Some flowering bulbs, corms, and tubers are early-bloomers. With the start of calendar year January 2026, several days in the 50’s and 60’s have been forecasted. In our garden, flowers of three perennials are beginning to poke through the soil. That’s besides the early daffodils which are always early-risers but hold off blooming until late February and March. Below, these three are now emerging and December snow and winter air temperatures so far have not deterred them.

Lenten Roses (Helleborus spp. and hybrids), particularly those called “Christmas rose”, are evergreen perennials that begin flowering in late December here in zones 6b and 7. Their colorful flowers peak out through their also new foliage. In more northerly climes, Christmas roses may wait until mid-February, the traditional start of the Lenten period. Flowers appear very rose-like, some with double or bi-colored petals (USDA hardiness zones 4-9). Hellebores grow best in partial to full shade areas, and grow up to 24 inches tall and wide. For a showier floral display, clip off the old basal foliage back between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) are early-rising bulbs often emerge while snow is blanketing the ground to provide a breath of fresh air for winter-weary gardeners. It’s not unusual to see snowdrops erupt through the frozen ground. During mild winters, snowdrops may flower in mid-January, although February or March is the more common period. Left undisturbed, these tiny bulbs multiply (naturalize). (Zones: 3-9). In early autumn, plant bulbs in full sun to partial shade beneath deciduous trees. Space bulbs 6-8 inches apart. Depending on variety, snowdrops grow 6 -12 inches tall and 4 – 6 inches wide.

Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) is one of the earliest flowering tubers to bloom in USDA hardiness zones: 3-7, often appearing alongside snowdrops below. In early autumn, plant winter aconite 2 to 3 inches deep and about 3 inches apart. Winter aconite warms up the late winter landscape with 3 to 4 inches tall cheery yellow buttercup-like flowers. Bulbs freely multiply and naturalize freely by seed and bulb division. Grow in full sun to part shade with expected flowering time in February to March.