Winter wildlife garden plants

6th December, 2023

As winter settles in, providing essential food and shelter for wildlife becomes crucial in British gardens. By carefully selecting plants that can withstand freezing temperatures and provide sustenance during this harsh season, gardeners can support the survival of wildlife. Here are ten plants that will benefit wildlife during winter, along with the specific benefits they offer.

Holly (Ilex aquifolium):

Holly is a classic winter plant that benefits both birds and mammals. Its vibrant red berries provide a vital food source for birds like thrushes and finches during the cold months. Additionally, the prickly leaves offer protective cover and roosting sites for small birds.

Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia):

Also known as the mountain ash, rowan is a hardy tree that produces clusters of bright red berries during winter. These berries are a valuable food source for many bird species, including blackbirds and waxwings.

Ivy (Hedera helix):

Ivy is an evergreen climber that provides shelter, nesting sites, and food for a wide range of wildlife. Its dense foliage offers protection for overwintering insects, butterflies, and ladybirds, while its berries provide nourishment for birds and small mammals.

Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea):

Dogwood adds a splash of colour to the winter garden with its striking red stems. These canes are places to rest for birds, such as the yellowhammer and goldfinch, who enjoy feeding on the small fruits it produces.

5. Mahonia (Mahonia spp.):

Mahonia, commonly known as Oregon grape, has yellow fragrant flowers that attract bees and other pollinators during the colder months. Moreover, its blue-black berries provide food for birds, including thrushes and blackcaps.

Winter-flowering heather (Erica carnea):

Winter-flowering heather adds beauty and sustenance to the winter garden. Its delicate blooms provide an essential source of nectar for bees and other pollinators when few other flowers are available.

Snowdrops (Galanthus spp.):

Snowdrops are some of the earliest flowering bulbs, often blooming as early as January. They serve as vital nectar sources for bees and provide insects like beetles and flies with their first nectar of the year.

Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis):

Another early blooming plant, the winter aconite, provides much-needed nectar for bees and pollinators. Its bright yellow flowers emerge from the ground as early as February, bringing a burst of colour to the winter garden.

Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis):

Cotoneaster, with its glossy berries, entices blackbirds, thrushes, and finches to the garden. It provides a vital food source for these birds while adding a decorative element to the winter landscape.

Witch hazel (Hamamelis spp.):

Witch hazel is a winter-blooming shrub that bears fragrant, spidery flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Bees and butterflies are attracted to its nectar.