Winter is a time when many gardens can feel a little lacklustre, but with the right plant choices, you can transform your outdoor space into a vibrant haven full of interest. In this blog, we highlight some of our favourite plants that excel in adding colour, texture, and fragrance to your garden during the colder months. Whether you’re looking for striking blooms, colourful stems, or delightful scents, these options have got you covered.
Cornus, commonly known as dogwoods, are renowned for their strikingly colourful stems that are revealed when their leaves fall in autumn. Available in vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange, these plants add a dramatic splash of colour to winter gardens. They are ideal for creating structure and can be used in borders or as part of a winter-themed display. Cornus thrives in well-drained soil and a sunny position. To maintain the intensity of their stem colours, prune back old wood in early spring.
Position: Full sun – partial shade
Flowers: May – June
Height: Up to 3m (depending on the variety)
Soil: moderately fertile soil
Pot size: 2L, 3L, 5L, 10L ( subject to availability and the variety)
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Sarcococca is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its glossy leaves and intensely fragrant, creamy white flowers that appear in winter. It thrives in shady spots and is perfect for planting near doorways or paths where its scent can be enjoyed. This low-maintenance plant also produces attractive black or red berries, adding further interest.
Flowers: Late winter-early spring
Position: Partial shade
Height: Up to 0.5m
Soil:fertile, well-drained, moist soil
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Often called the “Christmas rose,” hellebores are shade-loving perennials that produce elegant flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, and green. These hardy plants bloom from December to March, making them a must-have for winter interest. They thrive in well-drained, humus-rich soil and look stunning in woodland gardens or as underplanting for shrubs.
Flowers: December – March (depending on the variety)
Position: Partial shade
Height: Up to 45cn (depending on the variety)
Soil: Heavy, neutral to alkaline soil
It would help if you planted in partial to full shade for best results and cut back old leaves in January – February to show off new flowers.
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Are the perfect addition to a shaded spot in your garden as they prefer full – partial shade with spikes of yellow flowers from November through to March that has a fragrant reminiscent of lily-of-the-valley on dark green holly-like leaves. Prune in spring after flowering.
Flowers: November – March (depending on variety)
Position: Full sun – partial shade
Height: Up to 5m (depending on variety)
Soil: Moist-well-drained, fertile, humus-rich soil
Pot size: 2L, 3L, 5L, 10L, 20L (depending on variety and subject to availability)
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Are you in need of some autumn/winter colour? Skimmia Rubella are known for their dark red flower buds, which are produced in autumn and last through to winter until the flowers open in spring. They are an excellent plant for a patio pot or border.
Flowers: April – May (depending on variety) flower buds are seen in autumn-winter.
Position: Partial – full shade
Height: Up to 1.5m (depending on variety)
Soil: Moist-well-drained, acid soil
Pot size: 2L, 3L, 5L, 10L (depending on variety and subject to availability)
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Evergreen Viburnums such as tinus are a great shrub for winter interest with dark green leaves and clusters of tiny white flowers from December to April.
A great low maintenance, easy-to-grow shrub that can brighten a part shaded area of the garden when little else is flowering.
Flowers: December – April
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Height: Up to 3m (depending on variety)
Soil: Fertile, moist-well-drained soil
Pot size: 2L, 3L, 5L, 10L (depending on variety and subject to availability)
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Hamamelis is known for its fragrant, spider-like flowers in shades of red, yellow, and orange that bloom from January to early spring. As a slow-growing plant, it can become a large shrub or small tree over time. Its autumn foliage is equally impressive, turning vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red. Plant it in acidic, well-drained soil and a sunny to partially shaded spot for best performance.
Flowers: January – February
Position: Full sun – Partial shade
Pot size: 5L, 10L, 20L + (depending on variety and subject to availability)
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Bright yellow flowers adorn the bare stems of Jasminum nudiflorum during winter and early spring, bringing a splash of sunshine to the garden. This deciduous climber is ideal for training against walls or trellises. It prefers a sunny or partially shaded position and benefits from light pruning after flowering to maintain its shape.
Flowers: January – March
Position: Full sun – partial shade
Height: Up to 3m (depending on variety)
Soil: Fertile, moist-well-drained soil
Pot size: 2LD, 3LD ( subject to availability)
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To ensure your winter-interest plants thrive, consider the following tips:
Winter-interest plants not only add beauty to your garden during the colder months but also provide crucial habitats and food for wildlife. Brightly coloured stems, fragrant flowers, and evergreen foliage ensure your outdoor space remains lively and inviting, no matter the season.
Posted 24th Nov 5:21pm
