As we delve further into winter, our gardens will still not be requiring too much attention, but of course we still want to enjoy them all the same. There are many trees and shrubs that you can consider for winter interest, and with a little careful planning, your garden can be a haven of colour and interesting structure from our deciduous trees.
Points to consider for a colourful winter garden include:
- Attractive winter flowers – varieties of Viburnum, Hamamelis, Mahonia and Chaenomeles
- Striking stems – varieties of Cornus
- Interesting bark – Acer griseum, Prunus serrula, Betula utilis var. jacquemontii
- Winter seed heads – keep on the plants as long as possible. They are attractive and a food source for our birds over the winter months
- Evergreen foliage – particularly some conifers – for example Juniperus Skyrocket ‘Blue Arrow’
At our established tree nursery in West Sussex, we have an excellent selection of trees and shrubs to consider for your winter garden. Here are five that you might like to consider:-
Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Pallida’ (Chinese Witch Hazel)
Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Pallida’ is a large deciduous shrub with a spreading crown habit. Its broad, oval leaves turn a buttercup yellow in the autumn and winter. During the winter months, they will sometimes project a slight scent.  Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Pallida’ can be grown in full sun or partial shade, in either a sheltered or exposed position. They have an eventual height and spread of between 2-4m. Plant in a moist, well-drained soil.
Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’
Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ is a, spreading deciduous tree. Its pale pink\white flowers are a delight during the autumn and winter months. This tree will grow happily in full sun in a sheltered or exposed position.  Its eventual height and spread is 4-8m, making it an ideal candidate for a small garden. Plant in a moist, well-drained soil.
Ilex aquifolium ‘J.C. van Tol
Ilex aquifolium ‘J.C. van Tol is a small evergreen shrub that can also be grown as a tree. It has glossy, dark green leaves that are virtually spineless. Small white flowers appear during the spring and summer. These are followed by striking red berries during the autumn and winter months. Ilex aquifolium ‘J.C. van Tol can be grown in full sun or partial shade in an exposed or sheltered position.  It has an eventual height of 4-8m and a spread of approximately 2-4m.
Ilex x altaclerensis ‘Golden King’
Ilex x altaclerensis ‘Golden King’ is a small, evergreen shrub which again can also be grown as a tree.  It has broad, ovate dark green leaves, which are edged yellow. It can grow well in full sun, in a moist, well-drained soil. A colourful shrub all year round, with a few berries during the winter months. Ilex x altaclerensis ‘Golden King’ has an eventual height of 4-8m and a spread of 2-4m.
Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’
Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ is a large, deciduous Japanese maple. It can be grown as a shrub or small tree. Its attractive coral-red young branches are very prominent during the winter months. It has five-lobed leaves open pinkish-yellow in the spring, turning green during the summer, before turning a soft yellow in the autumn and produces small reddish flowers. This Japanese maple can withstand full sun or partial shade in a sheltered position and should be planted in a moist, well-drained soil. It has an eventual height of 4-8m and a spread of 2.5-4m
We also stock an excellent range of evergreen shrubs that have stunning winter colours and equally worthy of consideration.
If you would like help and advice on the right plants for winter interest, why not pop along and have a chat? We are always available to advise you on the correct plants for your garden.
