February may still feel firmly like winter, but in the garden it marks an important shift. Even with cold temperatures and short days, many plants begin to wake from dormancy, offering small but encouraging signs that spring is on its way. In milder areas of the south west, the first shoots of bulbs are already visible, and birds are becoming more vocal as they search for territories and nesting spots.
Among the most reliable late-winter performers are hellebores. Look out for new varieties in 2026 with upward facing flowers! With colours ranging from creamy white to deep plum, hellebores are excellent for providing early pollen for insects on warmer days. Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) use stored energy in their bulbs to bloom before competition from other plants begins. Their pure white flowers are one of the clearest signs that winter is loosening its grip. For added inspiration, there are many places in Somerset to see breathtaking displays including The Bishops’s Palace in Wells, Snowdrop Valley in Exmoor, Kilver Court in Shepton Mallet and East Lambrook Gardens to name just a few.
Another February favourite is Cyclamen coum, a tough, tuberous plant with vibrant pink or magenta flowers. Its rounded leaves often carry attractive silver patterns, adding interest even when not in bloom. Winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) brings a contrasting splash of yellow, forming small, sun-like clusters under deciduous trees. These cheerful flowers exploit the extra winter light that reaches the ground before the canopy leaves out.
Even when flowers are limited, February gardens can be surprisingly colourful thanks to striking stems and evergreen foliage. Dogwoods (Cornus spp.) are standout plants at this time of year, their red, orange, or yellow stems brightening borders with fiery winter colour. A personal favourite is the Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’, a compact variety with dramatic colour. They respond well to hard pruning in early spring, which encourages the brightest new growth.
For gardeners seeking structure as well as drama, Euphorbia characias is a valuable evergreen. Its tall stems and blue-green foliage provide shape throughout winter, and the lime-green flower heads that develop in early spring offer long-lasting interest. Erica carnea ‘Winter Beauty’ is another reliable choice for colour in colder months; best planted in in groups creating swathes of colour.
February may not have the abundance of spring, but it more than compensates with its subtle colour, early floral displays and the sense of the garden coming back to life. For gardeners, it’s an opportunity to enjoy the resilient plants that thrive in winter’s final weeks.
February jobs in the garden
This is a great time to prepare for the year ahead by checking tools, overhauling the mower and cleaning the greenhouse.
Dead-head winter flowers such as primroses, polyanthus, pansies and violas to prolong their display.
Trim back winter flowering heathers.
Wisteria can be pruned now, along with roses and summer flowering clematis.
The vegetable garden can be tidied now and seed beds raked. Any yellow leaves on brassicas such as purple sprouting broccoli should be removed and popped on the compost heap.
Keep off the lawn and flower beds if wet – soil can easily become compacted leading to drainage and weed problems.
Enjoy early flowering bulbs such as snowdrops and crocus.
Use this time to create habitats for wildlife.
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