What do you want as your Christmas Present? It’s the question that fills us with dread as we never know what to say.
Christmas Presents are not traditionally plants for the garden, yet some winter flowering shrubs and small trees can add focus and interest to the otherwise dormant outside space.
There are a number of plants that flower in the winter on bare stems that would be a welcome addition to your garden, and that you could suggest as Christmas Presents. Our top three favourites, all easy to grow and suitable for different aspects of the garden are:
Winter flowering Vibernum, (bodnantese varieties) This hard working and hardy shrub has clusters of small pink buds that open to small flowers throughout the winter. It will even continue flowering during snow! In summer, the serrated leaves provide good foliage for flower arrangers and as a backdrop to other summer flowering plants. Best planted in sun or partial shade.
Mahonia (known as Oregon Grape) is an evergreen with holly like leaves that thrives in shadier parts of the garden. From November it flowers, producing tall spikes of golden and fragrant flowers. These last until early spring when it produces bluey-purple berries giving additional interest.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis intermedia varieties) flowers from January, and through the darkest months. The flowers cling to the bare stems and are scented; scent and strength of perfume depending on variety. Some have additional interest in good autumn leaf colour too. Plant where winter sun will strike the bright blooms, making the tree look like it is on fire!
All these plants are coming into garden centres now, just ready to be Christmas Presents that last and will give pleasure for many years to come.
If you want your garden to keep colourful and interesting throughout the winter, contact us at Chopwell. Our friendly knowledgeable team can offer suggestions and advice to help you achieve the garden of your dreams.
