Plants for winter interest and structure: 15 top choices

have ’s face it , wintertime can be pretty uncheerful . Or , it can be for me , as I tend to get a scrap of seasonal affective upset as the little days set it .

For me , things pick up at the play of the yr , and it is , therefore good , when I am feeling a turn more enthused about the garden , to have some plants to look at to help keep my mood up

And the fact is , winter does n’t have to mean the garden is barren .

Hellebore bygeishaboy500is licensed under CC BY 2.0

There are lots of plants that can bring social system , interest , and even color to your garden during the colder month . These include evergreens , blossom plant or even deciduous Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree with striking bark – plant that can help the wintertime landscape painting provide its own particular kind of beauty for us .

Below are 15 of the best garden flora that shine in winter .

1. Helleborus orientalis (Lenten rose)

Helleborus orientalis , normally known as the Lenten rose , is loved for its evergreen foliage and delicate blossom that bloom in late winter . The flower often nod downward and fall in various gloss , let in white , pink , purple , and speckled varieties . This plant is idealistic for lighten up a shady winter garden and pairs well with other former bloomers .

Key facts

Display and companion plants

Plant Hellenores in drifts under deciduous trees or along shaded borders . Their quiet tone work well with wood anemone ( Galanthus ) and early - flowering bulbs such as winter aconite ( Eranthis ) . you could also pair them with ferns to create textural direct contrast .

2. Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’ (Dogwood)

The smart as a whip Orange River , yellow , and Marxist stems ofCornus sanguinea‘Midwinter Fire ’ are a truly something to behold in the desolate winter landscape . This deciduous bush offers arresting winter stake after it lose its foliage , making it hone for geomorphologic display .

Plant in mass planting or as a winter focal point in interracial borders . dogwood look particularly striking against a backdrop of evergreen plant plants likeBuxus(boxwood ) orIlex(holly ) . Addwinter bulbslike snowdrops or former narcissus to the base to extend the interest .

3. Betula utilis var. jacquemontii (Himalayan birch)

The Himalayan birch is one of those plants for wintertime interest that bank on the smasher of both colouring material and its structure . It is extremely valued for its gleam bloodless bark , which becomes a standout feature in the winter calendar month when its folio have fallen . Its slight , elegant sort adds structure and winter interest to any garden , and it ’s an excellent choice for adding social system .

Plant as a specimen Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or in modest group for the most spectacular outcome . Its lily-white barque looks fantastic against evergreen bush likeMahoniaor underplanted withHeucherafor a mix of textures . Also render pairing with ornamental Grass to soften the overall look .

4. Skimmia japonica (Japanese skimmia)

Skimmia japonicais a reliable evergreen bush that provides class - rhythm interest . It has glossy , dark green leaves , clusters of fragrant white flowers in spring , and undimmed red Berry in wintertime , which produce a stunning demarcation against the foliage .

Skimmia japonicalooks great in mixed delimitation or in containers . Pair it with Scots heather ( Erica ) ordwarf conifersfor a layered winter showing . It also bring well as a backdrop for colorful wintertime bed plant such as pansies or cyclamen .

5. Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii (Mediterranean spurge)

Euphorbia characias subsp . wulfeniiis a bluff architectural plant that provides year - round pastime with its upright , grey - light-green foliage and acid yellowed flowers in late wintertime / early fountain . This plant is valued for its sculptural form and ability to withstand knotty conditions .

Be careful when snip this plant as its milk sap can be a skin irritant .

This genus Euphorbia pairs beautifully with other Mediterranean plants such as lavender ( Lavandula ) or rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis ) . It run well in crushed rock gardens or as a salient focal point in interracial borders . Underplant with depressed - growing perennial likeSedumto make contrasting textures .

Hellebore bygeishaboy500is licensed under CC BY 2.0

6. Ilex aquifolium (Common holly)

The classic winter plant , Holly ( Ilex aquifolium ) is synonymous with winter and merry displays . Its glossy , dark dark-green leaves with shrewd , burred boundary and clusters of bright flushed Charles Edward Berry sum gloss and grain to the winter garden . It is a various evergreen shrub that works well as a hedge , in assorted borders , or as a standalone specimen .

Holly is excellent as a hedging or privacy cover , adding structure and height to the garden . It pairs beautifully withSkimmiaandViburnumfor a classic winter combination of berries and evergreen foliage . you’re able to also imbed holly nearBerberisfor contrasting foliage texture .

7. Mahonia × media ‘Charity’ (Oregon grape)

genus Mahonia × media‘Charity ’ is a stately evergreen bush with big , setaceous , holly - like parting and happen upon raceme of hopeful yellow , fragrant flowers that blossom from previous autumn into winter . The flowers are followed by clusters of racy - black berries , constitute this a staring plant for winter interest .

Mahonia ‘ Charity ’ is a striking specimen industrial plant for a shady border or woodland garden . It pairs well withearly spring bulbssuch asCrocusandPrimula , or with shadowiness - large-minded perennials likeHelleborus . The spiky leaves add up an interesting contrast when planted next to softer foliation plants like fern .

8. Acer griseum (Paperbark maple)

The Paperbark maple is a small deciduous tree known for its fantastically striking cinnamon - brown barque that undress away in sparse , papery strips , revealing a bland , bronze bed underneath . This peeling barque becomes peculiarly heart - catch in winter when the tree is bare , add grain and warmth to the garden .

The paperbark maple is well used as a specimen tree , where its discase bark can be admired up close , especially in wintertime . It pairs beautifully with evergreen shrubs likeRhododendronorSkimmia , which bring home the bacon a green backdrop to highlight its rich bark . Underplant it with wintertime - bloom bulbs likeGalanthus(snowdrops ) orCyclamenfor add interest group at the foot .

9. Sarcococca confusa (Sweet box)

Sarococca confusa , or sweet boxful , is a highly fragrant evergreen plant bush with glossy , coloured green foliage . Its tiny , creamy - white bloom bloom in previous winter , releasing a delightful scent that can lighten up even the cold days . The flowers are follow by black berries , supply further interest .

Sweet loge work beautifully in shady border , timber gardens , or as a low hedge along pathways where its fragrance can be appreciated . Pair it with fern orHelleborusfor a exuberant , woodland sense , or plant near evergreen plant perennials likeEpimediumto produce a rough-textured winter display .

10. Prunus serrula (Tibetan cherry)

The Tibetan cherry tree is a deciduous tree known for its stunning , glossy copper - red barque , which unclothe away in lean layers to reveal even more colour . This barque becomes a striking feature in winter when the tree ’s leaves have fallen , make up it a fantastic structural works for wintertime pursuit .

This tree makes an owing focal point in wintertime with its glowing red barque . Plant it as a specimen tree diagram in the lawn or alongside ornamental grasses likeMiscanthusto complement its just form . Underplant with early leap bulbs such asCrocusorCyclamento add color 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 - forge , often colourful leaves provide year - round social system and interestingness , particularly in wintertime when many other plants break down back . It also bring forth tall peak spikes in summertime .

Phormium is arrant for tally meridian and construction to borders , crushed rock gardens , or containers . It geminate well with drouth - tolerant plants likeAgapanthusorEchium . For a striking contrast , place it next to lower - arise perennials with fine - textured foliation such asFestucaorHeuchera .

12. Arbutus unedo (Strawberry tree)

The strawberry mark tree is a various evergreen plant shrub or minor tree that produces yr - daily round pursuit . It features rocky , red bark , shining greenish leaves , white or pink campana - shaped flowers in autumn , and cerise , strawberry - like fruits that ripen in wintertime .

The strawberry tree diagram makes an fantabulous focal spot in a sundry edge or woodland garden . Its fruit and flowers can be twin with other fall - flowering plants likeCyclamenorHeuchera . It also works well in Mediterranean - flair gardens withLavandulaandRosmarinus .

13. Rubus thibetanus (Ghost bramble)

The ghost bramble is a deciduous bush that becomes a striking focal point in wintertime due to its beautiful lily-white stem . As its foliage dies back , the stark , ghostly canes remain , adding a unique and dramatic effect to the wintertime garden .

Ghost bramble count best when plant against a dark background of evergreen likeYeworTaxus . Its ghostly stems create a striking direct contrast with lower - growing winter plants such asHelleborusorCyclamen . It ’s double-dyed for adding texture and interest to timber gardens or cozy borders .

14. Hamamelis mollis (Chinese witch hazel)

Formosan witch hazel is a deciduous bush known for its stunning wintertime efflorescence . In mid - wintertime , spidery yellow flowers with a sweet fragrance emerge from bare offshoot , make a dramatic display when few other plants are in bloom .

hag hazel tree is a wonderful specimen flora for winter garden . Its bright yellow blossom pair well with dark evergreen bush such asHollyorYew . Underplant with early - flowering lightbulb likeSnowdropsorIris reticulatato extend the colour display in former spring .

15. Acacia dealbata (Silver Wattle)

Acacia dealbata , commonly acknowledge as the mimosa or ash grey wattle , is a tight - growing , evergreen tree known for its fine divided , silvery - blue leaf and profuse , fragrant yellow flowers that blossom in tardy wintertime to early give . These fluffy , orb - determine flush offer a upbeat exhibit , realise the mimosa a valuable addition for wintertime colour and structure in mild climate . Its feathery leafage also adds a lenient , visionary texture to the garden year - circular .

Mimosais comfortably used as a specimen tree , where its splendid lily-livered flowers can be fully appreciated in wintertime . It knead well in Mediterranean or gravel gardens and can be paired with drought - tolerant plants likeLavandula(lavender ) orEchiumfor contrast textures . Underplanting with early spring light bulb likeCrocusorIris reticulatacan extend the wintertime display and bring extra interest group to the groundwork of the tree .

These 15 plant for winter interest add up structure and beauty to a winter garden with their striking bark , foliation , flowers , and Charles Edward Berry . By cautiously pick out and set these plant , you’re able to see that your garden continue zippy and full of texture throughout the inhuman months of the year .

Martin Cole has been an avid plant lover and gardener for more than 20 years and loves to verbalise and write about gardening . In 2006 he was a finalist in the BBC Gardener of the Year challenger . He is a member of the National dahlia Society .

He antecedently inhabit in London and Sydney , Australia , where he took a diploma course in Horticultural study and is now base in North Berwick in Scotland . He plant GardeningStepbyStep.com in 2012 . The web site is aim at everybody who roll in the hay plant life or has been bitten by the gardening hemipteran and wants to know more .

garden Step by Step has beencited by Thompson and Morgan , the UK ’s large mail order plant retailer , as a website that publishes expert horticulture depicted object .

plants for winter interest