Colorado Plants Blooming Weeks Early Due to Dry, Warm Winter

Daffodils already in bloom at Denver Botanic Gardens in early February, raising concerns about lack of moisture

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Daffodils are already blooming at the Denver Botanic Gardens in early February, much earlier than usual, leaving visitors surprised and staff concerned about the lack of cold and moisture this winter. Experts warn the warm, dry conditions could put stress on plants and trees if they don't receive proper winter watering.

Why it matters

The early bloom of plants in Colorado is a sign of the region's unusually warm and dry winter, which can have negative impacts on plant health and growth if the trend continues. Experts are advising residents to pay close attention to their landscapes and provide supplemental watering to help plants survive the volatile weather conditions.

The details

Denver Botanic Gardens senior curator Panayoti Kelaidis, who has worked at the gardens for 46 years, says this is the warmest winter he's ever experienced. He notes that almost everything in his garden is several weeks, if not a month, ahead of schedule. The biggest threat is the lack of moisture, as a warm winter without snow leaves trees, shrubs and early-blooming bulbs without the water they need to sustain healthy growth.

  • Daffodils are already blooming at the Denver Botanic Gardens in early February 2026.

The players

Panayoti Kelaidis

Senior curator at the Denver Botanic Gardens with 46 years of experience, who says this is the warmest winter he's ever experienced.

Jan Killick

A visitor to the Denver Botanic Gardens who questioned whether it was spring or if they had a winter at all.

Aurora Passin

A visitor to the Denver Botanic Gardens who noticed pollinators were already awake and active.

Elisabeth Lee

A visitor to the Denver Botanic Gardens who expressed unease about the early bloom.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Is this spring? Did we have winter? I don't know.”

— Jan Killick (CBS News)

“I was just noticing the bees are clearly awake, so at least there's some flowers that are awake for them, too.”

— Aurora Passin (CBS News)

“It's making me uneasy.”

— Elisabeth Lee (CBS News)

“Almost everything in my garden is several weeks ahead if not a month ahead.”

— Panayoti Kelaidis, Senior curator, Denver Botanic Gardens (CBS News)

“If bulbs don't get moisture right now, they won't bloom as well. So if you have an area where you're growing a lot of tulips or daffodils, give them a drink. They'll need it.”

— Panayoti Kelaidis, Senior curator, Denver Botanic Gardens (CBS News)

What’s next

Experts recommend that Colorado residents pay close attention to their landscapes and provide supplemental watering to help plants survive the volatile weather conditions.

The takeaway

The early blooming of plants in Colorado is a concerning sign of the region's unusually warm and dry winter, which could have negative impacts on plant health if the trend continues. Residents should heed the advice of experts and take steps to properly water their landscapes to support plant growth and survival.