Now that summer is behind us it is time to think about adding some colour to the garden with some winter plants, that flower. There are some fantastic winter plants for hanging baskets, pots and for the garden so you can keep your outside space looking cheerful throughout the dark days and gloomy weather, right through to the spring.
Pansies
Pansies are low growing perennials that provide a welcome splash of colour throughout the coldest months because they flower from November to March. Multi coloured with large flowers, many varieties are perfectly adapted to winter growing and are a great choice if you are looking for winter plants for pots, hanging baskets or beds. The name pansy comes from the French word “pensee” meaning thoughts because the markings on the flowers look like thoughtful little faces!
Snowdrops
The sight of the first snowdrops is a welcome sign that winter is over because these perennials flower between January and March. You can plant snowdrop bulbs in October and November either in the garden or in pots or containers. There are numerous varieties available and once they are established they will reliably herald the onset of spring each year. As one of the best loved winter plants UK, snowdrops are emblematic as well as beautiful.
Cyclamen
If you are thinking about adding some winter plants to pots or hanging baskets, you won’t go far wrong with cyclamen. These hardy perennials with attractive pink and white flowers and silvery green foliage are ideal for adding colour to your garden and patios and flower between January and April. You can plant cyclamen tubers in early autumn and as long as they are protected from frost they should thrive.
Winter clematis
Winter clematis is a climbing perennial that has glossy leaves and delicate sweet smelling flowers which bloom between November and January. The best time to plant winter clematis is in September but as this is one of those winter plants in pots that are fairly hardy, you can pretty much plant in your garden any time of the year. Winter clematis doesn’t require much care but you should trim it after the flowering season has passed.
Winter Aconite
Many winter plants that flower are white or delicate shades of purple. Winter Aconite brings a welcome splash of yellow to your winter display and is perfect for planting under trees, in grass or adding to other winter plants in pots such as snowdrops. These perennials spread fast and flower between February and March.
Daphne
Daphnes are fantastic winter plants for pots, hanging baskets and smaller gardens because they are hardy and adaptable to a wide range of environments including gravel gardens. The flowers are small and come in a variety of colours including red, pink and white that flower between February and March. You can plant this shrub all year round as long as the ground is not frozen and it is one of the best winter plants that flower when everything else lies dormant.
Adding some winter plants that flower is a great way to enjoy your outside space all year round and doing so makes a great impact on the appearance of your home and garden. Winter flowers hanging baskets, winter plants in pots or beds not only look cheerful; they remind us that the brighter days of spring are just around the corner.
