Once we enter the winter months, it’s easy to think that our gardens are going to be devoid of colour, scents and interest, but with some clever planning, it is still possible to have an interesting garden during the winter months. This can come from flowers, different coloured berries, dramatic stems and scents.
Scented plants could be suitable for planting in containers so that during the winter months, they can be positioned closer to your house allowing you to appreciate their welcoming fragrance. During the summer months, when they are probably not looking their best, you can move them to a more discreet part of your garden.
Here at Arundel Arboretum, we produce an extensive range of trees and shrubs that can be considered for a winter flowering garden.
Here is our pick of five to give you some inspiration:-
Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ (Winter flowering Cherry)
Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ is a small tree with semi-double pale pink flowers from November to March which appears on bare branches. The flowers are followed by small fruits, which are good for birds. Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ has green foliage which turns shades of orange/yellow in the autumn. It is ideal for small gardens and is pollution tolerant, so suitable for urban areas. It will thrive in most conditions but does not like wet soil or shallow chalk. This tree can be planted in a sunny location, with little or no protection.
Betula utilis var. jacquemontii (Himalayan Birch)
Betula utilis var. jacquemontii is a very popular tree, due to its architectural shape, brilliant white bark on its trunk and larger branches. The multi-stem variety is very effective. They are often planted in groups of three for a stunning effect. Betula utilis var. jaquemontii has ovate shaped leaves that turn yellow in the autumn. In early spring, the male yellow-brown catkins appear and these can be up to 12cm long. Betula utilis var. jacquemontii has an eventual height of 12m+ and width of 4-8m. It prefers moist, well-drained soil. It can be planted in full sun or partial shade, in an exposed or sheltered position.
Ilex aquifolium (common Holly)
Ilex aquifolium is a medium-sized evergreen tree. It is slow growing in infancy with dark green, glossy, spiny leaves. Ilex aquifolium produces small insignificant white flowers in spring. These are followed by bright red berries on pollinated female plants. Ilex aquifolium can be planted in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered or exposed position. It has an eventual height of 12m and spread of 4-8m.
Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter’ Fire (Dogwood)
Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’ is a spreading, deciduous shrub, with an overall height and spread of approximately 2m. The long orange-red and yellow young shoots bear oval-shaped leaves with tiny white flowers during the summer. Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’ is primarily grown for its stunning coloured stems that are striking during the winter months. This shrub can be grown in full sun or partial shade, in an exposed or sheltered position. It prefers a moist, well-drained soil.
Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Diane’ (Chinese Witch Hazel)
Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Diane’ is a deciduous vase-shaped shrub with an open growth habit. Its bright green leaves turn yellow/red in the autumn. These are followed by large, spider-like dark red flowers, which emerge mid to late winter. Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Diane’ is a hardy shrub that requires a sheltered position in a moist, well-drained soil. It can be planted in full sun or partial shade. It has an eventual height and width of approximately 4m.
If you would like further help and advice on the right winter flowering garden plants for your conditions, why not pop in and see us? Our knowledgeable, friendly staff will be delighted to help you.
