10 Winter Flowering Plants

1. Camellia sasanqua – there are many varieties of this large evergreen shrub, many of which have fragrant flowers that bloom from late Autumn to late Winter.  They can be grown in sun or shade and can handle any aspect.  They require neutral to acidic soil and ideally should be protected from cold dry winds and the early morning sun to prevent the flower buds from turning brown.     

2. Clematis cirrhosa var. balearica – this is a fabulous evergreen climber with scented white speckled flowers that appear from December to February.  It prefers well drained soil in sun or semi-shade and looks fabulous grown over an archway or doorway where the scent can really be appreciated.

4. Garrya elliptica – This is a really fabulous shrub that looks brilliant towards the back of a sunny border or against a wall.  As well as its dark foliage, which makes a lovely backdrop for summer flowering shrubs, it has long silvery catkins that shine out among the dark green leaves throughout Winter.

5. Hamamellis x intermedia – This is a deciduous tree-like shrub which has wonderful Autumn colour and then bears clusters of sweetly scented flowers from the bare twigs in January and February.  Some varieties have yellow flowers but others have vibrant orange/red.  

 6. Sarcococca confusa – A small evergreen shrub which doesn’t look much but has the most gorgeous vanilla scented inconspicuous flowers from December to March that take your breath away.  The flowers are followed by small black berries.  Requires shade and will grow in deep shade, so an excellent choice for a North Facing front garden.  

7. Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’  – A stunning tree for the Winter garden.  It has tiny white flowers which continue to bloom sporadically throughout the Winter. It makes an excellent tree for a small sunny garden.

8. Helleborus niger  – The flowers of this hellebore appear on short stems from January to April.  They are predominantly white but sometimes flushed with pink and, unusually for hellebores, are usually upturned rather than nodding. They are best planted in groups at the front of a partially shaded mixed border, or beneath deciduous shrubs among spring-flowering bulbs.  

9. Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’  – This is a compact male shrub with red-margined, deep green leaves. Technically it doesn’t flower until the Spring, but its dark red flower buds, produced in Autumn, provide interest throughout the Winter.  Needs a shady/semi-shady position and prefers a well-drained soil.

10. Lonicera purpusii – Clusters of white flowers cling to bare branches in the depths or winter and fill the air with a wonderful fragrance, so choose a location where you can make the most of it.  This honeysuckle is best planted among shrubs that provide interest over the Summer months as it looks rather insignificant once its green leaves appear.