Winter aconite is a terrific little plant that blooms late in the winter season, just before you would see the snowdrops appearing. It is a single small yellow flower that pops from the center of bright green grass-like leaves in March or April.
The cheerful yellow works well with the white of the Galanthus, and the two are often planted together in the same manner to compliment a small deciduous shrub or tree. In the right conditions winter aconite will spread profusely and you will have a sea of yellow to lift your spirits.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 7
Bloom Color: Bright yellow
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils
Hellebore (Helleborus spp.) (Shown above in photo)
In the shadiest of places, tucked under a tree, you might find a sign of color peeking out, reminding you that spring will be doing the same thing soon. This is what the perennial evergreen Hellebore does. Often mistakenly only referred to by the common name lenten rose, there are actually many varied species that fall under this genus. They all enjoy the shade and the cool weather, and some will thrive even in snowfall. It is best, though, to keep them sheltered from the coldest temperatures by placing them under and around trees or shelters. Providing the right conditions means you will be rewarded with a beautiful specimen that flowers in a graceful gentle bow. And they can grant you shades in almost any color you can imagine.
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9
Bloom Color: White to pink to rose-purple with yellow stamens
Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
Soil Needs: organically rich, humus-y, well-drained soils
No matter what space you have or color you are looking for, there is sure to be a plant suitable to brighten your winter season.
Credit: The Spruce
The cheerful yellow works well with the white of the Galanthus, and the two are often planted together in the same manner to compliment a small deciduous shrub or tree. In the right conditions winter aconite will spread profusely and you will have a sea of yellow to lift your spirits.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 7
Bloom Color: Bright yellow
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils
Hellebore (Helleborus spp.) (Shown above in photo)
In the shadiest of places, tucked under a tree, you might find a sign of color peeking out, reminding you that spring will be doing the same thing soon. This is what the perennial evergreen Hellebore does. Often mistakenly only referred to by the common name lenten rose, there are actually many varied species that fall under this genus. They all enjoy the shade and the cool weather, and some will thrive even in snowfall. It is best, though, to keep them sheltered from the coldest temperatures by placing them under and around trees or shelters. Providing the right conditions means you will be rewarded with a beautiful specimen that flowers in a graceful gentle bow. And they can grant you shades in almost any color you can imagine.
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9
Bloom Color: White to pink to rose-purple with yellow stamens
Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
Soil Needs: organically rich, humus-y, well-drained soils
No matter what space you have or color you are looking for, there is sure to be a plant suitable to brighten your winter season.
Credit: The Spruce