Dipping temperatures can dissuade gardeners from checking on plants and shrubs and even put them off traditional garden duties at this time of year, but Alan Titchmarsh begs to differ
Top expert Alan Titchmarsh has advised gardeners to plant seven blooms this winter.
He believes changing seasons can tempt people outside even if temperatures are sometimes inclement> The changing array of plants he believes are an attraction in themselves as winter takes hold.
Falling temperatures can be enough to dissuade gardeners from checking on plants and shrubs and even put them off traditional garden duties at this time of year. But Alan says: “There’s no need to shut yourself away indoors for the winter. Even out of season there’s nothing like a changing sequence of flowers to tempt you outside.
“Witch hazel’s spidery yellow flowers stand out well from bare branches. They have a lovely scent, though you need to get up close to appreciate it. Red and orange-flowered varieties are also available. Although witch hazel is not generally grown in containers, I’ve kept one in a tub very successfully for years, so I can move it up close to the house when it’s in flower. Delightful.”
He also advises planting other winter plants such as the lesser known wintersweet (chimonanthus praecox). He described the plant as “a shrub with fragrant pale yellow flowers dotted along bare branches. It’s quite big, so best trained flat against a wall that gets reasonable sun. Put it somewhere you’ll walk past frequently to reap the benefit.”
Alan also continued his suggestions with ‘old favourite’ Viburnum tinus. He says: “In midwinter its best feature is its flower buds, which are grouped in tight clusters at the ends of the stems. The variety Eve Price is especially attractive with red buds, while Gwenllian has fairly bright pink buds.
“Winter jasmine is a favourite for growing on trellis or on a fence, but it’s also brilliant for training up into a tree. It flowers even in shade so it’s often used for a north-facing wall. The yellow star-shaped flowers appear on bare stems making them great for cutting. Match a few sprigs with evergreen foliage to make classy looking arrangements.”
Among the other plants he recommended were Winter-flowering clematis (clematis cirrhosa Freckles). He described this winter plant as having “large cream flowers halfway between stars and bells.” And added: “It needs to grow up a high trellis, through a tree or over an arch. It keeps flowering from now until late March and is a great favourite with early bumblebees.”
More recommendations followed for hardy winter plants. but he said when it comes to perennials, ‘the choice is restricted.’ Alan added: “The Christmas rose is the earliest of hellebores to bloom with its large white flowers. Connoisseurs often seek the variety Potter’s Wheel, which has even larger flowers.
“The Christmas rose rarely flowers by December 25, unless grown in pots and helped along under glass. Outside, it’s usually not in bloom until January. It’s worth creating some midwinter displays all-round the garden. Besides giving a new dimension to the ‘dead’ season it’s a perfect excuse to get outside for a walkabout, whatever the weather may bring.”
