The Best Flowers to Start Growing in February in New Jersey
As winter begins to loosen its grip on the frosty landscapes of New Jersey, gardening enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring. February marks a pivotal month for gardeners, as it presents an opportunity to kickstart the growing season. While the ground might still be cold, there are several resilient and charming flowers that thrive in the early days of the year. In this blog post, we'll explore the best flowers to start growing in February in New Jersey, offering a vibrant array of colors and scents to breathe life into your garden.
Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis):
As the name suggests, snowdrops are one of the first flowers to emerge, often peeking through the snow-covered ground. These delicate, bell-shaped flowers are a sight for sore eyes after months of winter dormancy. Snowdrops symbolize hope and renewal, making them a perfect addition to your February garden. Plant them in well-drained soil, and watch as they multiply over the years, creating a stunning carpet of white blossoms. Though they can be planted as dry bulbs in October/November, you can also plant them in the green in February.
2. Crocuses (Crocus spp.):
Crocuses are another early bloomer that can add a burst of color to your garden even when there's still a chill in the air. These small, cup-shaped flowers come in a variety of hues, including purple, yellow, and white. Crocuses are known for their resilience and can withstand cooler temperatures. Plant them in a sunny spot with well-draining soil for a vibrant display that will signal the arrival of spring.
3. Witch Hazel (Hamamelis spp.):
Witch hazel is a unique and fascinating addition to your February garden. This deciduous shrub or small tree produces spidery, fragrant flowers in shades of yellow, red, or orange. The blooms appear on bare branches, creating a striking contrast against the winter landscape. Witch hazel prefers well-drained soil and partial shade, making it a versatile choice for New Jersey gardens.
4. Hellebores (Helleborus spp.):
Known as the "Christmas Rose" or "Lenten Rose," hellebores are a group of perennial plants that start flowering in late winter to early spring. Their nodding, cup-shaped flowers come in various shades, including white, pink, purple, and green. Hellebores are well-suited for New Jersey's climate, thriving in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. These low-maintenance plants are deer-resistant and make excellent ground cover.
5. Primroses (Primula spp.):
With their cheerful and vibrant blooms, primroses are a wonderful choice to brighten up your February garden. These perennials come in a spectrum of colors, including shades of pink, purple, yellow, and white. Primroses prefer cool temperatures and can thrive in partially shaded areas with well-drained soil. They are perfect for containers, borders, or as ground cover, adding a touch of early spring charm to your garden.
6. Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis):
Winter aconite is a small but mighty flower that can brave the chilly February temperatures. This low-growing perennial produces bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers that emerge just above the ground. Plant winter aconite in well-drained soil in a sunny to partially shaded location. These resilient flowers are deer-resistant and can naturalize, creating a stunning display year after year.
7. Lenten Rose (Helleborus orientalis):
Lenten rose, or Helleborus orientalis, is a stunning perennial that blooms in late winter to early spring. Its nodding, saucer-shaped flowers come in an array of colors, from deep purples and pinks to creamy whites. Lenten roses prefer partial to full shade and well-drained soil. These evergreen plants are not only beautiful but also deer-resistant, making them a reliable choice for New Jersey gardens.
8. Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum):
Winter jasmine is a deciduous shrub that graces the garden with bright yellow flowers in late winter. Unlike other jasmine varieties, this one blooms on bare stems before its leaves appear. Winter jasmine is easy to grow and can adapt to various soil conditions. Plant it in a sunny to partially shaded location for a burst of color that will lift your spirits during the last days of winter.
9. Cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.):
Cyclamen is a charming flowering plant that adds a touch of elegance to your February garden. Known for its unique, heart-shaped foliage and upswept petals, cyclamen blooms in shades of pink, red, and white. These tuberous perennials prefer well-draining soil and can thrive in partial shade. Cyclamen are excellent choices for containers or as ground cover, creating a lovely carpet of color in late winter.
10. Pansies (Viola × wittrockiana):
Pansies are classic and versatile flowers that can be planted as early as February in New Jersey. These cheerful blooms come in a wide range of colors, and their "faces" add a whimsical touch to any garden. Pansies are cold-tolerant and can withstand the cool temperatures of late winter and early spring. Plant them in well-drained soil in a sunny location for a burst of color that will last until the warmer months.
February might seem like an unlikely time to start gardening in New Jersey, but with the right selection of flowers, you can bring your garden to life before the arrival of spring. Embrace the resilience and beauty of early bloomers like snowdrops, crocuses, witch hazel, hellebores, primroses, winter aconite, Lenten roses, winter jasmine, cyclamen, and pansies. These flowers not only withstand the lingering winter chill but also signal the promise of warmer days ahead. As you plan your February garden, consider the unique characteristics and growing requirements of each flower to create a vibrant and enchanting landscape that welcomes the changing seasons. Happy gardening!
