Spring is well and truly on the way, making now the perfect time to get out and about spotting the first blooms of the year and plan for the season to come.
Overview
Snowdrops, Winter Aconites and non-native Daffodils have colourful blooms in February as they begin their flowering season in January. These wildflowers can be bought 'in the green' providing you with near-instant results. This is because they are delivered sprouted and flowered ready for planting.
Other wildflower species will start making an appearance in February such as Primroses, Sweet Violets, Alexanders and Colt's Foot.
This is a great month to divide larger perennial wildflowers such as Yarrow, Oxeye Daisy and Greater Knapweed.
Wildflower Seeds
Wildflower seed mixtures are a cost-effective way of transforming large areas into colourful meadows that support pollinators, but be aware that wildflower seeds vary significantly in the time they take to establish and flower.
Sowing Seeds
Wildflower seed mixtures are best sown from late March to late October, but for those eager to begin their wildflower meadows a late February sowing in mild weather will not cause any issues.
When looking at wildflower seed mixtures, try to consider soil conditions during the flowering period of March to October to pick the correct mixture for the type of soil and result required, e.g. loam soils, chalk soils, support bees and more.
Meadow Maintenance
When it comes to wildflower maintenance, February is a quiet time and nothing should require your attention. To be well prepared, have a look at our wildflower maintenance advice article.
Wildflowers in February
The following wildflower species start flowering in January and have colourful blooms come February creating visually striking displays.
Snowdrops
Snowdrops start making an appearance in January, but they begin to thrive and dominate their habitats in February and March. You will find snowdrops in damp soil such as woodlands and hedgebanks all over the UK.
Winter Aconites
Another species that will be well into flowering is the Winter Aconite. These bright yellow flowers with attractive green foliage are scattered throughout the country but are mainly in the South Midlands, the Southeast and the East of England. Winter Aconites flower January to March.
Daffodils
Non-native Daffodils are larger than the native Wild Daffodils with petals and a corona which is a darker yellow colour. Non-native species begin flowering in January and reach their flowering peak in February and March. These daffodils naturalise easily creating large stunning yellow displays found throughout the country in woodlands and wasteland.
Below are wildflowers that make their first appearance in February.
Primroses
Found throughout the UK, the Primrose flowers from February to May and grows in shady areas such as woods, hedgebanks and besides footpaths. Commonly it has pale yellow petals with a deep yellow centre, but mauve forms can occasionally be found near habitation.
Spring Crocus
Spring Crocus flowers from February to April and is found throughout the UK with heavy naturalisation in the South of the county. Naturalised in grassy areas such as parks and churchyards.
Sweet Violets
The Sweet Violet is the only native violet that is fragrant and flowers from late February through to May. Vastly naturalised throughout England but it's less common in the West and North-West.
Double Snowdrops
Double Snowdrops are less common than Single Snowdrops but occur naturally where there are large colonies of Snowdrops. They grow in damp soil found in woodlands, hedgebanks, churchyards and by paths. Can be seen in Greater London, Oxfordshire and Berkshire flowering from February to March.
FAQs
Seed may still be sown December through mid-February, but earlier sowing mimics the natural cycle of an annual plant that lives its complete lifecycle within the span of a year: in summer, the plant drops seed; in fall, when natural rainfall occurs, the seed germinates; in winter the seedling develops; and during ...
Do any flowers bloom in February? ›
Daffodils are a crowd favorite, and some early-flowering varieties start to bloom at the tail end of February, though if not in February, definitely in March. They are super tough, easy to grow, and put on a beautiful show every spring. Purchase some early, mid, and late spring bloomers to lengthen the season.
What month is best for wildflowers? ›
Pick Your Planting Season
Keep the ground moist until the plants are well established. September-December is the most favorable time to plant your wildflowers.
Do wildflowers grow in February? ›
Snowdrops, Winter Aconites and non-native Daffodils have colourful blooms in February as they begin their flowering season in January. These wildflowers can be bought 'in the green' providing you with near-instant results.
What flower is in season in February? ›
Roses, Hyacinth, and Daffodil: these are only a few of the fantastic flowers that this month will bring!
Can you just throw wildflower seeds? ›
Don't skimp on the preparation!
I wish I had a nickel for everyone who told me, "I just threw the seed out there in my field" and they're disappointed they don't have wildflowers. You're not giving the seed a good chance of survival if it has to compete with existing root structures in the soil.
What happens if you just scatter wildflower seeds? ›
If you scatter wildflower seeds at the beginning or in the middle of your rainy season, the plants can use rain to grow while they develop a very long tap root. Later, when the surface soil dries out, the long tap root gives the flower access to deep water. By definition, wildflowers do not need irrigation.
Is it OK to plant flowers in February? ›
While it's too cold to plant outside in most parts of the northern hemisphere, February can be a great time to sow seeds in pots in a greenhouse or inside. For example, certain spring-flowering plants, summer produce, and herbs can be germinated inside before transplanting outdoors after the last frost.
What is the first flower to bloom in February? ›
1. Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis). These are the earliest of the spring-blooming bulbs, often poking out above the snow as early as January or February, even in the Northeast and Midwest. Snowdrop flowers have three white petals that hang down like milk drops dripping off the stems.
What are the two birth flowers for February? ›
Violets and Primroses are the February birth month flowers. These purple-hued blooms are a symbol of modesty, faithfulness, and virtue. In the Victorian era, a gift of Violets or Primroses was a declaration of love.
This is the last month to plant bareroot fruit and nut trees, berries, grapes, and vines. It's the best time to plant strawberries, so they can grow well before the weather warms and they put out blossoms. Feed established deciduous fruit trees about three weeks before you expect them to bloom.
When should you scatter wildflower seeds? ›
Seeding is typically done early to mid-fall when adequate rainfall is expected. This allows plants to grow large enough to overwinter. In very mild climates, winter is also a second growing season for flowers that prefer cooler weather. When wildflower seeds with high dormancy are being sown in cooler climates.
Will wildflowers grow back every year? ›
Perennial wildflowers return year after year, blooming in the second season and for many years to come. They grow more slowly, and in the first season focus the most energy on establishing strong roots, so they typically don't bloom until their second year.
Do wildflowers like sun or shade? ›
The majority of wildflowers bloom best in full sun to partial shade. Woodland type plants can flourish in shaded areas, but most need a certain amount of sunlight to flower.
What are the white blossoms in February? ›
Blackthorn. Blackthorn bursts into flower in February and March with white blossom appearing before the leaves. The petals are oval and long stamens tumble out from the centre. You can find it in hedgerows and scrub.
What bush blooms in February? ›
February daphne is a deciduous shrub that produces fragrant pink or white flowers (depending on the cultivar) on bare stems in February or March. This is a true cold-hardy winter shrub that is difficult to find growing in the South. February daphne takes partial shade and grows best in moist, humus-rich woodland soil.
What does the February bloom mean? ›
Violets: Symbol of Modesty and Faithfulness
As the February birth flower, violets embody modesty, spiritual wisdom, and faithfulness. These unassuming yet vibrant flowers have been a part of folklore and cultural narratives across various civilizations.
