Monty Don explains how to encourage growth of wildflowers
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While many may believe that plants only flower during the spring and summer months, there are several which can produce gorgeous colours all winter long. To help gardeners pick, Rowan Cripps, paving specialist and founding director of Infinite Paving has shared seven winter-flowering plants.
1. Winter Aconite
Flowering from January to February, this gorgeous plant grows well in partial shade along with moist but well-drained soil.
They can be difficult to establish but are best planted out in the green, just after flowering. The plant is great for gardeners who want something low maintenance as they are generally pest-free.
The expert explained: “Bearing golden yellow and white flowers with a characteristic green ruff, these beautiful perennials are the perfect addition to any drab garden.
“They’re not just good-looking – the plants frequently come up through the snow, are capable of enduring small amounts of frost and need minimal care when planted correctly.”
2. Cyclamen Coum
Flowering all the way from January to April, this plant works well in humus-rich soil, planted or placed in partial shade.
The expert recommended mulching this plant annually to help it thrive. He added: “These delightful and hardy perennial flowers are known for their dainty, almost round blossoms. Brightening up even the darkest winter day, Cyclamen Coum flowers appear in various shades of pink to purple.
“Commonly grown due to their easy-to-grow nature, these plants thrive at the base of mature shrubs, trees and throughout your rock garden.”
3. Autumnalis Rosea (Winter-Flowering Cherry)
Rowan said: “As winter-flowering cherry trees are one of the first trees to flower, they are often the first sign of life following the depths of winter. The pale, off-white flowers complement any snow and are a great sight for an (albeit rare) crisp January sky.
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“Bred specifically to flower in the cold months, these small trees provide colour year-round and are a great addition to any garden.”
This plant flowers all the way from November to March, perfect for gardeners who want to add colour to their garden all winter long.
According to the expert, its ideal growing conditions include a warm and sheltered frost-free space with well-drained and slightly acidic soil.
4. Christmas Rose
The expert continued: “Similarly to the Autumnalis Rosea, the Christmas Rose, also known as Helleborus Niger is one of the earliest plants to flower.
“With dark green leaves and bowl-shaped flowers that appear pure white or flushed with pink, these delicate plants flourish when planted in partially shaded borders.
“These plants will also attract winter-active bumblebees, bringing life to your garden in more than one way.”
The Christmas Rose flowers from November to March and gardeners will need to plant it in moist but well-drained soil, positioning it in partial shade.
5. Snowdrops
One of the most popular winter plants, snowdrops have stunning bright white flowers, flower between January and March.
Gardeners should plant snowdrops in moist but well-drained soil and position it in partial shade.
Rowan added: “Similarly to the Winter-Flowering cherry, these radiant yet hardy plants are a sight for sore eyes in the middle of winter, growing when little else will.
“Just like the Christmas Rose, winter-active bumblebees love these plants and Mahonias, meaning you have all the plants required for some very happy bees.”
6. Mahonia
The expert explained: “While the name Mahonia references an incredible 70 species of shrubs and trees, we recommend the Mahonia ‘winter sun’ in particular. A long flowering variety, the plant blooms before offering purple flowers that attract an array of garden birds.
With its easy-to-grow nature beyond the need for the odd prune, these amenable plants will not only liven up your garden in the winter but attract wildlife year round.”
The flowering period for this plant is between November to March and they require acidic, moist and well-drained soil in shade, partial sun or full sun.
7. Winter Jasmine
Winter Jasmine is known for its cheery yellow flowers which hang off long vines. According to the expert, they are great for “lazy” gardeners due to their agreeable nature to almost any type of soil.
Growing in almost any condition, they will survive in both winter sun or shade, and look great trailed up a trellis or wall.
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