Pansies and violas bloom for most of the winter in mild climates, and some types will rebound in the spring in cold climates. They're technically annuals, but many varieties drop seeds so they'll come back again next spring.
Pansies. Remarkable as a winter plant, Pansies can survive freezing coldness and can thrive vigorously when summer returns. Its “smiling face” flowers are vibrant in color and fragrance that can fill up your space with so much joy.
Choose Hardy, Native Perennials
Many varieties actually need to have their seeds exposed to freezing temperatures in order to germinate and sprout. Many of these are already garden favorites. Black Eyed Susans, Purple Coneflowers, and Indian Blankets are examples of flowers that gardeners can plant in the winter.
Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata) is a good choice for an outdoor winter plant because it's an evergreen that keeps its leaves on its branches all winter long. It's drought-tolerant and thrives in both full and partial sun. Hardy to Zone 4, Japanese yews can survive harsh winters.
Snap Dragons, Dusty Miller and Pansies
Winter annuals go by many different names, including cool-season annuals, hardy annuals and frost-tolerant annuals. No matter what you call these blooming beauties, the result is the same: an extended growing season that infuses winter scenery with pops of eye-catching color.
Name: Helleborus sp. commonly known as winter rose or Hellebore. Belongs: to the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. Origins: Europe to western China. Flowering: Winter to early spring.
Violas and Pansies
These hardy little flowers not only have gorgeous blooms but can survive almost anything winter has to dish out. Violas and pansies grow best in partial shade but need a minimum of four hours of sunlight a day.
Depending on your region, there are a number of ornamental blooms that work well when planted in the month of December. Finding established pansies, primroses, and hellebores plants will give your December garden some beauty. Additionally, planting sweet peas and delphinium will make for a gorgeous springtime bloom.
Plants like chrysanthemums, nasturtiums and asters are wonderful choices for seasonal planting arrangements. While perennials that will survive the winter are great choices, autumn is also a great time to explore new ideas will short-season annuals too.
There's no need to winterize them, since they won't go dormant and should continue to bloom throughout the year. But there are a couple of beneficial chores to complete so your petunias will thrive from November to March.
Cabbage, Kale, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussel Sprouts, Kohlrabi, Collard Greens, Celery, Spinach, Peas, Asparagus, Rhubarb, Radish, Beets, carrots, Lettuce, Arugula, Onions, Potatoes, Swiss Chard-all can handle light frost, but keep a cover handy for a sudden really cold dip (below 25 degrees F).
For over 60 years, garden enthusiasts in Virginia have celebrated the Camellia. There are gardens across the state that have recognized this historical plant's collections and celebrated its winter blooms.
Known botanically as Helleborus, they are commonly known as Winter Rose, Snow Rose, Lenten Rose, Christmas Rose (more for the Northern Hemisphere) and Oracle Rose.
Lenten rose or Christmas rose (Helleborus) is a perennial flower that blooms in winter. Leathery, dark green leaves stand umbrella-like above winter mulch or snow. Most hybrids survive to Zone 5, but the hardy Helleborus niger withstands even Zone 3 winters.
Poinsettias. The most recognizably "Christmas" flower of all is, of course, the poinsettia, which usually comes in red and green, with a variety of patterns.
The most popular Christmas plants—such as poinsettia, Christmas cactus, and amaryllis—add festive cheer to any home. Let's talk about how to care for these favorite holiday plants to keep them blooming and looking their best through the holidays!
Christmas Rose. This evergreen perennial blooms from winter to early spring depending on the selection and where you live (mostly early winter in warmer regions, and as late as February or March where it's very cold).
So what's the solution… Focus on frost hardy annuals. Some of these annuals that can withstand 20 degrees or so, including pansies, snapdragons, dianthus, alyssum, dusty miller, viola, and osteospermum. Keep in mind that flowers may be a bit ragged after such cold but the plants should make it through ok.