Late Winter & Early Spring Blooming Plants for Fayetteville, NC

Late winter can feel like the longest stretch of the gardening year in Fayetteville. Trees are bare, lawns are quiet, and spring still feels just out of reach. But some plants don’t wait for warm weather to make an appearance. Late winter and early spring bloomers bring color and fragrance to the landscape when it’s needed most, reminding us that the growing season is right around the corner.

At Green Side Up, we love recommending plants that shine during this in-between season. These four standouts not only bloom early, but they thrive in our Sandhills climate and add beauty, structure, and even fragrance to winter landscapes.

Helleborus: Reliable Winter Color

Helleborus, often called Lenten rose, is one of the most dependable late winter bloomers you can plant. Its flowers begin appearing when much of the landscape is still dormant, offering shades of white, blush, pink, purple, and green. These plants are especially valued for their ability to handle cold temperatures while still putting on a show.

Helleborus performs best in partial shade and well-drained soil, making it ideal for woodland gardens, shaded beds, and foundation plantings. Once established, it requires very little maintenance and is known for being deer resistant, which is a big plus for many Fayetteville homeowners.

Daphne: Small Shrub, Big Fragrance

Daphne may be understated in appearance, but its fragrance is unforgettable. Blooming in late winter to early spring, this shrub produces clusters of soft pink or white flowers that release a strong, sweet scent on warmer days. It’s often planted near walkways, entryways, or patios so its fragrance can be fully enjoyed.

Daphne prefers well-drained soil and a protected location, as it doesn’t love harsh conditions or heavy pruning. When placed correctly, it becomes a standout winter feature and one of the most rewarding shrubs in the landscape.

Fragrant Tea Olive: Winter Scent with Evergreen Appeal

Fragrant tea olive is best known for its incredible scent, which often surprises people in late winter when few plants are blooming. Its small, subtle flowers release a rich, sweet fragrance that carries through the garden, even on cooler days.

In addition to its seasonal blooms, fragrant tea olive offers year-round evergreen foliage, making it a great choice for hedges, screens, or foundation plantings. It thrives in Fayetteville’s climate and prefers partial shade to full sun with good drainage. This plant proves that winter interest doesn’t have to be flashy to be impactful.

Sarcococca: Subtle Blooms, Powerful Fragrance

Sarcococca, sometimes called sweet box, is a quiet star of the winter garden. Its tiny flowers may be easy to miss visually, but their fragrance is anything but subtle. Blooming in late winter, sarcococca fills shaded areas with a pleasant scent when very little else is happening in the landscape.

This plant thrives in shade and is perfect for areas under trees or along shaded walkways. Its glossy evergreen leaves provide structure year-round, while its winter blooms add an unexpected sensory element to the garden.

Designing with Early Bloomers

Late winter and early spring blooming plants work best when thoughtfully placed. Pairing evergreen foliage with early flowers creates a landscape that feels alive even in the coldest months. Fragrance is another important design element, and placing plants like daphne, tea olive, and sarcococca near entrances or paths allows you to enjoy them every time you step outside.

At Green Side Up, we help homeowners design landscapes that offer interest in every season, not just spring and summer. Incorporating early bloomers ensures your yard transitions smoothly from winter into spring with beauty and purpose.

Bring Winter Interest to Your Landscape with Green Side Up

If your landscape feels dull during late winter, adding early blooming plants can make a noticeable difference. Green Side Up is happy to help you select the right plants for your space and provide expert installation and care advice. For more updates, visit our Facebook page!