One might think that gardens in the winter are rather grey and boring. Flowerbeds without flowers, yellowish grass and leafless shrubs. Still, there are some plants which do not mind the cold and bloom even in the middle of the winter.
#1 Witch-hazel
This plant originally comes from North America. It’s a decorative shrub, looking a bit like hazel, with fragrant yellow flowers. It is not demanding in terms of cultivation and flowers from mid-fall till late fall (the first frost).
#2 Japanese witch-hazel
As the name suggests, the plant comes from Japan. It grows up 3 meters and is fairly resistant to pests. Its leafless branches flower in January or February in red, yellow or orange. Its characteristic feature is long and thin petals. It blooms until March.
#3 Chinese witch-hazel
This shrub prefers part-shade or sunny spots and is not demanding. It has got dark green leaves, thinly hairy above. They look really spectacular from January to February. This is when the yellow flowers bloom.
#4 Hybrid witch hazel
It is a hybrid of Japanese witch hazel and Chinese witch hazel. Its yellow, red or even purple flowers are stunning – they appear in January and stay till March. The plant does not prefers moist environment and needs frequent watering, especially in dry periods.
#5 Mezereum
This shrub has got very fragrant flowers. They smell like hyacinths and appear at the turn of February and March. Well before first leaves develop, its pink, violet and white flowers appear in plenty on the branches, staying there until April. It is a toxic plant.
#6 Viburnum ferreri
This shrub grows up to 2.5 meters. It is February and March when the plant shows its real beauty. The flowers are pink at first, but later they turn white. It has a subtle fragrance and prefers part-shade locations.
#7 Wintersweet
It comes from eastern China. It grows to 4 meters forming a number of branches. The yellow bell-shaped flowers appear as early as in February, giving off intensive sweet smell.
#8 Stinking hellebore
This perennial grows to 50 cm. It has got thick stem and glossy leaves looking a bit like palm leaves. The drooping cup-shaped flowers are light green, sometimes with purple edge. It produces flowers from February till June. Its strong smell for some is rather unpleasant.
#9 Black Hellebore
The plant is also called Christmas rose. This evergreen small shrub (up to 30 cm) has got dark green leathery leaves. Its biggest asset if large white flowers that do not fade till March. It is resistant to very low temperatures.
