What Flowers Survive in Cold Weather?

Witch Hazel

• Witch hazel is a shrub that grows up to 10 feet and produces a distinctive flower with four skinny petals in yellow, red or orange. While this plant survives the cold weather just fine, it does like full or at least partial sun. Shield the plant from overdrying winter winds and don't over-prune it, as that can desiccate the plant. The derivative of witch hazel is more well-known than its flowers. American Indians used the leaves and bark to minimize inflammation. Witch hazel will grow in USDA zones three through nine, flowering earlier in the winter in colder temperatures.

Snapdragons

• Snapdragons are proof that you can grow a lush, vivid garden even in the dead of winter. If you plant snap dragons at least two to three weeks before the first frost, they'll blossom in your garden quite nicely in a range of colors from pink to fuchsia to purple to crimson. Snapdragons don't grow well when overcrowded, so space them eight to 12 inches apart. Try to plant them in an area where they get as much sunlight as possible. Snapdragons grow best in ample sunlight, but also tolerate partial sunlight. These flowers will flourish in all zones.

Shirley Poppies

• Shirley poppies are one of the most basic and uncomplicated flowers to grow. Their seeds are very tiny and only need to be sprinkled on well-drained soil that isn't too fertile. The seeds don't need to be covered. By later winter, they'll start to bloom in bright, bold colors like yellow, orange, pink and sometimes, red. Like most cold-weather flowers, Shirley poppies need as much sunlight as possible. When bloomed, they make great cut flowers for a winter bouquet. Shirley poppies grow in all zones, however the seeds should be planted toward the end of autumn in zones three through seven.