Like the rest of the USA’s southeastern states, Alabama has a subtropical climate with warm to mild winters. There are stark differences between conditions in the northern and southern parts of the state, as well as between its stretch of Appalachian Mountains and its seemingly endless plains. Generally, however, the coldest regions have temperatures that stay well above 30˚F (-1˚C) through winter. There are occasional extremes, typically relating to El Niño events, so it does pay to be prepared.
Though there have been historic heavy snowfall events in northern regions, specifically above the Montgomery area, snowfall is usually light or completely absent in the rest of the state. Rainfall, largely due to thunderstorms and tropical disturbances, may be high from December to March. This is usually concentrated along the coastal zones. More hazards gardeners might have to prepare for in winter are lightning storms and tornadoes. November to December are peak months for these phenomena.
A wide range of winter annuals and perennials, particularly those suited to USDA hardiness zones 7 – 9, can be grown throughout Alabama. Note that these may need protection from strong rains and harsh winds. The challenge to keeping these plants alive, year after year, may actually be the state’s hot summers. Keep in mind that many winter flowers, typically grown as annuals, thrive best in the cold and will likely die back or grow dormant due to high temperatures.
1) Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)
Snapdragons usually bloom from spring to summer, but several varieties are known for having early-season flowers. In Alabama’s warm winter climate, these may dot the cool-season landscape with their upright inflorescences and distinctly puffed petals. Those belonging to the ‘Sonnet’ series are known for occasionally blooming in late winter, heralding the onset of warming temperatures just before spring.
The ‘Speedy Sonnet’, for example, is known for being one of the earliest cultivars to bloom. In the central to southern parts of Alabama, it may begin producing its floral spikes as early as mid-winter. It does require a generous amount of direct sunshine to grow quickly after being seeded in the fall. This garden standout grows to about 2 feet (61 cm) tall and performs beautifully in containers or plots with well-draining substrates, a slightly acidic pH, and ample moisture.
A minimum temperature of about 46 – 48˚F (8 – 9˚C) is ideal for snapdragon cultivation. Hardy to USDA zones 7 – 10, these plants can tolerate frosts. Nonetheless, they may suffer due to extended freezes. Though they may persist as perennials, their short-lived nature has encouraged many gardeners to treat them as winter or spring annuals.
2) China pinks (Dianthus chinensis)
Set apart by their frilly petals, with a combination of vibrant pink and red tones, China pinks are some of the loveliest plants for winter containers in subtropical regions. These flowers favor cool weather and have an aversion to warmth and high humidity levels. They usually bloom from early spring to summer, but they may appear as early as late winter in Alabama’s coastal and central zones. As well-established plants can continuously produce new blooms for weeks, they can last deep into spring.
When situated under direct morning sun and afternoon shade, China pinks should quickly send out branching stems with deep-green, lance-shaped foliage. The blooms appear in clusters on the tips of mature stems, which can measure up to 30 inches (76 cm) tall in optimal conditions. Deadheading the spent blooms can encourage the production of new inflorescences. Perfect along partly shaded walkways, in window containers, and pots around a patio, these plants should thrive when given some protection from rainfall and cold winds.
3) Winter pansies (Viola x wittrockiana)
Maintaining a spread of blooming pansies in Alabama’s winter landscape should definitely bring pride and cheer to both experienced and amateur gardeners. Usually sold as annuals, pansies are generally outplanted in the fall. The exact time to plant them would depend on the soil temperature in your part of the state. In the northern reaches of Alabama, for example, it would be advisable to plant cold-tolerant pansies as early as October 1. The best soil temperatures for rapid establishment are between 45 – 65˚F (7 – 18˚C).
Pansies thrive best in elevated beds of well-draining soil, where their roots can be protected from trapped moisture and excess organic matter. They also work beautifully as specimen plants for hanging baskets and containers. Once they are well-established, they should be able to tolerate temperatures down to 32˚F (0˚C). As long as these remain well above 25˚F (-4˚C), the foliage should not be at risk of wilting. If you anticipate brief freezes, it may be prudent to protect your pansies’ crowns with mulch or straw.
4) Chinese fringe flower (Loropetalum chinense)
The Chinese fringe flower typically blooms in February to March, towards the end of winter. Some of its cultivars may have earlier to later bloom times but do note that these would be influenced by your locality’s winter conditions. A broadleaf evergreen, this species can be cultivated as a large shrub or as a small tree. The morphology of its blooms clearly hints at its relationship with witch hazel trees. These cool-season plants share one family, Hamamelidaceae.
With a branching shoot that typically grows to about 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall, the Chinese fringe flower is perfect as a specimen plant or as a pruned border or hedge. Its deep-purple to-green foliage creates a contrasting winter backdrop for its incredibly vivid flowers. Lightly fragrant, these appear in energetic clusters. Upon close inspection, you’ll find that the petals are paper-like and, as this species’ common name suggests, look like fringed tufts.
5) Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica)
When provided with protection from harsh winds, most varieties of the Japanese camellia can tolerate winter temperatures. These ornamental plants reliably bloom through the coldest months of the year, during which they add much-needed color and life to the garden. Some of the hardiest types are able to persist through frosts and may even continue to bloom after their branches have been weighed down by snow. As landscape shrubs that can grow to about 20 feet (6 meters) tall, their profusion of blooms and evergreen leaves provide many services to wildlife.
The pink, red, white, or hybrid flowers of Japanese camellia can last for weeks. Depending on the cultivar, these may have single or double-petaled forms and may measure as much as 5 inches (12.7 cm) across. As the shrub itself can last for decades, it is often prized for its longevity. Best viewed in late winter, during which most varieties will produce their stunning blooms, camellias can be cultivated directly in the garden or large pots.
6) Winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis)
A member of the Ranunculaceae or buttercup family, the winter aconite is an enchanting flowering plant for the woodland garden. Its floral stems arise from tubers, which can rapidly spread on their own to create a dense carpet of low-growing mounds. The delicate, yellow blooms, which appear in late winter to early spring, are held up to just 6 inches (15 cm) off the ground. These are surrounded by dark green, paper-like bracts. Soon after the bloom period, the entire plant may die back.
Though the winter aconite has but a fleeting period of productivity per year, it is often grown for its remarkable cold tolerance. As it is hardy to USDA zones 4 – 7, it can be cultivated in the northern regions of Alabama. In favorable conditions, it may bloom quite early and should quickly reach a point at which it may need to be divided. For best results, situate its tubers beneath the canopy of large trees and in the partial shade cast by taller shrubs.
7) Winter daphne (Daphne odora)
Hardy to USDA zones 7 – 9, winter daphne can be grown throughout Alabama. This evergreen shrub can grow to a full height of about 6.5 feet (2 meters) in parts of the garden with full to partial sun. It favors well-draining substrates with an abundant supply of organic matter. When provided with ample space, a single specimen can generously branch out to cover a spread of 4 feet (1.2 meters). As its foliage is tough and leathery, it can provide year-round texture.
The showy, fragrant blooms of winter daphne may appear as early as late winter before new sets of glossy leaves emerge from the tips of branches. These can tolerate temperatures that dip down to around 14˚F (-10˚C). The flowers are held in terminal cymes perched above the outermost leaves. Once these are pollinated, they develop into eye-catching, burgundy-colored drupes. Keep in mind that these, along with the rest of the plant, contain potentially toxic phytochemicals.
8) Winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum)
Often trained to grow as a hedge or along a wall, winter jasmine is a versatile shrub with a maximum height of about 10 feet (3 meters). It is hardy to USDA zones 6 – 9, where its slender stems may be exposed to moderately cool temperatures each winter. As it is deciduous, its arching, vine-like branches lose most of their leaves once temperatures drop considerably. This means that, when its late winter blooms begin to appear, their yellow petals are borne on bare stems.
A recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, winter jasmine is now widely cultivated as a cool-season ornamental. Its flowers measure just 1 cm (0.4 in) across, but they are usually profuse enough to create long-lasting interest. Appearing from November to March, they look best under partial shade or in full sun. Well-established plants may tolerate full shade, but this may impact the quality of new leaves and subsequent blooms.
9) Flowering quince (Chaenomeles speciosa)
Clearly, East Asia is rife with winter bloomers that are perfect for creating an unforgettable visual statement through the coolest months of the year. The flowering quince is but one of these fantastic, cold-hardy plants. A shrub that grows to about 6 – 7 feet (1.8 – 2.1 meters) tall in sunny environments, it can be cultivated as an informal hedge, border plant, or specimen plant for midwinter color. Its blooms usually appear on mature, bare stems, which lose their deciduous foliage in fall.
Hardy to USDA zones 5 – 9, flowering quince now comes in several exceptional cultivars. These produce blooms in an array of vibrant colors – from bright yellow-green to the most intoxicating shades of peach and red. The blooms can last for up to several weeks on their seemingly tangled and wiry branches, which tend to be covered in thorns. Once the flowers are pollinated, they develop into apple-like fruits. While these are initially bitter, they can be processed further to create flavorful preserves.
10) Oregon grape (Berberis x hortensis)
The Oregon grape, synonymous with Mahonia x media, or “Charity” is a hardy member of the Berberidaceae or barberry family. This highly textural, landscape plant can be used to naturalize open spaces, particularly those with humus-rich and consistently moist substrates. Its blooms typically develop as early as mid-winter in the southern reaches of the US. One cultivar, ‘Winter Sun’, may bloom in late fall to early winter.
Hardy to USDA zones 8 – 9, this species remains evergreen in mild temperatures. Markedly harsh winds, however, may cause its striking foliage to die back. Often cultivated as a specimen or foundation plant in woodland gardens, the Oregon grape can rapidly become well-established in dappled shade and partial sun. Over time, it can grow to a full height of about 20 feet (6 meters). Its spread may rival its impressive height, creating a living spectacle with year-round interest – the sprays of yellow blooms give way to purple berries in summer, whereas its leaves may sport dramatically red hues in fall.
