The 3 Stunning Flowers You Can (and Should) Still Plant in December, Plus 1 to Save Until Spring

Baby, it’s cold outside! Still, while now might seem a perfect time to abandon the garden to frost and fairy lights, there are three stunning flowers you can plant in December if you want everything to look (pardon the pun) blooming marvellous come the new year.

Yes, depending on which USDA plant hardiness zone you’re based in, you can still get a surprising amount planted before the soil fully locks up. In fact, a few classic floral favorites genuinely thrive when planted in cold earth, so they’re well worth popping on your list of garden tasks to do in December.

With that in mind, then, here’s my pick of the three winter-friendly beauties to tuck into your garden now, as well as one wildly popular flower that’s better left until spring.

1. Tulips

Fun fact about tulips: they actually love a cold start, so as long as your ground isn’t frozen solid, December planting is not only doable – it’s often ideal. Especially if you want to a) encourage strong root development, and b) avoid the fungal horrors of tulip fire (and you really should avoid it at all costs; it’s awful).

Whether you’re using them in a bulb trifle or popping them straight in the ground, these elegant blooms should work across Zones 4-10 as long as the ground isn’t frozen. Many experts, though, advise that those in warmer climes should chill tulip bulbs for at least 8-12 weeks before planting.

You can pick up 50 Mixed Triumph Tulip Bulbs via the Willard & May Store on Amazon now.

2. Daffodils

I’ve always known that daffodils are cheerful, but were you always aware that they’re comically forgiving, too? If you can get a trowel into the soil, you can plant them (and the same is true of almost all spring-flowering bulbs, even the more unusual ones).

If you’re based anywhere across Zones 3 to 9, then, and you have a bag of unused daff bulbs in the shed, then rest assured that late planting won’t hold them back at all. They’re hardy and eager, and they’ll naturalize beautifully over time.

Again, you can grab 50 Yellow Daffodil Bulbs via the Willard & May Store on Amazon if you’re keen to make your springtime dreams a reality.

3. Roses

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; bare-root roses are the very best way to grow these classic beauties – not just because they’re eco-friendly and easier to get in the ground, but because they’re also so much cheaper than ready-potted blooms.

Whether you fancy planting Pamela Anderson’s favorite rose, or prefer something like the romantic Emily Brontë™ Shrub Rose Bred By David Austin, December is peak season for bare-root roses for those living in Zones 5 to 10 (some can even handle zones 3 to 4).

Why? Because they’re dormant and those cool wintry temps give your roses time to establish some super strong roots before the summer heat kicks in. Just promise me that you won’t try this up North, as frozen or waterlogged winter soil will cause a lot of problems; you could even wind up killing the plant outright.

Save for Spring: Peonies

I know, I know; peonies get people excited, but winter is not their friend. They need cool weather to root, sure, but not the freeze-thaw chaos of December. In cold climates, the ground is too hard; in warm climates, winter soils stay too damp, which risks crown rot.

Wait until spring, when the soil is moist but warming, giving your precious peonies just enough stability to settle in without stress. Trust me; you’ll be glad you waited.

Shopping Essentials for Winter Planting:

December gardening is all about reading your zone and working with plants that love a chilly start. Whether you’re slipping bulbs under frosty soil or giving roses a cosy warm-zone beginning, there’s still plenty to plant before you pack away your tools for winter.

Just leave the peonies for spring, okay?