When it comes to winter, many of us think of dull garden beds, slow growth and a general lack of colour. But that doesn’t need to be the case! There are many flowers that bloom in the winter, you’ve just got to pick the right ones! From crisp whites to gorgeous blues, pinks and purples, the many flowering winter plants can help invigorate your garden during the cooler season. 

So, if you’re looking out at your garden or balcony, missing the bright blooms of warmer months, read on to find out about the flowers to plant to help inject some colour into your garden next winter!

Snowflakes

As the name suggests, Snowflakes bloom in the cooler months. Unlike the similarly-named Snowdrops (which can be difficult to grow in many regions of Australia), Snowflakes grow well in many areas across the country. These plants produce dainty white flowers and grow to about 35cm tall. They can grow in full sun but generally prefer shady areas, and are well-suited for pots, making them a good choice for those with limited space. 

Lavender

A popular plant across many Australian gardens is the humble Lavender. Renowned for being fragrant and hardy, the Lavender flower is also known for attracting bees and butterflies. Varieties such as French Lavender bloom during the winter, and can bring a gorgeous sight (and scent) to the garden. Lavender can grow in poor soil, and is tolerant of drought conditions. It also grows well in pots, meaning it’s well-suited to balcony life, and loves plenty of sun. 

Wallflower

Another popular winter-blooming plant is the Wallflower. Available in many different colours, from yellows and oranges to purples and reds, Wallflowers have a sweet scent and are good at bringing bees and butterflies into the garden. These perennials flower during the winter, spring, summer and often into the autumn too. They can grow up to a metre tall and do best in well-drained soil. Wallflowers can be grown in pots and containers, or planted in garden beds. 

Cyclamen

Cyclamen’s unique flowers generally begin to bloom in April, continuing through to spring. These plants can be grown either outdoors or indoors, and can bring a beautiful pop of colour to any space. Available in a range of varieties, the Cyclamen flower colour options include reds, whites and pinks. Cyclamens require a little bit of maintenance to keep happy, and aren’t as hardy as some of the other plants on this list, but they should produce gorgeous and interesting flowers for those willing to put in a small amount of work. 

There are many different types of plants that flower during the winter. From unique and brightly coloured large flowers, to small and dainty varieties, there’s sure to be something that tickles your fancy. This list is only the very tip of the iceberg of the varieties out there, so if you’re staring out at your garden dreaming of more life and colour this winter, why not start looking into winter-blooming plants that could bring some zest to your garden next year?!