However I should not complain, but thank the editors at the Birds and Blooms website for producing this list of plants which add color to the garden at this season.
We?ve dug up 10 plants striking enough to take center stage in your flower garden in late winter and into early spring. Bloom times can range from January in the south to March or April farther north. Any of them will make your backyard winter wonderland seem warmer and brighter in this dark, dreary season.
Cyclamen
These late-winter bloomers boast white, pink, purple and red blossoms nodding above leaves that resemble lily pads. Cyclamen prefer partial shade, so they?ll happily take root under trees and shrubs. Mulch generously each fall if your zone is on the cooler side.
Why we love it: Although cyclamen are not native to North America, these gorgeous flowers are not invasive.Hellebore
Hellebore?s lovely cup-shaped blossoms are a staple of any cold-weather garden. With lots of colors, and heights ranging from just 2 inches to 2 feet, you?ll have a hard time choosing just one variety of this moisture- and shade-loving plant. Hellebore doesn?t bloom year-round, but you?ll wish it did.
Why we love it: Frost resistant and shade tolerant, hellebore is built to last through the months when temps are low and light is a precious commodity.Winter heath
This reliable low-growing plant will treat you to a profusion of small, urn-shaped purple-pink flowers through most of winter and into early spring. It prefers acidic soild, but it?s more tolerant than other heaths.
Why we love it: Of the plants on this list, winter heath is among the earliest bloomers. You?ll welcome the sight of its bright little flowers poking through the snow before the others arrive.
See more at Birds and Blooms
Feature photo: Merkur/Shutterstock.com
