Winter is the perfect time to enjoy a wide variety of beautiful flowers, both native and exotic! From December to March, you’ll see a wide variety of blooms, not just in numbers but in all kinds of stunning forms and shades. The cooler months like a quiet time for nature, but the right flowers can make your garden burst with life!
In this post, you’ll discover 21 of the best winter flowers. winter flowers include Cineraria Chrysanthemums, Dahlias, Petunias, Asters, African Daisies, and Cosmos, to name a few. But the list doesn’t stop there! You can also add charm to your garden with Antirrhinums (Snapdragons), Nasturtiums, Pansies, Verbena, Carnations, Poppies, and more. Winter flowers come in many different forms, sizes, and colors—making them a joy to grow and admire.
Why are winter flowers special?
A variety of flowers can be observed in the winter season; this season you will not only find flowers in abundance but also in interesting shapes, varied colors, and different forms that can’t be matched in any other season. These flowers come into full bloom in the cooler months, creating a truly unique and colorful show.
The winter season sees a great variety of native and exotic flowers. Exotic flowers like azalea, gladiolus, cineraria, celosia, purslane, calendula, and hollyhock were once considered exotic, but these days, they seem right at home in local gardens. Their beauty is so impressive that words can’t truly express how stunning they are. You can even find seedlings of these flowers at your local nursery!
When should you plant winter flowers?
The best time to plant winter flowers is between December and March. During this time, they grow well and produce vibrant blooms that add life and color to any space. But remember, winter flowers don’t like to be rushed—take your time when planning which flowers you want to transplant.
What makes exotic flowers stand out?
It’s hard to resist the charm of exotic flowers. They’re not just beautiful; their uniqueness makes them the stars of any garden. These flowers have adapted so well to the local environment that they no longer feel “foreign”—they blend right in with native species, creating a seamless, colorful garden experience.
So, don’t worry too much about which flowers to plant this winter. With such a wide range of both native and exotic varieties, your garden will be blooming beautifully in no time!
Visit your local nursery for a wide variety of winter flowers to choose from. You’ll find an abundance of exotic blooms that are guaranteed to thrive in your winter garden. Enjoy the beauty of winter flowers and watch your garden come alive during the colder months!
Winter Flowers Aster:
Another beautiful winter flower is the aster. Asters come in different colors like white, purple, blue, red, yellow, brown, etc. Each panicle has one or more flowers on its head and flowers only once. The trees are small and bushy. Ester is a species of dahlia flower. After collecting high-quality seedlings from the nursery, plants should be transplanted to a location that receives about 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day, which helps the plants grow well and become less susceptible to disease. Asters To transplant plants in any type of good well-drained soil, select a medium (8 to 10 inch) soil tub. Once you buy a seedling, there’s no need to repot it every winter! From its flowers you can save the seeds, and later, before winter comes, you can make seedlings from the seeds and enjoy them all winter long.
Learn more about how to grow Aster
Winter Flowers Gazania:
Gazania is a winter flower. Although its original habitat is South Africa, it has now become a popular flower in this country. Gazania flowers bloom from late spring to early summer, with flowers about 2-3 cm in diameter and different colors (yellow, pink, red, orange, white). Gazania flowers look a lot like sunflowers. They grow well in hilly areas.
Learn more about how to grow Gazania
Winter Flowers Snowdros:
As promised, these early-blooming bulbs bring a breath of fresh air to gardeners who are tired of winter by often popping out when the snow is still on the ground. Snowdrops can bloom as early as late January in mild winters, although February or March is more typical. Planting the bulbs in regions where they may naturally proliferate, such forest edges, will maximize their effectiveness and guarantee that they multiply over time.
Learn more about how to grow Snowdros
Winter Flowers Cineraria:
Cineraria is one of the most attractive winter flowers. Cineraria comes in different colors like purple, white, blue, red, pink, brown, etc. Each panicle has multiple flowers on its head and the flowers bloom only once. The plant is small (up to 1-3 feet tall) and shrubby in nature. Cineraria belongs to the Asteraceae family.
The scientific name of Cineraria is “Pericallis × hybrida“, it belongs to the Asteraceae family. Although Cineraria is an exotic flower, the beauty of this flower will impress you. The eye or center of this flower can be any color, usually brown, gold, pink, or black. Although most cineraria come in solid colors, some species are bicolor. You need to collect many plants to get different colored flowers. The beauty of these flowers can’t be expressed in words.
Learn more about how to grow Cineraria
Winter Flowers Aconite
Winter aconite, one of the first bulbs to bloom, brightens the late winter landscape with its cheerful yellow blooms, which resemble buttercups. It often appears with snowdrops. These long-blooming, freely multiplying plants are great for naturalizing since they spread by seed to create a dense carpet of color.
Winter Flowers Zinnia:
Zinnia is single and double petaled comes in various colors like pink, white, purple, yellow, etc. These flowers are very beautiful to look at. Each flower on the plant lasts for 15 to 20 days. Medium soil tubs should be selected for transplanting seedlings.
Learn more about how to grow Zinnia
Winter Flowers Dahlia:
Dahlias are among the most popular winter flowers. Dahlia is a familiar flower to all of us. Dahlia comes from Mexico in America. It is the most beautiful of all the winter flowers. Bong-colored flowers with many petals. Some are monochromatic, and some are a mixture of multiple colors. Although dahlia flowers are large in size, small-sized dahlia flowers can also be seen. November is the ideal time to transplant dahlia seedlings.
Learn more about how to grow Dahlia
Winter Flowers Alyssum:
Attractive Alyssum flowers of different colors look a little smaller. These exotic flowers bloom in large numbers in clusters. Alyssum for garden beautification is not comparable, in a small area of the garden, plants can be transplanted to beautify the garden in a tub or in the ground or in a hanging pot. Despite being a foreign flower the popularity of this flower of our country is increasing day by day. It has become the national flower of the United States. Alyssum plant can grow to a height of 3 to 4 inches (10 centimeters to one meter). Flowering begins at the beginning of winter.
Learn more about how to grow Alyssum
Alissum flowers are often used for landscaping in the Mediterranean region. The flowers of some species have a fragrant fragrance. They are often planted in large blocks to offer both fragrance and abundant flowers in your garden.
Winter Flowers Marigold:
Marigold is a flower known to all of us. Don’t think these flowers are native, they are exotic flowers. Apart from yellow, orange, purple, and red flowers are also available.
African marigold:
African marigolds are yellow in color and the plants grow quite large. Notable varieties are Inca, Guinea Gold, Man in the Moon, Yellow Supreme, Goldsmith, etc.
Winter Flowers French Marigolds:
This class of marigolds are red in color, hence they are also called “blood marigolds”. The plants of this species are small and bushy. There are black spots on the petals. Notable varieties are Marietta, Harmony, Legion of Honor, etc.
The American scarlet marigold, also known as the marigold, is a flower originally from South America. Depending on the number of petals, flowers are either single or double petaled.
White marigolds, jumbo marigolds, hybrids, and blood or Chinese marigolds are also cultivated for twelve months. Medium soil tubs should be selected for transplanting seedlings.
Learn more about how to grow Marigold
Winter Flowers Chrysanthemum:
Chrysanthemum is the best of the winter seasonal flowers. This is why the chrysanthemum is called the “Queen of Gardens.” Chrysanthemum belongs to the composite (Asteraceae) family and its English name is Chrysanthemum. Chrysanthemums start blooming in December. Although chrysanthemums are native to China, they are the national flower of Japan. Chrysanthemums are of different varieties and colors. Some varieties have larger petals, and some have smaller petals. Flower variety, color, size, everything is varied. The chrysanthemum plant begins to flower from December to February. To get abundant flowers from chrysanthemum plants, care should be started in August.
Learn more about how to grow Chrysanthemum
Winter Flowers Pansy:
When talking about low-growing winter flowering plants, the first thing that comes to mind is the most beautiful winter flower pansy. The flowers look a lot like butterflies. It looks like someone has smeared the flowers with colored paint. That is, the flower has a mixture of different colors. The structure of this flower is completely different from other flowers. The lower part of the flower has three petals and the upper part has two petals. Flowers bloom best in wide (spreading) tubs. These flowers are unmatched in enhancing the beauty of the home.
The scientific name of the pansy is Viola tricolor. It is the Viola x wittrockiana family. The pansy is such a popular flower that gardeners know it by more than 400 names. Among other names for Pansy, Viola, Pansy, Pansy Violet, heartsease, love in idleness, flower of Jove, and Johnny Jump Up, names are notable. December is the ideal time to plant saplings.
Learn more about how to grow Chrysanthemum
Winter Flowers African Daisy:
African daisy, a flower native to South Africa. Despite being a foreign flower, the beauty of this flower will impress you. The eye or center of this daisy flower can be different colors, usually brown, gold, pink, or black. And the flowers are purple, pink, yellow, orange, white, etc. While most African daisies come in solid colors, some fade to other colors toward the center of the flower for an almost tie-dye effect. You have to collect many plants to get different colored flowers. Unless this daisy plant is transplanted into the garden, the beauty of this flower cannot be expressed in words.
Learn more about how to grow African Daisy
The scientific name for African daisy is Osteospermum, and it is a member of the Asteraceae family. Other names for this plant include African daisy, cape daisy, and osteospermum. Trailing African Daisy or Shrubby Daisybush, Osteospermum fruticosum, etc.
African daisies bloom when the rains arrive in the spring season in South Africa. This flower blooms in winter and spring. It is a perennial plant, but it is difficult to save plants in dry conditions, so they are grown as an annual.
Learn more about how to grow Gazania
Winter Flowers Cosmos:
Cosmos is an exotic flower. Yet, to decorate the garden or enhance the decoration of the balcony, the pair of cosmos is great. It is the flower of the American city of Mexico. There are 5-petalled pink, white, red, and crimson flowers, which are flowers of various shades. Multiple flowers are born on tall and thin stalks, which look very beautiful.
The scientific name of the cosmos flower is Cosmos bipinnatus. But there are about 20 species of cosmos in all, depending on the color and flower type and name of the cosmos or Mexican aster. For example, Cosmos sulphureus is our familiar bright orange-yellow cosmos. Cosmos bipinnatus is a pink and white cosmos. There is even a chocolate-colored cosmos called Cosmos atrosanguineus.
Learn more about how to grow Cosmos
Winter Flowers Camellia:
Among the beautiful winter flowers is the camellia, also known as the “rose of winter.” The Camellia is nicknamed the “Bourbon Camellia”. Camellias are just as lovely as roses, pansies, carnations, chrysanthemums, azaleas, and other flowers. Camellia blooms in winter but buds form in autumn. Rainwater should not be allowed to accumulate at the base of this tree, otherwise the tree will be trampled. Care for this plant is completely different from other plants.
Camellia Scientific Name: Camellia japonica – This plant can grow up to 20 feet tall. Currently there are many hybrid varieties of this flower. Other local names include camellia, Japanese camellia. It is a plant of the Theaceae family.
Learn more about how to grow Camellia
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Winter Flowers Gerbera:
Gerbera has achieved worldwide fame for its own beauty. Colors: The beauty of colorful Gerbera flowers will catch anyone’s eye. Gerberas are wonderful as winter flowers. Although gerbera is a foreign flower, it is also in great demand in our country. The leaves of this flower that look like sunflowers are actually spinach. Several colors of Gerbera are cultivated in our country including red, white, yellow, pink, and orange. With proper care, you can get flowers from the plant all year round.
Gerbera cultivation requires fertile, loamy soil with good drainage. Learn more about how to grow Gerbera
Winter Flowers Clarkia:
You must transplant the Clarkia plant if you want to have a variety of flowers in your garden. Flowers of different shapes and colors will make your garden more enchanting. yellow, pinks, purples, reds, and whites are common colors, with interesting variations in the color of the flower itself.
Clarkia flowers are beautiful to look at. Each flower lasts a long time on the plant. Medium-sized (8 to 10 inch) soil tubs should be selected for transplanting seedlings.
Learn more about how to grow Clarkia
Winter Flowers Nasturtium:
You can easily grow nasturtiums on the balcony or in the garden tub; it blooms in various colors of during the winter season. This flower is wonderful for decorating the balcony. To get high quality flowers, good quality seedlings should be collected from the nursery. For this plant, you can use a flat clay tub or pot.
Its original habitat is Peru and Mexico. The scientific name of Nasturtium is Tropaeclum majus; it belongs to Tropaeclaceae family. It is also known locally as Monks cress, Garden nasturtium. Nasturtiums were once known as Indian Cresses because the flower was first introduced from the Americas, then known as the Indies, and used as ornamentals.
Learn more about how to grow Nasturtium
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Winter Flowers Phlox:
Flowers of various colors bloom on the branches of bushes and small trees. These flowers can be seen between small and thin leaves. The center point of the flower has a contrasting color drop. The flowers have five petals. When many flowers bloom at the same time, it looks very beautiful from a distance. Phlox starts blooming at the end of winter, i.e., February, March.
It belongs to the polemoniceae family and its scientific name is Phlox durmmondii. Native to Texas and Mexico in the Americas. A variety of insects are attracted to the light and gentle fragrance of phlox flowers. Flowers of different shapes and colors will make your garden more enchanting. There are more than 60 species of phlox that will make your garden beautiful. Many species bloom in late winter or early summer; most species are perennials. All varieties of this perennial require well-drained, fertile, moist soil and average water. Here are 15 types of garden phlox flowers.
✅ David Phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘David’)
✅ Nora Leigh Phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘Nora Leigh’)
✅ Volcano Ruby Phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘Barthirtyone’)
✅ Bright Eyes Phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘Bright Eyes’)
✅ Laura Phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘Laura’)
✅ Grenadine Dream Phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘Grenadine Dream’)
✅ Grace Phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘Grace’)
✅ Flame Pink Phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘Bartwelve’)
✅ Little Boy Phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘Little Boy’)
✅ Violetta Gloriosa Phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘Violetta Gloriosa’)
✅ Opening Act Blush Phlox (Phlox ‘Opening Act Blush ‘)
✅ Orange Perfection Phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘Orange Perfection’)
✅ Starfire Phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘Starfire’)
✅ Red Magic Phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘Red Magic’)
✅ Jubilee Phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘Jubilee’)
Learn more about how to grow Phlox
Winter Flowers Twinkle star (Phlox twinkle star):
Phlox twinkle star is a perennial and herbaceous plant. Flowers begin to bloom in early spring and continue into mid to late summer. Blooming flowers are elongated and star shaped. Scientific name of phlox twinkle star: Phlox durmmondii, belongs to the polemoniceae family. Native to Texas and Mexico in the Americas.
The plant does well in partial shade, fertile, moist yet well-drained soil. Any soil is suitable for growing creeping phlox twinkle star as long as it is kept in full sun to partial shade. Try to keep the soil pH between 6.1 and 7.8 to increase the flowering of the plant, as twinkle star prefers weakly acidic soil – weakly alkaline soil.
Plants should be given supplementary water during the hot season and if the plants are kept under roofs, the leaves may show signs of scorching due to the hot environment. Therefore, arrangements should be made to keep the plants in a shed during the summer.
Add fertilizer starting in early winter, once a month. If phlox fungal problems occur, use a fungicide.
Learn more about how to grow Twinkle star