Summer colours during winter
Winter doesn't have to be drab and gloomy in your garden. In the colder months, colourful winter bloomers can bring your garden to life, even on the darkest days. Plants like winter heather, Christmas rose and laurustinus not only offer colour, but also create a magical picture when covered in a layer of frost. With these flowering winter plants, you'll enjoy a vibrant, atmospheric garden while providing a valuable food source for winter insects. Find out how to make your garden sparkle in winter with our tips for winter flowering plants.
Five winter bloomers for every garden
Although winter is a time of dormancy for most plants, fortunately there are some hardy perennials that will add colour to your garden precisely at this time of year. These strong varieties can withstand cold well and bloom even during the coldest months. If you're looking for ways to keep your garden vibrant in winter, these winter bloomers are a wonderful addition. They not only offer colour and texture, but also create an atmospheric winter scene. Here is a selection of the most beautiful winter bloomers that will make your garden sparkle in winter:
Sarcococca
Are you familiar with Sarcococca? This beautiful, fully hardy and evergreen shrub, also known as sweet box or Christmas box, definitely deserves a place in your garden. What makes it so special is that Sarcococca keeps its green leaves throughout the year, giving your garden a vibrant appearance in winter.
During the period between January and March, this shrub blooms with small white flowers that give off a lovely sweet scent. These fragrant blooms provide a nice surprise in the winter months. After flowering, beautiful, decorative black berries develop, which are particularly popular with birds and other wildlife, making Sarcococca not only aesthetically pleasing but also a contribution to the biodiversity of your garden. It is therefore a perfect choice for your winter garden.
In addition, Sarcococca is a versatile plant that thrives in a variety of conditions. Whether you have a sunny, semi-shaded or shady spot, there is always a suitable place in your garden for this shrub. Add Sarcococca to your plant list and enjoy its beauty and fragrance even during the coldest months!
Jasminum nudiflorum
Winter jasmine is a striking winter bloomer and a popular choice among gardeners thanks to its brilliant, bright yellow flowers and climbing habit. Although this plant is not evergreen, it does retain its leaves throughout spring, summer and autumn, making it an attractive addition even in the warmer months.
One of the striking features of Jasminum is that starting in December (and sometimes as early as late November!), the shrub blooms profusely with beautiful yellow flowers that add a warm glow to your garden. During flowering, there are no leaves on this ornamental shrub; the flowers simply bloom on the dark green branches, which is a special sight to behold.
An excellent climber, this shrub can reach a height of up to 250 cm, making it ideal for attractively adorning walls, fences and pergolas. With its colourful appearance and climbing ability, winter jasmine is a real asset in your winter garden, creating a cheerful atmosphere even in the coldest months.
Helleborus
Do you have a semi-shaded or shady spot left in your garden? That is the ideal habitat for the Helleborus, also known as the Christmas rose. This beautiful, flowering perennial is an iconic winter bloomer that thrives particularly well in less sunny parts of the garden.
It is no surprise, then, that you can find the Helleborus in many gardens. This semi-evergreen plant blooms early in the year, from January to April, with striking flowers that are strong and resistant to winter cold. The unique flower colour creates a special charisma and adds a touch of sophistication to your garden, even in the coldest months.
Thanks to its robustness, the Christmas rose is also an excellent choice for gardens in colder climates. However, it is important that the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot so that the plant can develop optimally and display its beauty throughout the season.
Viburnum tinus
Meet yet another hardy winter-blooming plant: Viburnum tinus, also known as laurustinus. An excellent choice for the winter garden, this shrub brings a touch of elegance to your outdoor space.
Viburnum tinus has delightfully fragrant, white flowers, which bloom between January and May. These beautiful blooms not only give your garden a joyful appearance, but black-blue fruits develop after the long flowering period. These fruits beautifully contrast with the dark green leaves and are very popular with birds and other creatures, giving your garden a vibrant atmosphere.
Since laurustinus is native to the Mediterranean region, it is advisable to give the plant a somewhat sheltered spot, especially in colder climates. Should the temperature drop below -9°C , it is wise to insulate the plant or move it to a sheltered location. This will keep it healthy and radiant, even during the coldest months.
Mahonia
Are you looking for an evergreen shrub that provides striking blossom in your garden during the winter months? If so, the Mahonia is an excellent choice! This plant is particularly popular because of its winter blossom, adding colour and fragrance to your outdoor space even in the coldest months of the year. For best growth, place the shrub in a sunny to semi-shaded spot where the soil is well-drained and rich in nutrients.
During its flowering period, which extends from December to February, the Mahonia dazzles with its wonderfully fragrant, yellow flowers. These flowers attract not only your attention, but also that of winter-active bumblebees and other insects looking for food during this period.
After the abundant blooming period, the Mahonia develops blue berries that are attractive to birds and other animals. Although the berries are inedible to humans, they are an important food source for wildlife, so your garden contributes to local biodiversity. With its unique appearance and contribution to the ecosystem, the Mahonia is a worthy addition to your winter garden!
Which plant will you choose?
There is also plenty of beauty to discover in the garden in winter! These winter plants and shrubs bring colour and life to your winter garden, so that your garden remains eye-catching even during the colder months. Whether you're looking for winter-flowering perennials, evergreen shrubs or hardy garden plants, making the right choices will ensure a vibrant garden all year round.