13 beautiful winter flowers to plant now for spring colour
Looking to brighten up your garden? Winter flowering plants will bring a touch of colour to dark winter days, and are ideal for beds, borders and containers. If you're looking for beautiful plants that will bloom even in the dead of winter then you'll be pleased to know that there are heaps to choose from.
When should you plant winter flowering plants?
The best time to plant winter flowering plants is in autumn, ideally in September or October before the first frost. Planting early in the season helps the plants to establish themselves and produce flower buds before the winter.
From rich purple heather to sunshine-yellow winter aconite, these stunning flowers will transform any garden throughout the cold months. Take a look at some of the best winter flowering plants to buy for your outdoor space...
Winter aconite
These sunshine-yellow flowers burst from the ground in late winter — and will bring some beautiful colour to your frost-laden garden. Remember not to plant these near where children or pets play, as they can cause harm if ingested.
When to plant: Between September and October
Primrose
Flowering primroses are brilliant bedding plants, adding splashes of colour to winter gardens. These hardy woodland plants grow no more than 10cm high and can flower from December right through to May.
When to plant: For autumn bedding, plant your plug plants from mid-September to early October.
Helleborus
From February to April, the beautiful flowers have leathery, deep green leaves. Plant a breathtaking border in your garden and watch as the rich purple heads open.
When to plant: Between September and October, although they can be planted anytime before spring
Cyclamen
This delightful perennial flower provides a burst of beautiful colour during winter. When all is dark and gloomy outside, there's nothing that will bring you more joy than a blossoming plant. And this one is right at the top of our planting wish list...
When to plant: Between September and late November
Mahonia
These spiny-leaved evergreen shrubs make dramatic foliage plants — and are quite impressive in the winter months. They commonly flower from late autumn/December onwards, so expect to see a glorious burst of yellow from the window.
When to plant: Autumn or early spring
Flowering heather
These beautiful bright pink flowers will brighten up your winter garden in an instant. It's a brilliant plant for low-growing texture and even looks stunning planted in pots on a patio.
When to plant: While heathers are best planted in spring, some can be planted in the autumn
Winter jasmine
Winter Jasmine often blooms in early January, creating beautiful sights in your garden at the beginning of the new year. The star-shaped flower heads are also very fragrant.
When to plant: Between autumn and winter
Cherry trees
It's no surprise that cherry trees are some of the most popular (and beautiful) outdoor sights. But you can now have a blush pink display in your garden during winter, too. These often flower when there is no snow on the ground, creating a truly spectacular sight.
When to plant: Between November and March, when the tree is still dormant
Winter clematis
The beautiful winter flowering clematis produces a mass of flowers in a variety of shapes and colours. In order to ensure they come back every year, give them a good prune in March to make way for new growth.
When to plant: Late spring or early autumn
Snowdrops
Much like their name suggests, snowdrops are a beautiful winter flower. Often known as the flower of hope, these bright-white flowers are as pretty as can be. For best results, plant the bulbs in autumn or spring.
When to plant: Snowdrop bulbs should be planted in the autumn and winter for flowers in late winter and early spring. You can also buy snowdrops as bulbs in the green in spring.
Pansies
A cool weather favourite, vibrant pansies are among the best winter flowering plants. As well as being cheerful and blooming lovely, they are among the first of the season to offer winter colour in many areas.
When to plant: Mid-September to early October
Sarcococca
Known as a 'winter gem', the Sarcococca plant is a handsome bushy plant which will bring bursts of colour during the colder months. Commonly known as Sweet Box or Christmas Box, this evergreen shrub is a must-have for every garden.
When to plant: They can be planted all year round, but shrubs establish best when planted in spring or autumn
Winter honeysuckle
Famous for its creamy-white fragrant flowers, the winter honeysuckle is a real statement in the garden. Introduced from China in the mid-nineteenth century, it's ideal for brightening up your garden in winter and early spring.
When to plant: Late winter
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