Top Ten Plants February 2026

These late winter-flowering bulbs are easy to grow and naturalise. As a result, they are the perfect colour tonic for February 2026. ‘George’ has deep purple flowers with a distinct yellow flash on the petals. In addition, this cultivar has a lovely, strong scent.

• Flowers from January to March
• Hardy
• Grows to 12cm tall and 10cm wide
• Moist, well-drained soil
• Full sun
• Exposed

Mahonia deserve to be more widely grown. In particular, cultivars like ‘Charity’ flower for five months during winter. In addition, they give off a delicious fragrance. Therefore, they are perfect for February 2026 interest. Their shiny, deep green, serrated evergreen leaves are architectural. As a result, they brighten a partly shaded garden spot.

• Flowers from November to March
• Hardy
• Grows to 500cm tall and 400cm wide
• Fertile, moist, well-drained soil
• Part shade
• Exposed

There is nothing more heartening at this time of year than cheerful-looking daffodils. Their flower heads nod gently in the breeze. Therefore, they are a highlight of February 2026 gardens. This compact cultivar is low-maintenance and ideal for naturalising in lawns. However, allow at least six weeks before removing foliage. As a result, the bulb builds enough energy to flower well next year.

• Flowers from February to April
• Hardy
• Grows to 30cm tall and 10cm wide
• Fertile, moist, well-drained soil
• Full sun
• Exposed

Yellow snowdrops are not very common and, as a result, many are extremely expensive. A few years ago, a single bulb of ‘Golden Tears’ sold for £1850. Madness. Fortunately, Wendy’s Gold is one of the more affordable, yellow-marked cultivars. In addition, it has the added advantage of being vigorous and multiplying well. Therefore, it is well-suited to gardens in February 2026. Yellow-flowered cultivars should be grown outside in a border or a good-sized container. Choose a position that gets plenty of winter sun. However, do not be tempted to plant the bulb in a small pot. The bulbs need to be kept reasonably cool and moist during the summer months when they are dormant.

• Flowers from January to March
• Hardy
• Grows to 20cm tall and 15cm wide
• Fertile, moist, well-drained soil
• Full sun to part shade
• Exposed

Shrubs that produce coloured, scented flowers during winter are a rare treat. However, this hardy shrub is covered in soft pink, heavily scented flowers from November through to March. Therefore, it shines in February 2026. Plant close to a path edge to best appreciate the scent. Also, choose a sheltered site to prevent frost damage.

• Flowers from November to March
• Hardy
• Grows to around 250 to 300cm tall and wide
• Fertile, moist, well-drained soil
• Full sun
• Sheltered

This eye-catching willow produces spectacular black catkins with red anthers. They appear in late winter and early spring. Therefore, they stand out in February 2026. The catkins look stunning in flower arrangements. However, prune hard every three years to encourage greater production.

• Catkins are produced from January to March
• Hardy
• Grows to 300cm tall and 300cm wide
• Fertile, moist soil
• Full sun to part shade
• Exposed

Dogwood produces coloured stems during the winter months. In particular, ‘Anny’s Winter Orange’ is one of the brightest cultivars available. Its deep red and orange stems are vibrant. Therefore, it looks striking in February 2026. Cut stems down almost to ground level in early March. As a result, new stems produce the strongest colour.

• Flowers – insignificant in June
• Hardy
• Grows to 200cm tall and 200cm wide
• Fertile, moist, poorly or well-drained soil
• Full sun to part shade
• Exposed

The flowers of this cultivar are large and unusually outward-facing. They are pure white with ruffled petals and maroon flecks at the base. As they mature, the petals develop a light pink tinge. Therefore, they suit the February 2026 displays. This is an ideal plant for a partially shaded border. Also, remove old leaves in late winter to show emerging flowers.

• Flowers from February to April
• Hardy
• Grows to 35cm tall and 35cm wide
• Fertile, moist, well-drained soil
• Full sun to part shade
• Exposed

Learn more about hellebores in this video:

This is one of the most handsome Snakebark maples available. It has chalky-white stems and an elegant vase shape. Therefore, it makes an excellent winter specimen tree. In February 2026, the stems are especially striking. It can be coppiced every two years. As a result, new growth produces brighter white stems.

• Flowers from March to April
• Hardy
• Grows to 600cm tall and 400cm wide
• Fertile, moist, well-drained soil
• Full sun
• Exposed

This is a pretty, small, bushy evergreen shrub. It has attractive blue-grey leaves and soft yellow scented flowers in winter. Therefore, it performs well in February 2026 gardens. It grows best in full sun and a sheltered position. Also, ensure free-draining soil for healthy growth.

• Flowers from December to April
• Hardy
• Grows to 90cm tall and 90cm wide
• Moist, well-drained soil
• Full sun
• Sheltered