As winter tightens its grip across the United Kingdom, with forecasts predicting the first festive snow, British gardeners are looking for ways to ensure their outdoor spaces erupt with colour come spring. Contrary to popular belief, the colder months present a crucial planting window for many floral varieties.
Why Winter is the Perfect Time for Planting
During the winter, most plants enter a state of dormancy to survive the harsh conditions of cold weather and reduced sunlight. This natural rest period, triggered by shorter autumn days, involves a dramatic slowing or complete halt in growth. While many plants shed their leaves, their root systems remain active beneath the soil, waiting patiently for the return of warmer temperatures.
According to gardening experts cited by the Express, autumn is the ideal time to get spring bulbs in the ground. For those aiming for a spectacular floral display, planting before December is highly recommended.
Top Spring Flowers to Plant Now
Here is a curated list of resilient and beautiful spring flowers that UK gardeners should consider planting during the winter months.
Winter Aconites
These cheerful yellow flowers begin their display as early as February and will naturally spread under the right conditions. They thrive in sunny winter spots but prefer soil that doesn't dry out completely in summer. You can purchase fully grown plants around February and March.
Crocus
A vital early source of nectar for bees, crocuses are a garden staple with their purple, yellow, and white blooms. For a natural, informal look, experts from BBC Gardeners' World Magazine suggest planting them in sunny locations and even recommend 'throwing the bulbs in the air and planting where they land'.
Hyacinth
Renowned for their powerful fragrance, hyacinths come in an extensive colour palette including blue, white, pink, yellow, pastels, and deep purple. They are remarkably easy to grow and flourish equally well in indoor pots and outdoor garden beds.
Alliums (Ornamental Onions)
These distinctive spherical blooms, commonly known as Ornamental Onions, offer a significant advantage: they continue flowering right through to early summer. They are very straightforward to cultivate, can reach heights of up to 2 metres, and look most striking when planted in clusters.
Tulips
Timeless and stunning, tulips are available in every conceivable colour and form. A key drawback is that many varieties only blossom impressively in their first year and do not return reliably, which is why most gardeners opt to plant fresh bulbs annually. These plants typically flower closer to summer.
Iris
The Iris reticulata, or dwarf iris, is one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, often appearing in February. These tiny, intricate flowers are a sight to behold. Their relatives, the Dutch irises, bloom later from late spring to early summer, are taller and more colourful. Both types are perfect for patio pots or borders.
Snowdrops
True to their name, Snowdrops are winter warriors, often making their appearance as early as January. They flourish in moist soil and partial shade, proving highly resilient in most weather conditions. The classic Galanthus nivalis variety is commonly found growing untended under trees.
Bluebells (Hyacinthoides)
English bluebells herald the height of spring, typically reaching full bloom around April. While they may take a bit longer to establish, they will eventually thrive in shady gardens or under trees. Known for their bell-like structure and arching stems, bluebells are a vital nectar source for pollinators.
Anemones
Another mid-spring staple, Anemones are celebrated for their beautiful pastel shades. They look fantastic under trees or along borders and are a low-maintenance species, best planted in clusters and left to naturalise.
Expert Tips for Long-Term Success
Daffodils, also known as Narcissus, offer varieties that bloom at different times throughout spring. A crucial tip from gardening experts is to avoid tying back the foliage once the flowers have bloomed. Instead, let the leaves die back naturally. As perennial plants, this allows daffodils to store energy for the following year, ensuring you can enjoy their beauty in your garden season after season.