Gardening Expert Unveils Five Essential Plants for February Planting
As February signals the gradual awakening of gardens from winter dormancy, it presents a prime opportunity for sowing flowers to ensure a spectacular spring display. Renowned horticulturist and television presenter David Domoney is encouraging gardeners to take action now to cultivate what he describes as "the best-looking bulbs" for the upcoming season.
Why February is Crucial for Gardeners
In a detailed post on his personal website, Domoney elaborated on the significance of this month. "February is a period of quiet expectation," he wrote. "It represents that subtle turning point where winter's serene slumber is gently interrupted by the first signs of fresh, vibrant growth." While it may seem early to some, numerous British flowers actually thrive in the cooler temperatures typical of February, guaranteeing gardens will be awash with colour as spring arrives.
The damp conditions prevalent during this time are particularly beneficial, as they help nourish plant roots thoroughly. This results in more robust and vividly coloured blooms within just a few weeks, setting the stage for a healthy garden.
The Top Five Plants for February 2026
Domoney has meticulously selected five plants that are ideal for planting in February, each offering unique beauty and resilience.
- George Iris Bulbs: Known for their remarkable hardiness and minimal maintenance requirements, iris plants are a spring garden favourite. Their striking deep purple petals adorned with yellow patterns make a bold visual statement. These flowers perform optimally in moist, well-drained soil with ample sunlight exposure. Domoney noted, "These late winter-flowering bulbs are easy to grow and naturalise, making them the perfect colour tonic for February."
- February Gold Daffodils: Among the earliest flowering plants in the UK, daffodils bring much-needed brightness to gardens still recovering from winter's grip. They begin flowering as daylight hours extend slightly, serving as nature's earliest herald of spring and lifting spirits. These undemanding blooms thrive with minimal attention when positioned in bright areas, such as alongside lawn edges or driveways. For optimal February colour displays, bulbs should ideally be planted in November or December.
- Anny's Winter Orange Dogwood: This distinctive dogwood variant is celebrated for its striking orange branches, which inject character and a bold visual statement into any outdoor space. It is a low-fuss shrub that can be positioned virtually anywhere in the garden. However, it produces larger and more vibrant blooms when situated in a sunny location where it can absorb ample light.
- Double Ellen White Spotted Hellebore: Recognised for their distinctive spotted petal formations, hellebore varieties offer eye-catching blooms that make a stunning addition to any garden setting. These plants favour shadier garden positions and thrive in soil rich in organic material to maintain high moisture levels, ensuring healthy growth.
- Wendy's Gold Yellow Snowdrops: While golden snowdrops remain relatively rare and can command high prices, Wendy Gold snowdrops are a more affordable alternative, with seed packets typically ranging between £15 and £25. Domoney advised, "Yellow-flowered cultivars should be grown outside in a border or a good-sized container. Choose a position that gets plenty of winter sun, but avoid small pots as the bulbs need to be kept reasonably cool and moist during their summer dormancy."
By focusing on these five plants, gardeners can transform their outdoor spaces into vibrant, colourful havens as spring unfolds. Domoney's expert recommendations highlight the importance of timely planting and proper care to achieve a garden that is both beautiful and resilient.
