Winter Flowering Plants for the UK Garden

Color and vibrancy are much sought after in the UK garden and Winter flowering plants, shrubs and bulbs are just the tonic to provide a splash of colour during the colder months.

Flowers are a delight in any garden and with the availablity of a range of flowering trees, shrubs, bulbs and perennials that willl flower during the colder months of winter it is easy to add life to the garden.

Flowers that bloom in the these months can be planted close to paths and entries, or in pots. Many plants will flower late in winter in very cold areas, check with your local nursery for details of flowering plants suitable for your area.

Where to Plant Winter Flowers

Many of these plants can be grown in tubs or containers where they can be positioned to best advantage and although many of these winter stars cope well with rain, wind and snow they can also provided some protection from the harshest periods.

Pieris Japonica (picture right) is one example of plant that can be grown in a tub or container and will flower in late winter.

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis)
Hamamelis mollis pallida, Hamamelis virginiana and Hamamelis x intermedia Ruby Glow are all excellent shrubs for winter color.

Bergenia (Bergenia)
Probably at their best in early spring, Bergenia are a low growing ground cover plant. Bergenia Plants

Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles speciosa)
A Native to East Asia Chaenomeles speciosa or flowering quince is another great addition to the winter garden. Buy a flowering Quince

Abeliophyllum distichum
Abeliophyllum distichum or 'White Forsythia' is another great deciduous plant for a semi shaded position. Flowers appear along the stems and Aleliophylum can be espaliered. Abeliophyllum distichum Roseum has rose colored flowers.

Winterhazel (Corylopsis spicata)
Fragrant flowers and nice foliage make this another worth considering.

Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox)
A true cold season plant, fragrant flowers on bare stems.

Luculia (Luculia gratissima)
Luculia have pink flowers and a strong perfume. They can be a bit tricky to grow, but are well worth the effort.

Sarcococca
Sarcococca, Sweet box, or 'Christmas box' are an aptly named group of fragrant plants is a genus from the family Buxaceae. Sarcococca are also an excellent plant for shaded area. Glossy foliage is an added attraction to Sarcococca species
S. hookerana var. humilis is a low spreading plant that can be used as a ground cover plant. Reaching 12 -18 inches S. hookerana var. humilis works well in rockeries. S. hookerana var. dignya has a similar habit but with narrow foliage.
S. ruscifolia, is a taller species reaching 3 feet high with a similar spread. Sarcococca orientalis is another species with narrow leaves