Is your garden looking a little bit dreary in the winter months? Why not freshen it upwith some winter florals such as pansies and snapdragons? Winter doesn t need to mean dull and drab. Read on to discover the most beautiful winter blooms for the colder months that will add a splash of colour to your garden. We have previously spoken about helping wildlife in your garden through the Winter and other ways you can prepare your garden for Winter. If outdoors is not your cup of tea, then you can always take a look at some great colourful Winter houseplants instead. Our top picks for winter flowering plants Our Winter Flowering Tips Remember that plants grow very little in winter so make sure you pick good size plants to achieve the desired look for your garden. Some may be evergreen, while others you may wish to plant in containers and rotate in Page 1 of 5
accordance to the time of year. If you choose to grow your plants in containers ensure you position your containers so that they will get the most light. Also, make sure to raise containers off the ground to aid drainage and prevent the pots from cracking. Through prolonged frosts try to cover up plants such as pansies to ensure the best flowers for your garden. Make sure to pinch out faded flowers to promote new buds to bloom. Why not cut any favourite scented flowers and use for an indoor display that s sure to light the drag of the shorter, colder days? Why not order some now? Abeliophyllum Distichum This white flowering shrub is beautifully fragrant and stand at between 3 and 6 foot tall. Take care of this plant by pruning after flowering, and by protecting well from strong winds (we advise growing against a wall). You will begin to see the fragrant white flowers in February. Daphne Mezereum This winter flowering plant is commonly grown in household gardens because of their beautiful flowers, but be careful these are extremely toxic. Purple-red in colour these flowers will bloom between February and April with an array of bright red berries. Hamamelis Intermedia This winter flowering plant has several cultivars, many of which have received the Royal Horticultural Society s award of garden merit. They stand tall and broad, with a zig-zag stem; flowering fragrant yellow orange flowers with twisted petals which will brighten up your garden between December and March. Page 2 of 5
Clematis Cirrhosa var. Balearica These beautiful evergreen climbers have dark green leaves that transform to a bronze purple colour in winter. The slightly fragrant cup-shaped flowers are cream and spotted with red/maroon, blooming from November to March. Bergenia Known as elephant ear (due to the shape of the leaves) this 10 species genus of flower plants is a much more attractive and vibrant family than the name suggests. Most of the varieties bloom cone shaped flowers in varying shades of pink, ruby red and purple, brightening up your garden between January and April. Helleborus Niger This winter flowering plant will bloom white flowers from December through to March. Standing at a height of 30-45cm, with large flat flowers, this evergreen plant is commonly known as the Christmas Rose. However, despite the name and its resemblance it is not part of the rose family. Page 3 of 5
Iris Unguicularis If you re after lilac flowers from October to March these are beautiful and sweetly scented. Lavender blue detailed with delicate markings these plants require south facing positioning, ideally against a wall. Eranthis Hyemalis This specie produces yellow flowers from January to March, and belongs to the buttercup family. Known as the winter aconite, this winter flowering plant is valued as one of the earliest winter flowers to appear. Galanthus Nivalis Known as snowdrops this species produces white flowers from January to February. This specie is the best known and most wide spread of the total 20 species in its genus. Page 4 of 5
Scilla Mischtschenkoana Tubergeniana These pale flowers bloom in February displaying a delicate silvery blue floret, decorated with dark blue stripes along each petal. Ideal for rockery, and a very low maintenance garden plant. However, be careful this species is harmful if eaten. Page 5 of 5