Seasonal Transitions: What’s Blooming in February

by Justin Schmitz, Director of Horticulture

Grey skies and gradually warming temperatures define February, a month poised between winter and early spring. The weather shifts unpredictably, offering alternating reminders of cold days past and hints of the warmth to come. With these changes arrive the first stirrings of renewed life: awakening wildlife, lengthening days, and the promise of flowers yet to bloom. 

A careful observer may notice the earliest signs of spring ephemerals. Shoots of daffodils, tulips, and crocuses begin to emerge. Nearby, snowdrops stand in full bloom with their delicate white flowers brightening the landscape. 

Native ephemerals also begin to show themselves in February. Jack-in-the-pulpit, bloodroot, Virginia bluebells, and hepatica all send up shoots or buds in preparation for Spring, having carved out a niche for themselves to bloom early, reducing competition for pollinators. 

Shrubby winter jasmine, arching wintersweet, and clumps of witch hazel are also active this time of year, adding pops of fragrant, yellow flowers to contrast the stark, leafless trees and grey clouds. A closer look at the trees, however, will show that even they have begun to rouse from their winter rest. 

While many bulbs are beginning to emerge, the hellebores have persisted above ground through freezing temperatures, snow, sleet, and winter rain. In February and into March, you will see their broad leaves and bell-shaped flowers. These blooms provide valuable nectar and pollen for early-emerging pollinators. Entirely toxic to deer, hellebores flourish undisturbed, adding resilience and beauty to the winter landscape. 

Historic London Town & Gardens is home to a rich collection of these early-season plants. As you explore the ten acres, take time to notice the subtle details: daffodil shoots pushing through the soil, pendulous hellebore flowers, and magnolia buds swelling along the branches. Along the winding paths of the Spring and Winter Walks, February quietly reveals that spring is already on its way.