February is often seen as the final quiet month before spring bursts into life, but for gardeners across the UK, it presents an exciting opportunity to get a head start on the growing season. While the weather can still be chilly and unpredictable, February is a prime time to prepare, plant, and sow flowers that will bring colour and joy through spring and summer. Whether you have a sprawling garden, a city balcony, or a small courtyard, knowing what flowers to plant in February helps ensure your outdoor spaces will thrive and impress as the year unfolds.
Welcoming Early Spring Blooms
February is perfect for planting early-flowering bulbs that herald the arrival of spring. Snowdrops, if not planted in autumn, can still be planted now, especially if purchased as potted plants. These delicate white flowers brave the frost and often bloom while snow still lingers, adding a gentle charm to any garden.
Crocuses and daffodils can also be planted in well-prepared soil during February if you missed the autumn window. Tulips, which were started in January, will soon be showing signs of life and planting them now in sheltered, well-drained spots will encourage strong growth. For a natural woodland or meadow effect, consider naturalising these bulbs under deciduous trees or in grass areas that are cut only once a year.
Hellebores remain a standout choice this month. Often referred to as the Christmas or Lenten rose, hellebores are evergreen perennials that flower in late winter and early spring. Their range of colours—from soft whites and pinks to deep purples—adds subtle beauty in shaded garden corners. Planting hellebores now will allow them to settle before their blooms appear.
Starting Seeds for a Colourful Summer
February is a great time to sow seeds indoors or in heated propagators for hardy annuals and perennials. Sweet peas continue to be a gardener’s favourite, valued for their heady fragrance and colourful blooms. Starting seeds indoors in pots or seed trays ensures you have vigorous plants ready to transplant once the risk of frost passes.
Other flowers ideal for early sowing include calendula, nigella, and stocks. These can be grown in trays on bright windowsills or in greenhouses where temperatures are controlled. Growing from seed gives you a wide range of varieties to choose from, including heritage and unusual colours not always found in garden centres.
Planting Bare Root Shrubs and Perennials
February is also the month when bare root shrubs and perennials become available in garden centres and nurseries. These are plants sold without soil around their roots, which means they are dormant and easier to plant. If you want to add flowering shrubs such as lilacs, viburnums or hydrangeas to your garden, now is a perfect time to plant them. They will establish strong roots before the growing season starts in earnest.
Bare root roses are another wonderful choice for February planting. With proper care—well-prepared soil, good watering, and mulch to retain moisture—these roses will reward you with spectacular blooms later in the year.
Adding Winter Colour to Containers and Borders
For gardeners keen on maintaining colour through the cold months, planting winter-hardy pansies and violas in containers and borders is a brilliant idea. These plants tolerate frost and provide cheerful splashes of colour in purples, yellows, blues and whites. Primroses, too, can be added to pots and shady borders for their early bloom and charming pastel shades.
Consider pairing flowering plants with evergreen foliage such as ivy, boxwood or ferns for year-round structure and interest. Using well-draining compost and ensuring containers have adequate drainage will protect roots from waterlogging during wet winter weather.
Practical Tips for February Planting Success
Before planting, take the time to prepare your soil thoroughly. Removing weeds, turning over the soil, and adding organic matter like garden compost or well-rotted manure will create a fertile environment for new plants. Avoid planting if the soil is waterlogged or frozen as this can cause root damage.
Protect young plants and seedlings from late frosts using horticultural fleece or cloches, which create a warmer microclimate and keep frost at bay. For seed sowing, keep trays in a bright, frost-free location and maintain steady moisture without overwatering.
Budget-Friendly and Sustainable Gardening
Growing flowers from seed is one of the most cost-effective ways to fill your garden with colour, allowing you to experiment with a wide variety of plants. Bare root shrubs and roses tend to be more affordable than potted plants and offer excellent value as they establish quickly.
For sustainability, opt for peat-free composts and buy plants from local nurseries where possible. Choosing perennial plants that come back year after year reduces waste and effort. Naturalising bulbs also encourages wildlife, such as bees and early pollinators, supporting your garden’s ecosystem.
Seasonal Planning for the Year Ahead
February is the perfect month for planning your garden’s progression through the seasons. Use this time indoors to map out flower beds, decide on colour schemes, and prepare seed trays. This considered approach ensures a balanced display with continual interest from early spring through to autumn.
In Summary
February is a month full of promise for gardeners willing to brave the last chills of winter. From planting bulbs that will burst into spring colour to starting seeds indoors for summer blooms, this month offers practical and rewarding ways to nurture your garden. Whether you choose hellebores, bare root roses or cheerful pansies in containers, your efforts now will lead to a vibrant and flourishing garden when warmer days arrive.
