Best Flowers For Winter: Cold-Hardy Flowers That Bloom In The Snow

As each spring approaches winter, gardeners find themselves eager to begin working the soil. Though many of us will need to wait until the days have started to warm to do so, experienced growers know the value of established plantings of winter blooming flowers. 

Depending upon the region, finding plants that produce blooms in winter may be difficult. Still, there are several options, even for those living in the coldest of growing zones. Below, we have detailed some commonly available ornamental plants which may produce blooms in winter. As always, further research is recommended before planting to learn more about growing requirements, possible plant toxicity, and any invasive status of the plant within your own region. 

Which Flowers Grow in Snow?

1. Crocus - Watching flowers bloom in winter is a much appreciated sight for the avid gardener. Crocus is among the best candidates to achieve this goal. Crocus flowers in the snow are fairly common, as the plant has no problem withstanding cold temperatures. In addition to early bloom time, crocus is ideal for naturalization and use in lawns. Both wild crocus and larger hybrid corms are available for purchase at most garden centers each fall. Crocuses are hardy to USDA growing zones 3-8. 
2. Cyclamen - Cyclamen is another low-growing perennial that will produce flowers for winter. In fact, the plant grows best under cool conditions. It is for this reason that it is often kept as an indoor potted specimen for bloom during the winter. Winter blooming cyclamen may be difficult to start from seed. Fortunately, it can be transplanted with ease or grown from tubers.
3. Glory-of-the-Snow - With a name such as this, it is only fitting that these flowers grow in snow. Glory-of-the-snow bulbs produce grass-like foliage and small blue-white star shaped blooms. This bulb grows best in rocky and wooded areas. When conditions are ideal, they will quickly multiply and naturalize, especially within lawns. Glory-of-the-snow can also be grown from seed.
4. Helleborus - Hellebore flowers for winter can start blooming as early as February, with some species beginning much earlier than others. Small, compact plants produce several stems each. Though the flowers are large, many types have the tendency for the bloom to face down toward the ground. For this reason, hellebores are often grown in pots or containers where their blooms are viewed more easily. 
5. Snowdrops - Also known as Galanthus, snowdrops grow best in areas which receive direct sun during the winter and partial shade during the summer. Short, delicate stems hold unique dangling white flowers. Despite their fragile appearance, these bulbs are actually quite tough and will easily flower in the snow.