Most gardeners think January is a quiet month, a time to wait for spring. But in reality, January is one of the smartest times to plant certain perennials. While the ground may be cold and plants look dormant, this is exactly when some of the toughest, most reliable perennials want to be planted.
Planting in January gives roots time to establish before spring growth begins, which leads to stronger plants, more blooms, and less stress later in the year. If you choose the right varieties, winter planting can give you a major head start on the growing season.
Here are five perennials you should plant in January and why this early timing is ideal for each of them.
Why January Is Such a Powerful Planting Month
During winter, soil temperatures are cool and moisture levels are more stable. Plants planted now don’t have to fight summer heat or dry conditions. Instead, they can focus on root development.
Strong roots mean:
- Better drought resistance
- Faster spring growth
- More flowers and foliage
- Longer life span
When spring arrives, January-planted perennials are already established and ready to explode with growth.
1. Peonies
Peonies are one of the best perennials to plant in January. These long-lived flowering plants need cold soil to properly establish their roots.
Why January works:
Peonies require a chilling period to trigger strong growth and blooming. Planting them now ensures they experience winter cold, which leads to bigger and better flowers in late spring.
Plant them in well-drained soil with their buds just below the surface. Once planted, peonies can live and bloom for decades.
2. Daylilies
Daylilies are nearly indestructible and thrive when planted in cool weather.
Why January works:
Daylilies focus on root growth when planted in winter. By the time spring arrives, they’re ready to send up thick, healthy shoots and produce waves of blooms.
They tolerate frost, drought, and poor soil — making them perfect for winter planting.
3. Hostas
Hostas are famous for their beautiful foliage and shade tolerance.
Why January works:
Hostas are dormant in winter, making it the least stressful time to transplant or plant them. Their roots grow underground even when the top of the plant isn’t visible.
By spring, January-planted hostas emerge larger and more vigorous than those planted later.
4. Lavender
Lavender prefers to establish roots in cool soil rather than hot summer ground.
Why January works:
Planting lavender in winter allows the roots to settle deeply into the soil. This makes the plant more drought-resistant and helps it survive heat in summer.
Lavender planted in January blooms more heavily and lives longer.
5. Shasta Daisies
These cheerful perennials thrive when planted early.
Why January works:
Cool temperatures reduce transplant shock. The plants quietly grow roots underground so that when spring comes, they are ready to bloom faster and stronger.
How to Plant Perennials in January
Winter planting requires a few simple adjustments:
- Choose frost-free days when soil is workable
- Dig wide holes so roots can spread
- Water deeply after planting
- Apply mulch to protect roots
Do not fertilize in winter — plants are focusing on roots, not leaves.
What About Frost?
Most perennials on this list are cold-hardy. Frost doesn’t harm them — it actually helps them establish properly.
Mulch acts as insulation, keeping roots protected while still allowing soil to breathe.
Why Early Planting Means More Flowers
Perennials planted in January:
- Develop deeper roots
- Handle stress better
- Bloom earlier
- Live longer
You’re not just planting earlier — you’re planting smarter.
Final Thoughts
January may look like a gardening dead zone, but it’s actually the beginning of something powerful. By planting the right perennials now, you give them months to settle in before spring arrives.
When warm weather comes, your garden will already be full of strong, healthy plants — all because you took advantage of the quiet winter season