It is important to choose the right plants for the right places, thinking about the weather conditions and where you live in the UK, that often means having to consider what plants can survive the harsh winter weather and still look good. But a main thing to remember is, the winter weather won’t be around forever, so choose plants that can survive the milder weather too. We have a list of our top 10 plants that look good in warmer weather and in snow.
1. Hyacinths
Hyacinths are one of the most widely planted spring bulbs due to their distinctive fragrance. They can also be grown indoors in bulb fibre pots in borders, rock gardens, and containers. Around the turn of the year, specially prepared bulbs can bloom.
- Hardiness rating: H6
- Position: Sun or partial shade
- Flowering months: March to April
2. Witch Hazel (Hamamelis vernalis)
Witch hazel is a deciduous shrub with wiry yellow flowers that appear on bare branches in winter. They add plenty of interest to the garden at all times of the year, but look stunning when they have a light covering of snow. This species is great for a woodland garden because it is resistant to pests and hardy. It grows best in neutral to slightly acidic soil, in a sheltered position.
- Hardiness rating: H6
- Position: Full sun or partial shade
- Flowering months: January to March
3. Viburnum
Viburnums are another broad species that has a number of varieties that flower in winter. One example is the Viburnum Tinus ‘Trevor Eve’. Around Christmas, pink buds appear, and then white flowers appear early in the new year. Viburnum care guide.
- Hardiness rating: H4
- Position: Any
- Flowering months: November to March
4. Skimmia Japonica
Skimmia Japonica actually flowers in spring. However, during the winter, it produces prominent flower buds that give a winter garden a lot of interest. During the winter, the beautiful red berries of other skimmia are produced. Most skimmias are either male or female, so you’ll need to grow two different varieties if you want berry production. Skimmia Japonica care guide.
- Hardiness rating: H5
- Position: Full or partial shade
- Flowering months: March to April
5. Cyclamen Coum
As early as January, these pink flowers emerge from a carpet of silver-marbled foliage and bloom. Snowdrops and these go well together.
- Hardiness rating: H5
- Position: Partial shade
- Flowering months: December to March
6. Primroses
For the colder months, primroses and primroses are popular bedding plants. These can add interest and cheer to a winter garden and come in various colours.
- Hardiness rating: H7
- Position: Full sun or partial shade
- Flowering Months: October to April
7. Snowdrops
One of the first flowers to bloom each year is snowdrops. Snowdrops are a delight in the late winter when planted in naturalistic drifts below trees at their best. Plant the bulbs in the places where they fall to create a display that looks more natural.
- Hardiness rating: H5
- Position: Partial shade
- Flowering months: January to March
8. Dogwood (Cornus)
These shrubs add a fiery display of orange, red, or yellow stems to the garden in the winter. On them, early flowering bulbs look fantastic underplanted. For the most vibrant stem colour, plant in full sun, prune annually in spring and ensure the soil does not dry out. Dogwood (Cornus) care guide.
- Position: Full sun
9. Daffodils
Daffodils may be considered more of a plant that blooms in spring. However, there are a few varieties that appear earlier in the year. In a garden late in the winter, cultivators that flower early can make a big difference. Daffodil care guide.
- Hardiness rating: H6
- Position: Full sun or partial shade
- Flowering months: February to March
10. Buxus
A large, evergreen shrub or small tree that can reach 5 meters in height. It has glossy, dark green leaves that are up to 3 centimetres long. In the spring, it produces small, yellowish flowers in clusters in the axils of the leaves. Buxus care guide.
- Hardiness rating: H6
- Position: Full shade to partial shade
