It’s another “bleak” winter day in Los Angeles.
Daytime temperatures will peak at 70 °F, with a bone-chilling nighttime low of 45 °F. Brrr!
Or you could be in Chicago.
While Chicago struggles with freezing temperatures and piercing winds, Los Angelenos can enjoy the brilliant blooms of their winter gardens, which demand less water, have fewer pests, and produce longer-lasting flowers. Woo-hoo!
14 Winter Bloomers for Southern California Gardens
1. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)
Snapdragons are upright, spiky blooms with dragon-shaped flowers that open and close when pinched.
- Type: Annual
- Height: 6-36 inches
- Spread: 6-12 inches
- Bloom Time: December-April
- Bloom Length: 4-5 months
- Colors: Various shades of pink, purple, red, yellow, and white
- Propagation: Seed or transplants
- When to Plant: Fall
- Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade
- Best Uses: Flower beds, borders, containers
Care Tips
- Plant in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.5).
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid wetting the foliage.
- Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during planting and reapply every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
- Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming.
Snapdragons – Seasonal favorites with tall, colorful blooms that hold up in the cold.
2. Pansies (Viola × wittrockiana)
Pansies are cheerful, cold-hardy flowers known for their distinctive “faces” and velvety petals in rich hues.
- Type: Annual (cool-season)
- Height: 4-8 inches
- Spread: 6-12 inches
- Bloom Time: December-March
- Bloom Length: 3-4 months
- Colors: Shades of purple, yellow, white, red, and combinations
- Propagation: Seed or transplants
- When to Plant: Early fall or late winter/early spring
- Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade
- Best Uses: Borders, containers, mass plantings
Care Tips
- Plant in well-draining soil with added organic matter.
- Water regularly, but avoid wetting the foliage.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth and prolong the blooming period.
Pansies – Hardy, vibrant flowers that keep blooming even through winter frost.
3. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
Sweet alyssum is a low-growing, mat-forming annual with tiny, honey-scented white or pastel blooms.
- Type: Annual (cool-season)
- Height: 3-6 inches
- Spread: 8-12 inches
- Bloom Time: December-May
- Bloom Length: 5-6 months
- Colors: White, pink, purple, lavender
- Propagation: Seed or transplants
- When to Plant: Early fall or late winter/early spring
- Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade
- Best Uses: Borders, containers, groundcover, edging
Care Tips
- Plant in well-draining soil with added organic matter.
- Water regularly, but avoid overwatering.
- Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous blooming.
Sweet Alyssum – Low-growing plants with tiny white or purple flowers and a light scent.
4. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Also known as pot marigold, calendula produces bright orange or yellow daisy-like flowers with edible petals often used in teas and salves.
- Type: Annual
- Height: 12-24 inches
- Spread: 12-18 inches
- Bloom Time: December-April
- Bloom Length: 4-5 months
- Colors: Yellow, orange
- Propagation: Seeds
- When to Plant: Early spring or fall
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Best Uses: Edible flowers, ornamental
Care Tips
- Keep soil moist, but avoid over-watering.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding.
- Apply mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Feed with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Calendula – Bright orange and yellow blooms that thrive in cooler weather.
5. Stock (Matthiola incana)
Stock is a fragrant, cool-season flower bearing dense spikes of blossoms in soft pastels and bold jewel tones.
- Type: Annual or biennial (treated as annual)
- Height: 12–30 inches
- Spread: 12–18 inches
- Bloom Time: February–May
- Bloom Length: 2–3 months
- Colors: White, pink, lavender, purple, rose, yellow
- Propagation: Seeds
- When to Plant: Late winter or early spring
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Best Uses: Borders, cut flowers, containers
Care Tips
- Provide well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
- Water regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist.
- Pinch back early growth to encourage bushier plants.
- Deadhead to extend the blooming period.
Stock (Matthiola incana) – Upright flowers with a clove-like scent and soft winter colors.
6. Primrose (Primula × polyantha)
Primroses are among the earliest perennials to bloom, producing clusters of bright, satiny flowers in a rainbow of colors atop lush green rosettes.
- Type: Perennial (often grown as annual in warm climates)
- Height: 6–12 inches
- Spread: 8–12 inches
- Bloom Time: January–April
- Bloom Length: 2–3 months
- Colors: Red, pink, yellow, white, purple, blue, bi-colors
- Propagation: Seeds, division
- When to Plant: Fall or early spring
- Light Requirements: Partial shade
- Best Uses: Shaded borders, woodland gardens, containers
Care Tips
- Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
- Enrich the soil with compost before planting.
- Mulch to maintain cool soil temperatures and retain moisture.
- Deadhead to encourage continued blooming.
Primrose – Compact plants with bold, early blooms in a range of bright colors.
7. Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)
Cyclamen are shade-loving plants with upswept, butterfly-like flowers and marbled, heart-shaped leaves. They’re often grown indoors in winter.
- Type: Tender perennial (typically grown as a houseplant or annual)
- Height: 6–9 inches
- Spread: 6–8 inches
- Bloom Time: November–March
- Bloom Length: 2–4 months
- Colors: Pink, red, white, purple, lavender
- Propagation: Tuber division or seeds
- When to Plant: Late summer to fall (from tubers)
- Light Requirements: Bright indirect light (indoors); partial shade (outdoors)
- Best Uses: Indoor pots, winter color, shaded patios
Care Tips
- Water from the base to avoid crown rot; allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.
- Avoid watering when dormant (after blooming ends and foliage yellows).
- Provide cool temperatures (50–65°F) for best performance.
- Do not expose to direct sunlight or drafts.
Cyclamen – Unique, upswept blooms and patterned leaves that prefer cooler spots.
8. Nemesia (Nemesia strumosa)
Nemesia is a compact, floriferous plant with snapdragon-like blooms in various colors.
- Type: Annual
- Height: 6–12 inches
- Spread: 8–12 inches
- Bloom Time: December–May
- Bloom Length: 3–4 months
- Colors: Blue, purple, pink, red, white, yellow, bi-colors
- Propagation: Seeds or cuttings
- When to Plant: Late fall or early spring
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Best Uses: Containers, borders, mass plantings
Care Tips
- Keep soil evenly moist, especially in warm weather.
- Deadhead regularly to prolong blooming.
- Pinch tips to encourage bushier growth.
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Nemesia – Small, colorful flowers that add a soft touch to winter containers.
9. Dianthus (Dianthus chinensis)
Dianthus, or Chinese pinks, offers frilly, sweetly fragrant blooms atop mounded foliage.
- Type: Annual or biennial (treated as annual)
- Height: 6–18 inches
- Spread: 8–12 inches
- Bloom Time: January–June
- Bloom Length: 4–5 months
- Colors: Pink, red, white, purple, bi-colors
- Propagation: Seeds or cuttings
- When to Plant: Fall or early spring
- Light Requirements: Full sun
- Best Uses: Edging, borders, containers, cut flowers
Care Tips
- Provide well-drained, slightly alkaline soil.
- Deadhead frequently to encourage continuous blooming.
- Avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew.
- Apply balanced fertilizer monthly.
Dianthus – Classic, pompom-like blooms with fringed edges and a light fragrance.
10. Iceland Poppy (Papaver nudicaule)
Iceland poppies bear delicate, papery blooms atop slender stems. They perform best in cool weather and are popular in cutting gardens.
- Type: Short-lived perennial (grown as annual or biennial)
- Height: 12–24 inches
- Spread: 6–12 inches
- Bloom Time: January–May
- Bloom Length: 2–3 months
- Colors: White, orange, yellow, pink, coral
- Propagation: Seeds
- When to Plant: Fall or early spring
- Light Requirements: Full sun
- Best Uses: Wildflower gardens, borders, cut flowers
Care Tips
- Avoid disturbing roots when transplanting.
- Water regularly, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Deadhead for extended blooming.
- Does best in cool temperatures; wilts in summer heat.
Iceland Poppy – Delicate flowers on tall stems that bloom even during cold snaps.
11. Larkspur (Consolida ajacis)
Larkspur features tall, graceful spikes of delicate flowers. These cool-season annuals are ideal for cottage gardens and make excellent cut flowers.
- Type: Annual
- Height: 18–36 inches
- Spread: 12–15 inches
- Bloom Time: March–June
- Bloom Length: 2–3 months
- Colors: Blue, pink, white, lavender, purple
- Propagation: Seeds
- When to Plant: Fall (best) or early spring
- Light Requirements: Full sun
- Best Uses: Borders, backdrops, cutting gardens
Care Tips
- Sow seeds directly; they dislike transplanting.
- Keep soil moist during germination and early growth.
- Provide support in windy areas.
- Cut stems early in bloom for the longest vase life.
Larkspur – Tall, spiky flowers that add height and color to winter beds.
12. Lobelia (Lobelia erinus)
Lobelia is a trailing or mounding annual with masses of small, intense blue or purple blooms that love cool temperatures.
- Type: Annual
- Height: 4–8 inches
- Spread: 6–12 inches
- Bloom Time: December–May
- Bloom Length: 4–5 months
- Colors: Blue, purple, white, pink
- Propagation: Seeds
- When to Plant: Fall or early spring
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Best Uses: Edging, containers, hanging baskets
Care Tips
- Keep soil consistently moist; the plant doesn’t tolerate drying out.
- Trim back after the first flush to encourage rebloom.
- Use high-phosphorus fertilizer for the best bloom production.
- Prefers cooler temperatures and may fade in heat.
Lobelia – Small blue or violet blooms that work well in winter borders and pots.
13. Cineraria (Pericallis × hybrida)
Cineraria dazzles with large, daisy-like flowers in brilliant shades atop lush green foliage. It’s often used as showy seasonal bedding or an indoor plant.
- Type: Tender perennial (grown as annual)
- Height: 8–18 inches
- Spread: 12–18 inches
- Bloom Time: December–March
- Bloom Length: 1–2 months
- Colors: Blue, pink, purple, red, white, bi-colors
- Propagation: Seeds
- When to Plant: Fall for winter bloom
- Light Requirements: Bright indirect light or partial shade
- Best Uses: Indoor pots, shade beds, winter color
Care Tips
- Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy.
- Avoid high heat and direct midday sun.
- Fertilize every 2–3 weeks during bloom time.
- Discard after flowering, as it typically declines rapidly.
Cineraria – Bold, daisy-like flowers that brighten shaded winter gardens.
14. Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)
Sweet peas are vining annuals prized for their romantic, ruffled blooms and captivating fragrance.
- Type: Annual
- Height: 3–6 feet (climbing types)
- Spread: 12–18 inches
- Bloom Time: February–May
- Bloom Length: 2–3 months
- Colors: Pink, red, blue, white, lavender, purple
- Propagation: Seeds
- When to Plant: Late fall or early spring
- Light Requirements: Full sun
- Best Uses: Trellises, fences, cut flowers
Care Tips
- Soak seeds overnight before planting to aid germination.
- Provide trellises or supports for climbing varieties.
- Cut flowers frequently to encourage more blooms.
- Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots.
Sweet Pea – Climbing vines with soft-colored flowers and a light, sweet scent.
Design Tips for Winter Gardens
- Color Coordination: Use white and silver foliage plants like dusty miller to separate bold colors and prevent clashing. Cool-toned purples and blues pair well with warm yellows and oranges.
- Height Variation: Layer plants by height with snapdragons and larkspur in back, medium-height calendulas and stock in the middle, and low-growing pansies and alyssum in front.
- Succession Planting: Start some plants from seed at two-week intervals to extend bloom times and ensure continuous color throughout winter.
- Container Combinations: Mix trailing lobelia with upright violas and add dusty miller for textural contrast in winter containers.
FAQs: Growing Winter Flowers
Q: When should I plant winter flowers in Southern California?
Plant most winter annuals between October and December. This timing gives them time to establish before peak bloom season.
Q: How much water do winter flowers need?
Most winter bloomers need regular water during establishment (first 4-6 weeks) but can tolerate reduced watering afterward. Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth.
Q: Can winter flowers handle frost?
Many winter bloomers tolerate light frost (28-32°F). Pansies, snapdragons, and sweet Alyssum are particularly frost-hardy. When frost is predicted, cover tender plants like cineraria.
Q: Do I need to fertilize winter flowers?
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time. Most winter annuals don’t need heavy feeding, especially in rich soils.
Q: How do I extend bloom time?
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming. This prevents plants from setting seed and redirects energy into flower production.
Q: Which flowers work best in containers?
Pansies, violas, primroses, and lobelia perform excellently in containers. For a spillover effect, add trailing plants like sweet Alyssum.
Q: Can I save seeds from winter flowers?
Many winter annuals like calendula, sweet alyssum, and larkspur readily self-seed. Allow some flowers to go to seed for next year’s garden.
Q: What’s the best soil preparation for winter flowers?
Amend heavy clay soils with compost for better drainage. Most winter bloomers prefer well-draining soil over rich, moisture-retentive conditions.