Glossary

Winter-flowering plants evolved to defer their flowering period until the depths of the cold season – generally between November and March. While most species are focused on conserving energy through the cold months, they’re opening their buds amid the frost, bringing colour to a grey winter scene.

Among the most familiar winter-flowering plants are Christmas roses (Helleborus niger), snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis), winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum), witch hazel (Hamamelis mollis) and Farrer viburnum (Viburnum farreri).

In botanical terms, these hardy winter bloomers are classified as chionophilous or vernal plants – species that have adapted to lower temperatures. They use winter as an ecological niche:

• Little competition for light and pollinators.
• Flower structures protected against frost.
• A head start for seed formation in spring. 

For many winter-flowering plants, flower formation is triggered by cold temperatures – a biological process called vernalisation. Cold weather is the cue that tells them when to flower.

Winter-flowering plants don’t just brighten up your garden – they’re also a valuable food source for insects on mild winter days.