Plants for Winter Interest

A garden can still feel full of life when the days are short. Choose plants for the winter features you will notice most: scented flowers by a path or doorway, evergreen foliage for structure, berries and seedheads for seasonal character, or colourful stems that stand out on dull days. Match the plant to your space, soil and growing conditions before you buy.

What creates winter interest?

Build a winter planting scheme around a combination of flowers, fragrance, berries, colourful stems and evergreen foliage. This creates more lasting interest than relying on one short-lived feature.

Match plants to your garden

Check mature size, light, soil, drainage, moisture and exposure. A sheltered position can suit some winter-flowering shrubs, while shade-tolerant foliage can provide useful structure in darker corners.

Winter flowers, scent and structure

Winter flowers and fragrance can be most enjoyable near a path or entrance. Evergreen shrubs, ferns, grasses and foliage plants can bring form and texture to borders and containers. Product labels and current plant information should guide the final choice.

Plan a garden that supports wildlife

Retained berries, seedheads and suitable shelter can add seasonal character and may be useful to garden visitors. Choose plants for the site first and avoid treating any one plant as a guarantee of a wildlife outcome.

Continue planning

• Winter Gardening: What to Do and Plant
• Winter Containers: Plants and Ideas
• Winter Bedding Plants
• Garden Wildlife in Winter

Availability changes seasonally, across the collections and pages.