What Flowers to Plant in December UK

December in the Garden: A Time of Rest and Quiet Planning. December is the quietest month in the garden, with the soil cold, daylight short and most flowers long gone. But for those who want to keep their outdoor spaces feeling alive, there are still a few ways to introduce colour and life. While flower choices are more limited, certain hardy plants and winter blooms can still be added, especially in containers and sheltered areas.

More importantly, December is a time to prepare – to plan spring displays, maintain winter interest and enjoy the calm before the new gardening year begins.

Should You Plant Flowers in December?

Yes – with care. While the ground can be frozen or waterlogged in many areas, container planting is still perfectly doable in December. Hardy bedding plants like pansies, violas, and cyclamen are designed to cope with the cold and will flower through the darkest months. You can also finish planting tulip bulbs, if you missed them in November.

However, anything frost-tender or requiring warm soil should wait until spring. December is more about holding the line with colour and planting late bulbs rather than launching full-scale sowing.

Will Flowers Survive If Planted in December?

They can – as long as they’re hardy varieties, and you avoid frozen or overly wet soil. The key is drainage and shelter. In exposed borders, young plants may struggle, but in raised beds, containers, and near house walls, they’re more likely to thrive.

Flowers like pansies and violas are surprisingly tough. Tulips can still be planted in December if the ground isn't frozen – they’ll simply develop a little later.

Best Flowers to Plant in December UK

• Tulips – December is your last call to plant them for spring

• Pansies – plant in pots or sheltered beds for colour through winter

• Violas – hardy and cheerful, blooming even on cold days

• Winter-flowering Cyclamen – beautiful in shade or under trees

• Primroses and Polyanthus – good for late winter and early spring displays

• Hellebores (Christmas Rose) – these perennials flower mid to late winter

• Snowdrops (Galanthus) – best planted in the green but bulbs can still go in

Common Problems with Planting Flowers in December

1. Frozen Ground
If the soil is hard, it’s best not to force planting. Wait for a thaw or use containers instead.

2. Waterlogged Soil
Bulbs and bedding hate sitting in soggy soil. Ensure drainage is good or plant into pots with gravel and compost to prevent rot.

3. Limited Growth
You won’t see much above ground until temperatures rise. December planting is about survival and quiet preparation.

4. Early Frost or Snow
Use cloches or fleece for bedding plants if heavy frost or snow is forecast. Pansies and violas can bounce back, but young plants need help during harsh spells.

Tips for Success with December Planting

• Focus on containers and raised beds

• Stick to hardy plants and late tulip bulbs

• Avoid planting into heavy clay or frozen ground

• Place containers in sheltered, sunny spots

• Add mulch or gravel to protect roots from frost

While planting in December is more limited than earlier months, it’s still a worthwhile time to tend the garden. A pot of flowering pansies, a clump of cyclamen or the last tulip bulbs tucked into soil can make a surprising difference. These little efforts now offer hope and colour through winter – and help set the stage for a stronger spring.

List of Flowers to Plant in December UK

• Tulips – last chance to get them in before spring

• Pansies – hardy and perfect for pots or borders

• Violas – reliable winter bedding plants

• Winter Cyclamen – elegant and ideal in shade

• Primroses and Polyanthus – colourful options for containers

• Hellebores (Christmas Rose) – winter-blooming perennial

• Snowdrops – delicate but hardy, best in the green but bulbs can still go in

Final Thoughts:

December might be the garden’s quietest month, but it’s far from pointless. With hardy winter bedding plants and a bit of planning, you can still bring life and colour to your outdoor space. Focus on containers, sheltered spots, and prepping for spring—because even in the cold, your garden can have purpose. Use this slower season to reflect, refresh, and get ready for the burst of growth that’s just around the corner.