Silver-washed foliage, shy bloomers and strong fragrances abound for the family garden this winter.
The secret to a beautiful garden is knowing what to plant and when. Here are 15 seasonal winter plants you can use to sprinkle colour across even frosty flowerbeds.
Contents
- Shrubs (deciduous)
- Shrubs (evergreen)
- Climbers
- Herbaceous perennials
- Before you start…
- The best places for winter plants and flowers in Oxfordshire
What kinds of plants grow well in the winter?
Shrubs (deciduous)
Abeliophyllum distichum—’white forsythia’
Delicate white flowers bloom on bare stems in late winter, creating a fragrant, fountain-like appearance of cascading petals perfectly at home in frost and snow alike. Height 2m.
Daphne mezereum—’February daphne’
Purplish-pink petals aren’t the only colourful aspect of this hardy shrub, which often produces clusters of vivid red berries throughout the autumn. Note this plant is as alluring as it is toxic, so steer clear if you have small children. Height 1.5m.
Hamamelis × intermedia—’witch hazel’
Available in wide range of varieties, from reds, yellows, golds and oranges to spreading crowns and vase-shaped habits. They all haveone thing in common: winter flowering, from December through to March. Height 1.8–3m.
Shrubs (evergreen)
Elaeagnus pungens—’Maculata’
Small, fragrant white flowers appear from autumn onwards. In certain lights this plant’s leaves can appear almost silvery, complementing your frost-tipped lawn or patio and bringing a little winter magic into your garden. Height 4.5-6m.small, silvery white flowers between October and January. Height 2.4-4.5m.
Mahonia × media—’Charity’
A large plant with spikes or cones or yellow flowers in November and December. This broad, imposing plant is ideal as a hardy garden centrepiece the year round. Height 3-4.5m.
Climbers
Clematis cirrhosa—’Freckles’ 
This variety really comes into its own in the winter months, offering silky flowerheads pale yellow in colour heavily speckled with maroon. Even the leaves are glossy with a warming bronze tint. Place near wall-side borders to help them climb. Height 4m.
Clematis cirrhosa—’Balearica’ 
The creamy yellow of Balearica’s petals contrasts with the purple/maroon flecks, producing a small, elegant flower between November and March. Height 4m.
Herbaceous perennials
Helleborus niger—’Christmas rose’ 
A pretty white flower capable of withstanding the worst that winter can throw at it with a smile. Grows in clusters, with proud stems that hold the flowers above the foliage. As its name suggests, it starts flowering in December. Height 30-45cm.
Iris unguicularis—’Algerian isis’
Fragrant, luxurious, and marked by deep lilac petals with white and yellow “feather” patterns, this is a breathtaking flowercapable of elevating any winter display with its bold colouration and air of majesty. Height 22cm.
Before you start…
Make sure you’ve got the right tools for the job.
- Winter can be hard on soil. You might want to use a spade to shift frosty ground, where you would have used a trowel or similar the rest of the year round.
- Pots and planters make it possible for you to rearrange displays and even swap plants out as winter ends and seasonality changes. The Algerian Isis would look stunning in the Urn Planter for example. A Christmas rose makes the perfect festive gift for the garden lover, especially potted in the finely detailed Round Stag Pot.
- When clearing out your shed for the winter, take the opportunity to sharpen your tools, so they’re fresh for the season’s challenges.
- If you choose a climber, make sure you provide the necessary support to promote tall growth in the direction you desire.
The best place for winter plants and flowers in Oxfordshire
Like anything these days, you’ll find most of these flowers are readily available online. But there’s still no substitute for visiting a garden centre or nursery and inspecting the flowers for yourself.
If this sounds like something you enjoy, we recommend Waterperry Gardens. Once home to the renowned Horticultural College, it now holds group tours and the opportunity to explore their beautiful grounds, from the Formal Garden and Waterlily Canal to a small arboretum, in the meadow area beyond.