A few hollies are deciduous, losing their leaves to reveal branches and red berries that glisten in an otherwise drab winter landscape. Birds love them, too. Japanese camellias are much loved even though they are not reliably hardy here. Less tender sasanqua camellias can bloom in December. Oriental magnolias typically bloom from late February to mid-March.
Pansies are the showiest winter flowers.
They bloom on and off during the winter and then begin a sustained flowering period in the spring.