Winter promises grey skies and dreary weather, so if you're looking to brighten up your garden during these months, some outdoor winter plants will do the trick. Whether you're looking to fill an empty plant pot or create a colourful hanging basket display outside your front door, there are certain plants to look out for.
From shrubs such as wintersweet, Daphne and mahonia to winter honeysuckle and clematis climbers, there are plenty of winter plants to grow during this time of year. Many autumn plants also thrive and flourish during this season, giving you plenty of extra added colour and texture.
We are seeing a rising number of bumblebees foraging during the cooler months, so don't forget to add some winter flowering plants to the garden to help these pollinators out!
Snowdrops
Snowdrops are the birthstone for those born in January. They represent hope and beauty and signify the end of winter and the beginning of a new year. They are one of the first bulbs of the year to flower.
Flowers: January to March
Daphne
This pretty shrub is one of the best outdoor winter plants for pots, hanging baskets and mixed borders - in fact, it sits comfortably in most places. You can find pink, red and green or white varieties.
Flowers: February to March
Christmas Rose
A classic festive plant, the Christmas rose (also known as Helleborus niger) has flat-faced white flowers that sit atop leathery foliage. They are great for attracting bees to your garden.
Flowers: January to March
Witch Hazel
If you're looking for some fragrant, we recommend witch hazel. It's a shrub that will flower during the winter months and the vibrant yellow petals make it a standout feature.
Flowers: January to March
Grand Prix Camellia
Also known as the 'rose of winter', the camellia is a bright and bold shrub with leathery leaves. The rich red colour makes it clear where they get their nickname from.
Flowers: January to March
Winter clematis
This perennial climber has a delicate citrussy fragrance that attracts bees. They do not need to be pruned very much, although you can do some lightly if you are looking to reduce their size.
Flowers: December to January
Cyclamen
Cyclamen have dainty and delicate flowers and look lovely at the base of a winter tree or some thick shrubs, because they add tiny pops of colour. You can also naturalise it in grass to create a wild garden effect.
Flowers: January to April
Mahonia
Spikes of bright yellow flowers on rosettes of rich green leaves are what gives mahonia the title of 'winter sun'. It's certainly one to add if you would like to see more colour in your garden.
Flowers: November to March
Korean Feather Reed Grass
One of the more background but still decorative outdoor winter plants is the Korean Feather Reed Grass. It has silver tones and is probably a unique plant that the neighbours won't have in their garden. So, if you want to stand out from the crowd, add some Calamagrostis Brachytricha to your garden borders.
Flowers: August to October
Winter honeysuckle
Up next is this woody shrub whose branches are practically leafless. Also known by their Latin name onicera fragrantissima, pollinators adore them and they can occasionally be followed by berries.
Flowers: December to February
Angelina
Angelina aka Sedum Rupestre, is a low-growing evergreen perennial which forms a thick, mat of linear leaves. Make sure that it doesn't sit in sodden water, otherwise you won't see it sprout either side of winter.
Flowers: August to November
Pansies
Pansies hold their flowers for many months and therefore make a welcome addition to a winter garden. Often used as bedding plants, they have bushy green leaves and distinctive markings on the centre of the petals.
Flowers: November to March
Outdoor winter plants for hanging baskets
Adding a hanging basket to your garden can help to brighten it up, no matter how much space you have. Why not try using a colour scheme with plants of similar shades? Don't forget to add a mixture of delicate flowers, large blooms and foliage.
Hardy perennials
Hardy, evergreen perennials keep their foliage all year round and make a welcome addition to a hanging basket as herbaceous perennials die off. Opt for classic Christmassy plants and ones with colourful foliage.
•Ajuga
•Heuchera
•Winter pansy
•Coral bells
•Christmas rose
Do you water outdoor plants in winter?
In winter, you don't need to water your outdoor plants as often as you would in summer, once or twice a month should suffice. However, if you are unsure you should check the soil. Probe down a few inches and if the ground is dry, it means that you should definitely water the plants.
If you have a sloped garden, any water will move down the slope. You need to ensure that you have adequate drainage solutions to prevent your plants from becoming waterlogged.
How often should you water outdoor potted plants in winter?
Just like plants that are in beds or borders, you should water your plants a couple of times a month during winter, as the air is already damp and the soil is likely to be so also. It's important to check the dryness of the soil in your potted plants to make sure that you aren't over-watering them.
Can I repot outdoor plants in winter?
It's recommended to repot plants when they do most of their growing, which is in the warmer months, but if any of your plants are showing signs of distress (such as dropping or overcrowding), you can move them to a different pot or home. Houseplants on the other hand can be re-potted throughout winter.
How to keep tropical plants alive in winter
If you have tropical plants, it's best to bring these indoors throughout winter. Keep them away from any draughty doors or window and use artificial lighting to replicate their natural conditions and habitat.
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby and Yours at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who enjoys cooking and spending time with her many pets.