The earliest blooming plants available to us are the hellebores. The most widely known of these is the Christmas Rose. They are not as easy to grow as the magazine ads would have you believe nor do they bloom through the snow. However, given care, a good location and a mild winter they may bloom for Christmas. Following dependably in February and March are the snowdrops and the winter aconite.
Witch hazel is an early blooming shrub or small tree with yellow, fragrant flowers.
Depending upon the variety, witch hazel blooms in the fall, late winter or early spring. It is the first shrub or tree to bloom.