As the days grow shorter and the temperatures start to drop, it can be easy to get caught up in the winter blues. But just because Old Man Winter is on his way doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your green thumb. In fact, there are a number of flowers that can be planted in December that will bring some much-needed color and cheer to your home all winter long. Here are a few of our favorites.
Flowers to Plant in December
Crocus
One of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, crocuses are a welcome sight after a long winter. These cheerful little flowers come in a variety of colors, including yellow, purple, white, and even black. Crocuses are also one of the easiest flowers to grow, making them a great choice for beginning gardeners.
Begonias
With their bright colors and beautiful blooms, begonias are sure to add a touch of elegance to any winter garden. Begonias come in both upright and trailing varieties, so you can choose the type that best fits your space. They also prefer shady areas, making them ideal for planting beneath trees or near north-facing windows.
Calla Lilies
If you’re looking for a showstopper flower to plant this December, look no further than calla lilies. These gorgeous blooms come in a wide range of colors, including yellow, pink, orange, and red. Calla lilies also have the added bonus of being very easy to care for. Just make sure to plant them in an area that receives full sun for best results.
Sweet Peas
Sweet peas are a type of flowering plant that produces beautiful, fragrant flowers. Sweet peas are annuals, which means they only last one growing season. However, they are easy to grow from seed. Sweet peas can be planted directly into the ground or started indoors and then transplanted outside once the weather warms up.
Hardy Cyclamen
Hardy cyclamen is another type of flower that can be planted in December. Hardy cyclamen are perennials, meaning they will come back year after year. They are also relatively easy to care for and don’t require much attention once they are established. Hardy cyclamen prefer shady areas and well-drained soil.
Tulips
Tulips are a type of bulb that can be planted in the fall or winter and will bloom in the spring. Tulips come in a wide range of colors and sizes, so you can choose the perfect tulip for your garden. Tulips prefer full sun and well-drained soil. When planting tulips, it is important to plant the bulbs at the correct depth. If the bulbs are planted too shallowly, they may not bloom. If the bulbs are planted too deeply, the stems may be weak and unable to support the flower head.
Bare Root Roses
Bare-root roses are a great option for December planting. These roses are typically sold without soil around the roots, which makes them easier to transport and plant. When planting bare-root roses, be sure to dig a wide hole and loosen the roots before planting. Once the roots are loosened, spread them out in the hole and fill with soil. Water well and mulch around the base of the plant.
Geraniums
These beautiful flowers are available in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, red, purple, and blue. They are easy to care for and can bloom all winter long with proper care. Geraniums prefer well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Be sure to water them regularly, especially during dry spells. Deadhead the spent blooms to encourage new growth.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons are another great option for a winter garden. These tall, slender flowers come in white, yellow, pink, purple, and red. They are perfect for adding height and interest to your garden beds or borders. Snapdragons prefer full sun but will tolerate partial shade. They should be planted in well-drained soil and watered regularly. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.
Hellebores (Lenten Roses)
Hellebores are perfect for shady areas of your garden. These low-growing plants produce large, cup-shaped blooms in shades of white, pink, yellow, green, and purple. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and will bloom from late winter into early spring. Hellebores are relatively drought-tolerant once they are established but will need regular watering during dry spells. Cut back the foliage in early spring to tidy up the plants and encourage new growth.
Sarcococca Confusa
Sarcococca confusa, also known as sweet box, is a great flowering shrub for winter gardens. This shrub is evergreen and produces small white flowers in late winter or early spring. Sarcococca confusa is easy to care for and is tolerant of a variety of soils. When planting, be sure to choose a location that receives partial sun to full shade.
Laurentia
Laurentia is a beautiful annual flower that blooms in shades of blue, purple, and pink. Laurentia is often used as a groundcover or in containers and hanging baskets. This flower thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. When planting Laurentia, be sure to choose a location with well-drained soil. Water regularly and deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
Flowering Trees to Plant in December
Apple trees, pear trees, and plum trees are all good choices for December planting. Apple trees will provide you with beautiful flowers in the spring, and pear and plum trees will give you fruit to enjoy in the summer. All of these trees are easy to care for and will make a great addition to your garden.
