Christmas winter garden

17th November, 2023

The Christmas season is when many people have more guests at their house than any other time of the year. Unfortunately, it is also the bleakest time of the year, when most gardens are at their dullest. However, thanks to the jet-stream the British Isles are much milder than they would be without it. This means there is numerous plants that can be grown in gardens, that will flower in the winter months. All of the plants below are great choices for a winter garden, and most of them will actually be in flower on Christmas Day. 

1. Helleborus niger (Christmas Rose): This evergreen perennial produces beautiful bowl-shaped white flowers with a tinge of pink or green from December to March. It prefers shade and can reach a height of 30 to 40 cm / 12-18 inches.

2. Cyclamen coum (Hardy Cyclamen): These low-growing plants have heart-shaped leaves and produce delicate, nodding flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple. They bloom from December to February and can tolerate partial shade.

3. Mahonia japonica (Japanese Mahonia): With dark green, spiky leaves and bright yellow, fragrant flowers, this shrub adds a splash of colour to winter gardens. It blooms from November to February and can grow up to 3 metres / 10 feet tall.

4. Viburnum tinus (Laurustinus): This versatile evergreen shrub displays small white or pale pink flowers from October to April. It has dense foliage and can be pruned into various shapes. It prefers sun or partial shade.

5. Camellia sasanqua (Winter Camellia): Known for its glossy, dark green leaves and elegant, single or double flowers in shades of pink, red, or white, this shrub blooms from October to March. It thrives in sheltered locations with well-drained soil.

6. Daphne mezereum (Mezereum Daphne): Often one of the earliest flowering shrubs, the Daphne mezereum produces clusters of highly fragrant flowers in shades of pink or white. It blooms from January to March and grows up to 1 metre / 3 feet tall.

7. Jasminum nudiflorum (Winter Jasmine): This deciduous climbing shrub boasts an abundance of yellow, star-shaped flowers on bare stems from November to March. It prefers a sunny position and can reach a height of 2 to 3 metres /6-10 feet.

8. Iris unguicularis (Winter Iris): This tough, evergreen perennial displays dainty, lavender-blue or purple flowers with yellow markings from November to March. It thrives in well-drained soil and can reach a height of 30 to 40cm / 12-18 inches.

9. Sarcococca confusa (Sweet Box): This compact, evergreen shrub produces small, highly fragrant white flowers from December to February. It also displays glossy, dark green leaves and prefers partial shade.

10. Galanthus nivalis (Snowdrop): Often considered the first sign of spring, snowdrops appear as delicate white flowers, often with green markings, from January to March. They are a common sight in British gardens and can naturalise in grassy areas.

11. Lonicera fragrantissima (Winter Honeysuckle): This deciduous shrub offers highly fragrant, creamy-white flowers that bloom from December to March. The flowers are followed by red berries. It can reach a height of 2 to 3 metres / 6-10 feet and prefers sun or partial shade.

12. Cornus sanguinea (Common Dogwood): While the Common Dogwood does not typically flower in winter, it is renowned for its vibrant and colourful bark, which adds interest to the winter garden. The younger stems exhibit shades of bright red, orange, and yellow, providing a striking visual contrast against a snowy backdrop.

13. Hamamelis mollis (Witch Hazel): This deciduous shrub blooms with clusters of fragrant, spidery flowers in shades of yellow, orange, or red from December to March. It has an attractive branching pattern and can reach a height of 3 to 4 metres / 10-15 feet. It thrives in sun or partial shade.

14. Prunus subhirtella 'Autumnalis' (Winter-flowering Cherry): As its name suggests, this small deciduous tree displays delicate pink or white flowers from November to March. It offers a lovely floral display during the winter months, adding cheer to frosty gardens.

15. Daphne bholua 'Jacqueline Postill' (Winter Daphne): This evergreen shrub produces highly fragrant, pale pink flowers from January to March. Its glossy foliage provides year-round interest, and it prefers a sheltered position in well-drained soil.

16. Erica carnea (Winter Heath): This low-growing evergreen shrub bursts into a carpet of pink, white, or purple flowers from December to April. It thrives in acidic soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. It can be a lovely addition to rockeries or borders.

17. Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna (Christmas Box): Often associated with Christmas due to its winter blooming, this small, evergreen shrub features tiny, highly fragrant, creamy-white flowers from December to March. It also produces glossy black berries that add to its visual appeal.