Whilst we are still in the depths of winter, our gardens can often lack in colour and interest, finding the perfect winter flowering plants can be a challenge. With the weather often rather dull, our gardens are probably not always looking their best so adding some colour to brighten up your view can make the day feel brighter. We are here to help you with some careful planning to find winter flowering plants for your garden that will fit with your garden needs, giving a much-needed lift and create some winter interest.
Here at Arundel Arboretum, we have an excellent selection of trees and shrubs that will provide some much-needed interest to carry you through the winter months. Before you make your choice, you may like to think about what you would like to achieve. Our knowledgeable team will be able to assist you.
There are many winter flowering plants to consider, and you may like to give some thought to the following to help you make the right decision: –
- Would you like winter berries? If so, a variety of holly may be worthy of consideration.
- Are you looking for attractive bark? Prunus serrula, Betula utilis var. jacquemontii or Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ are contenders here
- Scent – winter flowering varieties of Daphne could be ideal.
- Colourful foliage – varieties of Hamamelis. Their spider-like flowers appear on bare branches during the winter months. Be sure to choose a winter flowering variety if winter flowers are your requirement as there are many varieties.
Here are three you may like to consider: –
Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’
Daphne are colourful shrubs, and they usually bloom in late winter and early spring. They’re fantastic for small gardens, with various types perfect for different situations – in window boxes, large containers and mixed borders, There are evergreen and deciduous varieties. Most Daphne bear clusters of small flowers in shades of red or pink and sometimes white or green.
Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’ is an evergreen variety with deep green leaves and narrow, yellow margins. Clusters of purple-red flowers appear in February and March. These are followed by red fruits. It is ideal for a small garden, with an eventual height and spread of 1.5m.
Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’
Japanese Maples are beautiful trees and shrubs, and are ideal for most gardens. In the spring, they burst into life with their delicate foliage of reds, greens, yellows, oranges and purple. In the autumn, you are further rewarded with spectacular autumn colours. During the winter, some varieties have striking stems.
Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ has very striking winter stems. Also known as the Japanese Coral Bark Maple, its deeply lobed orange-yellow leaves appear in the spring. These turn a soft yellow in the autumn. Once the foliage has dropped, you are then rewarded with stunning stems.
Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Jelena’
Hamamelis are commonly known as Witch Hazel. They are recognised for their spider-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange and red. They bring colour and fragrance to your winter garden. They can be slow-growing, but eventually will become large, spreading shrubs or small trees.
Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Jelena’ is a large, deciduous, spreading shrub. Its broad leaves turn red and yellow in the autumn. During the winter months, it is adorned with coppery-orange flowers. It will grow happily in full sun or partial shade. It has an eventual height and spread of 2-4m.
If you would like further help or advice on choosing winter flowering plants, why not pop in and see us? Our knowledgeable staff will be delighted to help you.
