To achieve a colourful garden through the year, choose flowering shrubs that bloom in each of the seasons. In this article we cover our choices for Winter blooms.
 
 
 
Sarcococca (above) - These evergreen shrubs have a neat, compact habit due to small pointed leaves on numerous stems. They are useful plants as they are happy growing in shade, and will produce white, scented flowers hidden behind the foliage. The flowers of S. 'Purple Stem' have a slight pink tinge, but overall the flowers are noted for scent not colour.
 
Lonicera fragrantissima - This deciduous honeysuckle grows as an arching shrub and will make no attempt to climb. The flowers are small and white, and on a sunny day in winter the scent can waft several feet away from the source. Plant where it will receive the winter sun in well drained soil. L.'Winter Beauty' is very similar.
 
Viburnum x bodnantese 'Dawn' - The clusters of pale pink tubular flowers appear from mid-winter onwards on bare stems and will fragrance a whole garden in mild weather. Flowering will lsat on and off for several weeks. The shrub has an upright habit and will grow up to 2m (8ft) tall. Foliage also shows some autumn colour.
 
Other shrubs to consider:
  • Winter Jasmine
  • Viburnum tinus
  • Mahonia
  • Daphne