Great Plants for Winter Interest

In the depths of winter every flower that opens is a jewel in the garden, a precious glimpse of all that nature has to offer. Evergreen plants are the mainstay of the garden at this time of year but don’t forget there are also many beautiful shrubs that flower at this time of year and if the weather allows can be planted now.

Many plants that flower over the winter months are richly fragrant to attract insect pollinators. Plant one or two perennials and shrubs to perfume a crisp winter morning.

Shrubs with fragrant winter flowers include Chimonanthus praecox ‘Grandiflorus’ (Wintersweet). This is a fast growing shrub that’s ideal for the back of the border or along a boundary. The flowers are borne on bare stems so stand out in the winter sun. They are creamy yellow with maroon markings inside. Mahonia x media ‘Winter Sun’ is an evergreen with perfumed yellow flowers. For stunning winter flowers opt for a Witch hazel or two. The bare winter stems are clothed in rich, rusty orange or vibrant yellow, spidery, scented flowers in winter.

Heathers make effective low growing shrubs with winter flowers include the evergreen heathers such as Erica carnea ‘Pink Spangles’ with pink and white flowers or Erica x Darleyensis ‘ Furzey’ with deep pink flowers.

Climbers and wall shrubs with winter flowers can transform walls and fences with their winter gem blossom. Clematis cirrhosa var. balearica has scented cream, bell-shaped flowers and winter jasmine, which bears pure yellow flowers on bare stems in late winter.