Winter Containers: Brighten Up Your Garden with Beautiful Plants
Winter doesn’t have to mean a dull and dreary garden. With the right plants, you can create stunning winter containers that will add color and interest to your outdoor space. Here are some of our favorite picks for winter containers, chosen by gardening experts:
Winter Flowers
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Witch hazel (Hamamelis): With its spider-like flowers in a range of colors, witch hazel is a must-have for winter containers. It’s easy to grow in pots and prefers well-drained soil.
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Skimmia japonica (female): Known for its bright red berries and glossy green leaves, skimmia japonica adds a cheerful touch to winter containers. It’s a low-maintenance plant that thrives in both sun and shade.
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Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis: This evergreen shrub has glossy leaves and highly scented white flowers, making it perfect for pots near doorways. It’s a great background plant for other winter blooms.
Colorful Foliage
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Helleborus argutifolius (Corsican hellebore): With its leathery blue-grey leaves and lime green flowers, Corsican hellebore adds drama and texture to winter containers. It’s a hardy evergreen that prefers shady spots.
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Leucojum vernum var. vagneri: Often mistaken for snowdrops, leucojum has larger, pendant flowers tipped with lime green. It’s a wonderful source of nectar and pollen for bees.
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Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’: This slow-growing conifer has silver-blue foliage that provides a base of evergreen color in winter containers. It’s a compact shrub that can be grown in most aspects except full shade.
Long-Flowering Plants
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Helleborus (Rodney Davey Marbled Group) ‘Anna’s Red’: This hellebore produces masses of crimson blooms over several months, along with beautifully marbled foliage. It’s a great choice for winter containers that need interest over a long period.
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Winter pansy: Winter pansies are known for their cheerful blooms in a variety of colors. They’re easy to grow and will bloom into early spring, adding a touch of brightness to your winter garden.
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Camellias: Camellias are a winter delight, with their big, bold flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. They prefer acidic soil, so grow them in ericaceous compost if your soil is alkaline.
Tips for Winter Containers
- Choose plants that are suited to your climate and the size of your container.
- Use a well-draining potting mix and fertilize your plants regularly.
- Water your plants deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Protect your plants from frost by moving them indoors or covering them with fleece.
With a little care and attention, your winter containers will thrive and bring beauty to your garden all season long.
