Numerous sunny days during winter means some plants continue to bloom, bringing a spot of color the dormant garden
These plants are hardy enough to continue blooming for a good part of the year when all other plants do not:
- Winter Jasmine: a deciduous shrub that produces bright yellow flowers during the winter months.
- Christmas Rose (Hellebore): Christmas Rose (pictured above) is a hardy perennial with white or pinkish flowers that bloom in winter.
- Pansies (Viola): cold-tolerant annuals that can often bloom throughout the winter in Colorado if protected from severe cold.
- Snowdrops: small, early-blooming bulbs that can pop up even through snow.
- Crocus: Crocuses are small spring-flowering bulbs that can bloom as early as late winter, depending on the variety.
- Camellias: evergreen shrubs that produce beautiful, rose-like flowers in various colors during the winter months.
- Bergenia: Also known as "elephant's ears," Bergenia has evergreen leaves and produces pink or white flowers in late winter or early spring.
- Japanese Quince: Japanese Quince shrubs can produce bright red, pink, or orange flowers in late winter.
- Primroses: these hardy perennials bloom in a range of colors during the late winter and early spring.
When planting winter-blooming plants, consider providing some protection from harsh winter winds and snow, especially if your garden is at a higher elevation. Choose microclimates in your yard that receive sun and are sheltered from harsh weather conditions to encourage winter flowering. Mulching and care during the warmer parts of the year will help these plants thrive and bloom when the cold months arrive.