Let’s face it, winter can be pretty depressing. Or, it can be for me, as I tend to get a bit of seasonal affective disorder as the short days set it.
For me, things pick up at the turn of the year, and it is, therefore good, when I am feeling a bit more enthused about the garden, to have some plants to look at to help keep my mood up
And the fact is, winter doesn’t have to mean the garden is barren.
There are lots of plants that can bring structure, interest, and even colour to your garden during the colder months. These include evergreens, flowering plants or even deciduous trees with striking bark – plants that can help the winter landscape provide its own particular kind of beauty for us.
Below are 15 of the best garden plants that shine in winter.
1. Helleborus orientalis (Lenten rose)
Helleborus orientalis, commonly known as the Lenten rose, is loved for its evergreen foliage and delicate flowers that bloom in late winter. The flowers often nod downward and come in various colours, including white, pink, purple, and speckled varieties. This plant is ideal for brightening up a shady winter garden and pairs well with other early bloomers.
Key facts
- Scientific name and any synonyms: Helleborus orientalis
- Meaning of scientific plant name: The name “Helleborus” comes from the Greek words “hellein” (to injure) and “bora” (food), due to its toxic nature if ingested.
- Common names: Lenten rose, hellebore
- Plant family: Ranunculaceae
- Place of origin of the plant: Mediterranean regions
- Type of plant: Herbaceous perennial
- Size: 30-50 cm tall
- Foliage: Dark green, leathery, and evergreen leaves that provide year-round interest.
- Flower: Large, cup-shaped blooms, ranging from white to deep purple, appearing from February to April.
- Fruit: Small seed capsules, though not showy.
- Light requirements: Partial shade to full shade
- Water and humidity requirements: Moist, well-drained soil, though drought-tolerant once established
- Temperature requirements: Hardy in UK zones, RHS rating H5 (-15°C to -10°C, 5°F to 14°F), USDA zones 4-9
- Soil requirements: Prefers rich, loamy, and well-drained soil
- Feeding requirements: Light feeding with compost in spring
- Propagation: Can be propagated by division in autumn or spring, or from seed
- Pruning: Remove damaged or old leaves in late winter to reveal new growth
Display and companion plants
Plant Hellenores in drifts under deciduous trees or along shaded borders. Their muted tones work well with snowdrops (Galanthus) and early-flowering bulbs such as winter aconites (Eranthis). You can also pair them with ferns to create textural contrast.
2. Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’ (Dogwood)
The brilliant orange, yellow, and red stems of Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’ are a truly something to behold in the bleak winter landscape. This deciduous shrub offers stunning winter interest after it loses its leaves, making it perfect for structural displays.
Key facts
- Scientific name and any synonyms: Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’
- Meaning of scientific plant name: Cornus is Latin for horn, referring to the hard wood of the plant.
- Common names: Dogwood, bloodtwig dogwood
- Plant family: Cornaceae
- Place of origin of the plant: Europe, Western Asia
- Type of plant: Deciduous shrub
- Size: 1.5 to 2.5 metres tall and wide
- Foliage: Green leaves that turn orange-yellow in autumn before falling.
- Flower: Small white flowers in spring
- Fruit: Small black berries in late summer
- Light requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Water and humidity requirements: Moist, well-drained soil
- Temperature requirements: Hardy in UK zones, RHS rating H6 (-20°C to -15°C, -4°F to 5°F), USDA zones 4-7
- Soil requirements: Tolerates most soils but prefers well-drained conditions
- Feeding requirements: Low feeding requirements; compost in spring is sufficient
- Propagation: Propagate by hardwood cuttings in winter
- Pruning: Prune hard in late winter to encourage new stems, as the youngest stems have the brightest colour
Display and companion plants
Plant in mass plantings or as a winter focal point in mixed borders. Dogwoods look especially striking against a backdrop of evergreen plants like Buxus (boxwood) or Ilex (holly). Add winter bulbs like snowdrops or early narcissus to the base to extend the interest.
3. Betula utilis var. jacquemontii (Himalayan birch)
The Himalayan birch is one of those plants for winter interest that relies on the beauty of both colour and its structure. It is highly valued for its gleaming white bark, which becomes a standout feature in the winter months when its leaves have fallen. Its slender, elegant form adds structure and winter interest to any garden, and it’s an excellent choice for adding structure.
Key facts
- Scientific name and any synonyms: Betula utilis var. jacquemontii
- Meaning of scientific plant name: “Betula” is Latin for birch, and “utilis” means useful, referring to the tree’s many practical uses.
- Common names: Himalayan birch, white birch
- Plant family: Betulaceae
- Place of origin of the plant: Himalayas
- Type of plant: Deciduous tree
- Size: 10 to 15 metres tall
- Foliage: Light green leaves that turn yellow in autumn before falling
- Flower: Catkins in early spring
- Fruit: Small, inconspicuous seeds in summer
- Light requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Water and humidity requirements: Moist, well-drained soil
- Temperature requirements: Hardy in UK zones, RHS rating H7 (-20°C and below, -4°F and below), USDA zones 4-7
- Soil requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained soils but can tolerate a range of conditions
- Feeding requirements: Low feeding needs; mulch with compost in spring
- Propagation: Propagate by seed or grafting
- Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove damaged or crossing branches
Display and companion plants
Plant as a specimen tree or in small groups for the most striking effect. Its white bark looks fantastic against evergreen shrubs like Mahonia or underplanted with Heuchera for a mix of textures. Also try pairing with ornamental grasses to soften the overall look.
4. Skimmia japonica (Japanese skimmia)
Skimmia japonica is a reliable evergreen shrub that provides year-round interest. It has glossy, dark green leaves, clusters of fragrant white flowers in spring, and bright red berries in winter, which create a stunning contrast against the foliage.
Key facts
- Scientific name and any synonyms: Skimmia japonica
- Meaning of scientific plant name: The origin of “Skimmia” is uncertain, though it may derive from a Japanese word for the plant.
- Common names: Japanese skimmia
- Plant family: Rutaceae
- Place of origin of the plant: Japan, Southeast Asia
- Type of plant: Evergreen shrub
- Size: 1 to 1.5 metres tall and wide
- Foliage: Glossy, dark green, lance-shaped leaves
- Flower: White or pink-tinged fragrant flowers in spring
- Fruit: Bright red berries in winter (female plants only)
- Light requirements: Partial shade to full shade
- Water and humidity requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained soil; drought-tolerant once established
- Temperature requirements: Hardy in UK zones, RHS rating H5 (-15°C to -10°C, 5°F to 14°F), USDA zones 6-8
- Soil requirements: Prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soils
- Feeding requirements: Light feeding with ericaceous fertiliser in spring
- Propagation: Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer
- Pruning: Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape
Display and companion plants
Skimmia japonica looks great in mixed borders or in containers. Pair it with heathers (Erica) or dwarf conifers for a layered winter display. It also works well as a backdrop for colourful winter bedding plants such as pansies or cyclamen.
5. Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii (Mediterranean spurge)
Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii is a bold architectural plant that provides year-round interest with its upright, grey-green foliage and acid yellow flowers in late winter/early spring. This plant is valued for its sculptural form and ability to withstand tough conditions.
Be careful when pruning this plant as its milk sap can be a skin irritant.
Key facts
- Scientific name and any synonyms: Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii
- Meaning of scientific plant name: “Euphorbia” is named after Euphorbus, a Greek physician, and “characias” refers to the plant’s use in antiquity.
- Common names: Mediterranean spurge
- Plant family: Euphorbiaceae
- Place of origin of the plant: Mediterranean regions
- Type of plant: Evergreen perennial
- Size: 1 to 1.5 metres tall and wide
- Foliage: Upright, lance-shaped, grey-green leaves
- Flower: Large, lime-green to yellow flower bracts appearing in late winter
- Fruit: Small, inconspicuous seed capsules
- Light requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Water and humidity requirements: Prefers dry to medium-moisture soils; drought-tolerant
- Temperature requirements: Hardy in UK zones, RHS rating H4 (-10°C to -5°C, 14°F to 23°F), USDA zones 7-10
- Soil requirements: Well-drained, preferably sandy or chalky soils
- Feeding requirements: Low feeding needs; mulch with compost in spring
- Propagation: Propagate by seed or cuttings
- Pruning: Cut back flower stems after flowering to encourage new growth
Display and companion plants
This euphorbia pairs beautifully with other Mediterranean plants such as lavender (Lavandula) or rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). It works well in gravel gardens or as a striking focal point in mixed borders. Underplant with low-growing perennials like Sedum to create contrasting textures.
6. Ilex aquifolium (Common holly)
The classic winter plant, Holly (Ilex aquifolium) is synonymous with winter and festive displays. Its glossy, dark green leaves with sharp, spiny edges and clusters of bright red berries add colour and texture to the winter garden. It is a versatile evergreen shrub that works well as a hedge, in mixed borders, or as a standalone specimen.
Key facts
- Scientific name and any synonyms: Ilex aquifolium
- Meaning of scientific plant name: Ilex is the Latin name for oak, and aquifolium means “sharp leaf”.
- Common names: Common holly, English holly
- Plant family: Aquifoliaceae
- Place of origin of the plant: Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa
- Type of plant: Evergreen shrub or small tree
- Size: 4 to 12 metres tall, depending on conditions
- Foliage: Glossy, dark green, spiny leaves that remain year-round
- Flower: Small white flowers in spring, though they are not very noticeable
- Fruit: Bright red berries in winter (only on female plants)
- Light requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Water and humidity requirements: Moist but well-drained soil; drought-tolerant once established
- Temperature requirements: Hardy in UK zones, RHS rating H5 (-15°C to -10°C, 5°F to 14°F), USDA zones 7-9
- Soil requirements: Tolerates a wide range of soils, though it prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil
- Feeding requirements: Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring
- Propagation: Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer or by seed
- Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and control size
Display and companion plants
Holly is excellent as a hedge or privacy screen, adding structure and height to the garden. It pairs beautifully with Skimmia and Viburnum for a classic winter combination of berries and evergreen foliage. You can also plant holly near Berberis for contrasting foliage textures.
7. Mahonia × media ‘Charity’ (Oregon grape)
Mahonia × media ‘Charity’ is a stately evergreen shrub with large, spiny, holly-like leaves and striking racemes of bright yellow, fragrant flowers that bloom from late autumn into winter. The flowers are followed by clusters of blue-black berries, making this a perfect plant for winter interest.
Key facts
- Scientific name and any synonyms: Mahonia × media ‘Charity’
- Meaning of scientific plant name: Mahonia is named after Bernard McMahon, an American horticulturist.
- Common names: Oregon grape, Mahonia
- Plant family: Berberidaceae
- Place of origin of the plant: Hybrid, originally bred in the UK
- Type of plant: Evergreen shrub
- Size: 3 to 5 metres tall
- Foliage: Large, spiny, dark green, leathery leaves
- Flower: Long racemes of fragrant, bright yellow flowers from November to February
- Fruit: Blue-black berries that appear after flowering
- Light requirements: Partial shade to full sun
- Water and humidity requirements: Moist, well-drained soil
- Temperature requirements: Hardy in UK zones, RHS rating H5 (-15°C to -10°C, 5°F to 14°F), USDA zones 7-9
- Soil requirements: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil, but tolerant of most conditions
- Feeding requirements: Light feeding in spring with a balanced fertiliser
- Propagation: Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
- Pruning: Prune after flowering to maintain shape
Display and companion plants
Mahonia ‘Charity’ is a striking specimen plant for a shady border or woodland garden. It pairs well with early spring bulbs such as Crocus and Primula, or with shade-tolerant perennials like Helleborus. The spiky leaves add an interesting contrast when planted next to softer foliage plants like ferns.
8. Acer griseum (Paperbark maple)
The Paperbark maple is a small deciduous tree known for its incredibly striking cinnamon-brown bark that peels away in thin, papery strips, revealing a smooth, bronze layer underneath. This peeling bark becomes especially eye-catching in winter when the tree is bare, adding texture and warmth to the garden.
Key facts
- Scientific name and any synonyms: Acer griseum
- Meaning of scientific plant name: Acer is Latin for “sharp”, possibly referring to the leaf shape, and griseum means grey, describing the bark.
- Common names: Paperbark maple
- Plant family: Sapindaceae
- Place of origin of the plant: Central China
- Type of plant: Deciduous tree
- Size: 6 to 9 metres tall and wide
- Foliage: Trifoliate, dark green leaves turning vibrant shades of red and orange in autumn before falling
- Flower: Small, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers in spring
- Fruit: Winged seeds (samaras) in late summer
- Light requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Water and humidity requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained soil; drought-tolerant once established
- Temperature requirements: Hardy in UK zones, RHS rating H5 (-15°C to -10°C, 5°F to 14°F), USDA zones 5-7
- Soil requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained soil, but tolerates most types, including sandy or clay soils
- Feeding requirements: Low feeding needs; apply compost in spring
- Propagation: Propagate by seed or grafting
- Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or crossing branches
Display and companion plants
The paperbark maple is best used as a specimen tree, where its peeling bark can be admired up close, especially in winter. It pairs beautifully with evergreen shrubs like Rhododendron or Skimmia, which provide a green backdrop to highlight its rich bark. Underplant it with winter-flowering bulbs like Galanthus (snowdrops) or Cyclamen for added interest at the base.
9. Sarcococca confusa (Sweet box)
Sarococca confusa, or sweet box, is a highly fragrant evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves. Its tiny, creamy-white flowers bloom in late winter, releasing a delightful scent that can brighten even the coldest days. The flowers are followed by black berries, adding further interest.
Key facts
- Scientific name and any synonyms: Sarcococca confusa
- Meaning of scientific plant name: Sarcococca means “fleshy berry” in Greek, referring to its fruit.
- Common names: Sweet box, Christmas box
- Plant family: Buxaceae
- Place of origin of the plant: China and the Himalayas
- Type of plant: Evergreen shrub
- Size: 1 to 2 metres tall
- Foliage: Glossy, dark green, lance-shaped leaves
- Flower: Small, creamy-white, highly fragrant flowers in late winter
- Fruit: Small black berries after flowering
- Light requirements: Partial to full shade
- Water and humidity requirements: Moist, well-drained soil
- Temperature requirements: Hardy in UK zones, RHS rating H5 (-15°C to -10°C, 5°F to 14°F), USDA zones 7-9
- Soil requirements: Prefers moist, humus-rich soil but tolerates a range of soils
- Feeding requirements: Light feeding with compost or balanced fertiliser in spring
- Propagation: Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer
- Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape
Display and companion plants
Sweet box works beautifully in shady borders, woodland gardens, or as a low hedge along pathways where its fragrance can be appreciated. Pair it with ferns or Helleborus for a lush, woodland feel, or plant near evergreen perennials like Epimedium to create a textured winter display.
10. Prunus serrula (Tibetan cherry)
The Tibetan cherry is a deciduous tree known for its stunning, glossy copper-red bark, which peels away in thin layers to reveal even more colour. This bark becomes a striking feature in winter when the tree’s leaves have fallen, making it a fantastic structural plant for winter interest.
Key facts
- Scientific name and any synonyms: Prunus serrula
- Meaning of scientific plant name: Prunus is the Latin name for plum, and serrula means “small saw”, referring to the finely serrated leaves.
- Common names: Tibetan cherry
- Plant family: Rosaceae
- Place of origin of the plant: China, Tibet
- Type of plant: Deciduous tree
- Size: 6 to 10 metres tall
- Foliage: Narrow, lance-shaped green leaves turning yellow in autumn
- Flower: Small, white, inconspicuous flowers in spring
- Fruit: Small, insignificant cherries in summer
- Light requirements: Full sun
- Water and humidity requirements: Moist, well-drained soil
- Temperature requirements: Hardy in UK zones, RHS rating H5 (-15°C to -10°C, 5°F to 14°F), USDA zones 6-8
- Soil requirements: Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil
- Feeding requirements: Light feeding in spring with compost or balanced fertiliser
- Propagation: Propagate by seed or grafting
- Pruning: Prune in summer to avoid silver leaf disease
Display and companion plants
This tree makes an outstanding focal point in winter with its glowing red bark. Plant it as a specimen tree in the lawn or alongside ornamental grasses like Miscanthus to complement its upright form. Underplant with early spring bulbs such as Crocus or Cyclamen to add colour beneath its bare branches.
11. Phormium tenax (New Zealand flax)
New Zealand flax is an evergreen perennial known for its bold, architectural leaves. These sword-shaped, often colourful leaves provide year-round structure and interest, particularly in winter when many other plants die back. It also produces tall flower spikes in summer.
Key facts
- Scientific name and any synonyms: Phormium tenax
- Meaning of scientific plant name: Phormium means “basket”, referring to the traditional use of the plant’s fibres for weaving.
- Common names: New Zealand flax
- Plant family: Asphodelaceae
- Place of origin of the plant: New Zealand
- Type of plant: Evergreen perennial
- Size: 1.5 to 3 metres tall
- Foliage: Long, sword-shaped leaves, often with colourful variegation
- Flower: Tall flower spikes with tubular red or yellow flowers in summer
- Fruit: Long, black seed pods following flowering
- Light requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Water and humidity requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained soil but drought-tolerant once established
- Temperature requirements: Hardy in UK zones, RHS rating H5 (-15°C to -10°C, 5°F to 14°F), USDA zones 8-11
- Soil requirements: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
- Feeding requirements: Low feeding needs; apply a balanced fertiliser in spring if needed
- Propagation: Propagate by division in spring
- Pruning: Remove dead or damaged leaves as needed
Display and companion plants
Phormium is perfect for adding height and structure to borders, gravel gardens, or containers. It pairs well with drought-tolerant plants like Agapanthus or Echium. For a striking contrast, place it next to lower-growing perennials with fine-textured foliage such as Festuca or Heuchera.
12. Arbutus unedo (Strawberry tree)
The strawberry tree is a versatile evergreen shrub or small tree that produces year-round interest. It features rough, reddish bark, glossy green leaves, white or pink bell-shaped flowers in autumn, and red, strawberry-like fruits that ripen in winter.
Key facts
- Scientific name and any synonyms: Arbutus unedo
- Meaning of scientific plant name: Arbutus is Latin for “tree”, and unedo means “I eat one”, referring to the tastelessness of the fruit.
- Common names: Strawberry tree
- Plant family: Ericaceae
- Place of origin of the plant: Mediterranean region and Western Europe
- Type of plant: Evergreen shrub or small tree
- Size: 4 to 10 metres tall
- Foliage: Dark green, leathery, lance-shaped leaves
- Flower: White or pink bell-shaped flowers in autumn
- Fruit: Round, red, strawberry-like fruits that ripen in winter
- Light requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Water and humidity requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained soil; drought-tolerant once established
- Temperature requirements: Hardy in UK zones, RHS rating H5 (-15°C to -10°C, 5°F to 14°F), USDA zones 7-10
- Soil requirements: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil
- Feeding requirements: Low feeding needs; mulch with compost in spring
- Propagation: Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pruning: Prune lightly in spring to maintain shape
Display and companion plants
The strawberry tree makes an excellent focal point in a mixed border or woodland garden. Its fruits and flowers can be paired with other autumn-flowering plants like Cyclamen or Heuchera. It also works well in Mediterranean-style gardens with Lavandula and Rosmarinus.
13. Rubus thibetanus (Ghost bramble)
The ghost bramble is a deciduous shrub that becomes a striking focal point in winter due to its beautiful white stems. As its foliage dies back, the stark, ghostly canes remain, adding a unique and dramatic effect to the winter garden.
Key facts
- Scientific name and any synonyms: Rubus thibetanus
- Meaning of scientific plant name: Rubus is Latin for bramble.
- Common names: Ghost bramble, white-stemmed bramble
- Plant family: Rosaceae
- Place of origin of the plant: China
- Type of plant: Deciduous shrub
- Size: 2 to 3 metres tall and wide
- Foliage: Fern-like, light green leaves that turn yellow before falling
- Flower: Small, white or pale pink flowers in summer
- Fruit: Small, black berries in autumn
- Light requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Water and humidity requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained soil
- Temperature requirements: Hardy in UK zones, RHS rating H5 (-15°C to -10°C, 5°F to 14°F), USDA zones 6-8
- Soil requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained soil, but tolerates poor soils
- Feeding requirements: Low feeding needs; apply compost in spring
- Propagation: Propagate by division or root cuttings in winter
- Pruning: Prune back old canes to ground level after winter
Display and companion plants
Ghost bramble looks best when planted against a dark backdrop of evergreens like Yew or Taxus. Its ghostly stems create a striking contrast with lower-growing winter plants such as Helleborus or Cyclamen. It’s perfect for adding texture and interest to woodland gardens or informal borders.
14. Hamamelis mollis (Chinese witch hazel)
Chinese witch hazel is a deciduous shrub known for its stunning winter blooms. In mid-winter, spidery yellow flowers with a sweet fragrance emerge from bare branches, creating a dramatic display when few other plants are in bloom.
Key facts
- Scientific name and any synonyms: Hamamelis mollis
- Meaning of scientific plant name: Hamamelis means “together with fruit”, referring to the plant’s unusual trait of producing flowers and fruit simultaneously.
- Common names: Chinese witch hazel
- Plant family: Hamamelidaceae
- Place of origin of the plant: China
- Type of plant: Deciduous shrub
- Size: 3 to 4 metres tall and wide
- Foliage: Broad, oval, green leaves that turn yellow in autumn before falling
- Flower: Spidery, bright yellow, fragrant flowers in mid-winter
- Fruit: Small, woody seed capsules
- Light requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Water and humidity requirements: Moist, well-drained soil
- Temperature requirements: Hardy in UK zones, RHS rating H5 (-15°C to -10°C, 5°F to 14°F), USDA zones 5-8
- Soil requirements: Prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil
- Feeding requirements: Low feeding needs; mulch with compost in spring
- Propagation: Propagate by grafting or seed
- Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape
Display and companion plants
Witch hazel is a wonderful specimen plant for winter gardens. Its bright yellow flowers pair well with dark evergreen shrubs such as Holly or Yew. Underplant with early-flowering bulbs like Snowdrops or Iris reticulata to extend the colour display in early spring.
15. Acacia dealbata (Silver Wattle)
Acacia dealbata, commonly known as the mimosa or silver wattle, is a fast-growing, evergreen tree known for its finely divided, silvery-blue foliage and profuse, fragrant yellow flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring. These fluffy, ball-shaped flowers provide a cheerful display, making the mimosa a valuable addition for winter colour and structure in mild climates. Its feathery foliage also adds a soft, airy texture to the garden year-round.
Key facts
- Scientific name and any synonyms: Acacia dealbata
- Meaning of scientific plant name: Acacia comes from the Greek word “akis”, meaning point or thorn, and dealbata refers to the whitish or silvery appearance of the leaves.
- Common names: Mimosa, silver wattle, blue wattle
- Plant family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
- Place of origin of the plant: Native to southeastern Australia and Tasmania
- Type of plant: Evergreen tree
- Size: 6 to 10 metres tall, can reach up to 15 metres in warmer climates
- Foliage: Finely divided, fern-like, silvery-blue leaves, giving a soft, feathery appearance
- Flower: Small, fluffy, bright yellow, ball-shaped flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring, usually from February to March
- Fruit: Long, flat seed pods that ripen in late summer
- Light requirements: Full sun
- Water and humidity requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained soil but is drought-tolerant once established
- Temperature requirements: Hardy in UK zones, RHS rating H3 (-5°C to 1°C, 23°F to 34°F), USDA zones 8-11
- Soil requirements: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained soil, but tolerates poor soils
- Feeding requirements: Low feeding needs; a light application of balanced fertiliser in early spring can help with growth
- Propagation: Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings; seeds should be scarified to improve germination
- Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged branches; hard pruning can encourage bushier growth
Display and companion plants
Mimosa is best used as a specimen tree, where its brilliant yellow flowers can be fully appreciated in winter. It works well in Mediterranean or gravel gardens and can be paired with drought-tolerant plants like Lavandula (lavender) or Echium for contrasting textures. Underplanting with early spring bulbs like Crocus or Iris reticulata can extend the winter display and bring additional interest to the base of the tree.
These 15 plants for winter interest add structure and beauty to a winter garden with their striking bark, foliage, flowers, and berries. By carefully selecting and placing these plants, you can ensure that your garden remains lively and full of texture throughout the coldest months of the year.
Martin Cole has been an avid plant lover and gardener for more than 20 years and loves to talk and write about gardening. In 2006 he was a finalist in the BBC Gardener of the Year competition. He is a member of the National dahlia Society.
He previously lived in London and Sydney, Australia, where he took a diploma course in Horticultural studies and is now based in North Berwick in Scotland. He founded GardeningStepbyStep.com in 2012. The website is aimed at everybody who loves plants or has been bitten by the gardening bug and wants to know more.
Gardening Step by Step has been cited by Thompson and Morgan, the UK’s largest mail order plant retailer, as a website that publishes expert gardening content.