By the time February comes around, most gardeners are ready to start seeing the first signs of life in their gardens again. The good news: there are some flowers that bloom in February. The bad news: if you live in a colder hardiness zone, you still have a bit of a wait ahead of you.
After a long winter of dormancy, many plants and flowers are beginning to show signs of life again, with buds and shoots starting to emerge. Gardeners are eager to get back outside and start planting, pruning and tending to their plants, as well as seeing the first blooms of the season. The promise of warmer weather, longer days and the vibrant colors of flowers make February an exciting time for gardeners.
Flowers that bloom in February
Especially if you live in a warmer climate, planting these 12 flowers will help get your garden blooming starting in February. These are some of my favorite flowers to plant! See if any are a fit for your garden.
Crocus
Crocuses are small perennial flowers that are usually the first to bloom in early spring. They come in a variety of colors, including white, purple, yellow, and pink. The flowers have three petals and are long-lasting, which makes them a popular choice for gardeners. They are found growing in grassy areas, such as meadows and fields. Crocuses are a great way to welcome the arrival of spring, as they are often the first February flower to bloom.
Winter Aconite
Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) is a small perennial flowering plant that is native to Europe and western Asia. It has bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers that bloom in late winter and early spring (February in some places). The leaves are dark green and divided into three leaflets. The plant will grow up to 6 inches tall. It prefers moist, humus-rich soil that is slightly acidic and well-drained. Winter Aconite is deer resistant and a good choice for woodland gardens or naturalized areas. It is a great companion plant for other spring flowering bulbs like snowdrops and crocus.
Galanthus
Galanthus, also known as snowdrops, are small perennial flowers that belong to the Amaryllidaceae family. They have white, bell-shaped flowers with a green mark at the tip of each petal. The flowers typically bloom in late winter or early spring, usually in February. They grow in clusters and are often found in woodlands, grasslands, and gardens. Galanthus are easy to grow and can be propagated by bulbs.
Irises
Irises are a genus of flowering plants that belong to the Iridaceae family. They have three petals and three sepals, and come in a variety of colors including purple, blue, yellow, white, pink, and orange. Irises typically bloom in the spring, but some species can bloom in February in warmer climates. However, most Irises tend to flower a little bit later, usually in March or April.
Daffodils
Daffodils are a type of bulbous flowering plant that is part of the family Amaryllidaceae. The flowers are typically yellow, with a trumpet-shaped center, and can have multiple petals. They are often associated with later springtime, but they can actually bloom in February in some areas. They are also known to symbolize friendship, new beginnings, and rebirth.
Garrya
Garrya is a genus of evergreen shrubs native to North and Central America. They are renowned for their long, pendulous, catkin-like flowers, which are usually greenish-white and bloom in late winter or early spring. Garrya is an ideal choice for a garden that needs a splash of winter interest, as they can often bloom as early as February in mild climates. The shrubs are adaptable to most soil types, require minimal care, and make an excellent choice for hedging, screening, or as a specimen plant.
Camellia
Camellia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Theaceae. They are native to eastern and southern Asia, from the Himalayas east to Japan and Indonesia. Camellia plants are evergreen shrubs or small trees, up to 20 m in height, with glossy, leathery leaves and showy flowers in a range of colors. Their flowers range in color from white to pink, red, yellow and even purple, and they are one of the earliest blooming plants, often blooming in February. They can be grown in temperate climates and are popular for their dense foliage and beautiful flowers.
Dandelions
Dandelions are flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. They have bright yellow, composite flower heads and are native to Europe and Asia. The flower heads can be up to 2.5 inches in diameter and are made up of many individual flowers. The leaves of the dandelion are long and toothed, and the stems are hollow. Dandelions are most commonly seen during the spring and summer months, but they can also bloom in February in some parts of the world. Some consider them a weed but they are one of my favorite springtime flowers!
Slender speedwell
Slender speedwell (Veronica filiformis) is a small, herbaceous flowering plant that belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. It is native to Europe, but can be found in other parts of the world as well. The plant has slender, spreading stems and narrow, dark green leaves. The flowers are a deep blue color and are small, but numerous on the stem. Slender speedwell can bloom from February to June and sometimes even into the summer.
Virginia springbeauty
Virginia Springbeauty (Claytonia virginica) is a perennial wildflower native to North America. The plant produces small white or pink flowers with five petals and yellow centers. The flowers grow in clusters atop thin, erect stems that reach up to 10 inches in height. Virginia Springbeauty is known for being one of the first wildflowers of spring, blooming as early as February in some locations. It can be found in deciduous forests, meadows, and open woodlands.
Helleborus
Helleborus is a genus of evergreen flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae. It is native to the temperate regions of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Helleborus species are often referred to as “Lenten Roses” due to their tendency to bloom in late winter or early spring, around the time of Lent. The flowers are typically white, pink or purple, and often have a speckled pattern. The foliage is typically leathery and dark green, and the plants prefer shade or semi-shade. Helleborus is an attractive and versatile plant that can be grown in borders, rockeries or containers.
Candytuft
Candytuft is a flowering plant of the family Brassicaceae. It typically has white, pink or purple flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. In Mediterranean climates, however, it can bloom as early as February. The plants can grow up to 12 inches tall and have a lacy, feathery foliage. As an ornamental plant, Candytuft is often planted in rock gardens, along pathways and in borders. It is also a popular choice for flower beds.
