Inspire

There are many plants that provide colour, interest or structure in the garden over the winter. Stem shapes or colour, catkins and flowers or evergreen foliage colour all contribute to keeping up our spirits through the dark cold days of winter. Below you'll find some wintery inspiration to keep your garden glowing throughout the colder months.

Hamamellis (Witch Hazel) have beautiful spidery fragrant flowers of yellow, orange and red which are produced from early December onwards.

Coryllus contorta (Contorted Hazel) with its fabulous twisted stems and ornamental catkins are another fine choice from December onwards. Also, originating from Southern Japan, is the Prunus incisa or 'Kojo no mai' - it's zig zag stems create a remarkable look and with a mass of pale pink flowers will look stunning in the soft winter light.

Moving on to February, Salix (Willow various) have soft fluffy heads in late winter with some having coloured stems. Acer Eddisbury (Japanese Maple) have coral coloured stems in winter, Cornus alba (Dogwoods various) lime yellow to bright red brightly coloured stems over winter.
 

Skimmias, large tight buds of red or white persist until early spring when the flowers open releasing a delicious perfume attracting foraging insects. (Female varieties produce berries if grown alongside male varieties). Winter flowering Ericas with their glossy foliage in green or yellow and flowers of white through to various shades of pink are sure to be a welcome addition to any garden. Gaulnettya (now called Pernettya) and Gaultheria procumbens produce pink or white berries that tend to stay on the plant for a long time as they are not very attractive to birds. Helleborus niger (Christmas rose) produce white flowers in December, and Helleborus orientalis (Lenten rose) have white, pink, red, yellow or purple flowers which are produced in early spring.

Evergreens and Shrubs

Evergreen shrubs and conifers offer a wide range of colour and form to provide interest.
Pictured here are:
Pinus strobes Bue Shag (in gold pots)
Thuja occidentalis Smaragd (back right)
Picea pungens Hoopsii (back centre)
Ilex aquifolium Golden King (Female!!! - back left)
Pieris Bonfire (Forest flame with red flowers - front centre)
 

Grasses

Grasses are excellent for providing movement and structure in the garden.
Pictured here:
Stipa tenuissima grey wispy grass
Stipa arundinacea upright dark green/red grass
Uncinia rubra short tufty dark rusty red colour