In British gardens, it’s standard practice to opt for plants that produce beautiful blooms in the summer before retreating again once the colder weather hits.
However, an absence of any colour or greenery can mean your garden looks a little lacklustre throughout winter.
But with some clever foresight, you can ensure the beautiful spectacle your plants provide for your home or commercial garden continues all year round. To do so, you’ll need to choose plants which flower in winter.
Learn from the Scott Davies Tree Surgery team about the winter flowers that will keep your outdoor spaces looking vibrant over the festive season and beyond.
Camellia
You might be surprised that camellias are featured on our list of the top plants that flower in winter. However, it’s possible to find varieties that specifically flower in autumn and winter which can result in some gorgeous blooms to look forward to in the colder months.
Care: Camellias will need a spot where they receive lots of sunlight, while also being sheltered from the wind and cold during winter. Acidic soil is also essential, although you can add acidic compost if planting in a container.
Christmas Rose
As a member of the buttercup family, the Christmas Rose (Hellebore) produces white or pink flowers. The softer tones can soften up other areas of your garden which feature more prominent colour schemes.
Care: Requires partial shade and well-drained soil. Remove faded flowers to promote new growth. The Christmas rose is well-suited for the UK’s temperate climate.
Cyclamen
A striking hardy perennial which can add vibrance to your garden even when planted under trees or shady borders.
Care: Plant in a sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Ensure the crown is just above the soil surface as cyclamens dislike being planted too deeply. Mulch annually and use bark chips in frost-prone areas.
Heather
Heather is an excellent choice when in search of bee-friendly plants that flower throughout winter. Alongside bold pops of colours, these hardy evergreen perennial shrubs can also introduce height and texture to your garden.
Care: Thrives in acidic, well-drained soil. Provide full sunlight and trim after flowering to maintain shape. Mulch around the base to protect against frost.
Snowdrops
While associated with the first signs of spring, snowdrops can actually bloom as early as January, and can even keep going when the ground is frozen.
Care: Plant bulbs in well-drained soil at a depth of 2-3 inches. Snowdrops are known for naturalising; they require minimal care once established. Provide partial shade for optimal growth.
Violas
Look out for hardy viola plants which are fantastic for keeping your hanging baskets and pots in bloom from autumn until spring. Their dainty petals add an array of colours as well as personality to any winter garden.
Care: Violas will need to be tended to in small pots or trays first before being ready to be planted outside. It’s possible to find varieties that prefer full sun or partial shade.
Winter Jasmine
Winter Jasmine brings the sunshine to your garden in winter with its delightful yellow blooms which will linger until spring. This winter flower variety copes well in most soil conditions and planting positions, making it a solid choice for the majority of UK gardens.
Care: Prefers full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. Prune after flowering to promote a bushier shape. Winter jasmine is relatively low-maintenance but benefits from occasional feeding during the growing season.
Winter Pansies
Great for borders or containers, winter pansies are a firm favourite in British gardens throughout the year. Explore rich shade options such as purple, black, blue, red, orange and yellow.
Care: Plant in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Pansies prefer partial shade and require regular watering. Remove faded blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
Top Tips When Planting Flowers For Winter
- Plants which flower in the winter will usually need to be planted between late summer to early autumn.
- Winter flowers can thrive in pots, especially as this gives the option to easily relocate them to a more suitable spot.
- If you also want to add some winter shrubs to your garden, expect sporadic flowering depending on the severity of the season.
- Experiment with different colours when choosing winter flowers to maximise the visual interest of your garden.
- Remember to water flowers less in winter to avoid root rot.
Flowers For Winter UK FAQs
Curious to learn how you can inject some colour and life into your garden this winter? We’ve answered some of the top questions about winter flowers below.
If you’re local to us in Greater Manchester and have any further questions about maintaining your garden or trees over winter, please get in touch.
What Flowers Can Still Bloom In The Winter?
The terms to look out for when shopping for flowers that will bloom in winter are flowering annuals, hardy annuals or perennials.
There are a lot more varieties that fit into these categories than you might think. Some top examples include cyclamen, hellebore, pansies, snowdrops and winter heather.
What Can I Plant In Pots For Winter Flowering?
Consider planting varieties such as curry plant, heuchera, pansies, soft shield fern and viola.
Each of these plant varieties thrives in pots, meaning they can add some much-needed colour to your patio or front door during the colder months.
What Are The Best Winter Bedding Plants?
Some of our top picks for winter bedding plants include cyclamen, pansies and violas. These varieties can also work well in window boxes.
Just be sure to support your winter bedding plants with some fresh compost and avoid overwatering potted plants to avoid rot.
Do Pansies Flower In Winter?
Pansies can flower all year round, including in the winter. While winter pansies are hardy plants, they may stop flowering when the weather turns particularly cold. However, rest assured they will start blooming again as soon as the temperatures rise.
When To Plant Winter Pansies In The UK?
The best time to plant pansies is between late summer to the middle of autumn. Planting during this time helps pansies get established before winter.
Technically, you can still plant pansies in the winter especially if the weather is a lot milder than normal. However, avoid planting when the ground is frozen or waterlogged as newly planted pansies cannot tolerate cold weather.
In Search Of A Gardener In Manchester? – Get A Free Quote
We hope our above list of plants which flower in the winter has inspired you to get more year-round enjoyment out of your outdoor spaces.
If you happen to be reading this post from the Greater Manchester area, then the Scott
Davies’ team could transform your residential or commercial garden on your behalf.
Alongside our tree surgery work, we also perform garden work. Our services span garden clearance, garden maintenance, tree planting and much more.
To get a free quote for our garden work services, please drop us a message or give us a call on 07853 582 444.