Winter Interest

As winter blankets the landscape in a gentle hush of snow, there's a unique beauty that can be found in a well-tended winter garden. Thompson's Plant Centre is delighted to introduce you to the top 5 winter plants that will bring enchantment and tranquillity to your outdoor space.

1. Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum): This resilient and charming shrub graces your garden with bright yellow flowers during the colder months. Its graceful arching branches add an artistic touch to the winter landscape.
2. Hellebores (Helleborus spp.): Known as the "Christmas Rose" or "Lenten Rose," Hellebores produce exquisite, long-lasting blooms in various shades, even when the garden seems dormant. They're a true winter delight.
3. Witch Hazel (Hamamelis spp.): Witch Hazels burst into a burst of fragrant, spidery flowers in the depth of winter. Their vibrant colours and sweet scent are a welcome surprise on a chilly day.
4. Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata): This deciduous holly species graces your garden with a burst of brilliant red berries that persist throughout the winter, adding a pop of colour and attracting winter birds.
5. Snowdrops (Galanthus spp.): Snowdrops are the first heralds of spring, pushing their delicate white blooms through the snow. Plant them in autumn for a heartwarming winter display.

• Common Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens): Common boxwood is a versatile evergreen shrub that can endure cold temperatures and even snowfall. It provides year-round greenery and is often used for hedges and topiaries.
   
• Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum): Winter jasmine is a cold-tolerant deciduous shrub that produces bright yellow flowers during the winter months. It can withstand freezing temperatures and adds a burst of colour to the winter garden.
   
• Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica): Siberian iris is a hardy perennial known for its elegant, iris-like flowers. It's capable of thriving in cold climates and can endure temperatures well below freezing.

Winter plant preparation begins in the previous seasons. Most winter plants should be planted in late summer or early autumn to allow their roots to establish before the cold weather sets in. However, some, like Snowdrops, are best planted "in the green" during late winter or early spring, just as they finish flowering.

The charm of winter plants is that they defy the season's bleakness with their unique features. Depending on your region's climate, winter plants can provide pleasure from late autumn through to early spring. Winter Jasmine, Hellebores, and Witch Hazel often start blooming in the coldest months, while Winterberry Holly's berries persist through the winter. Snowdrops, although they start blooming in late winter, signal the approaching arrival of spring, lifting your spirits as you await the season's renewal.