Winter Blooms Preferred by Alan: Plants for Vibrant Hues
The winter season doesn't have to mean a barren garden. In fact, there are numerous plants that can bring a burst of colour and fragrance to your outdoor space during the colder months. Here are some of the top picks to consider:
- Ornamental Quince (Chaenomeles): With its white, pink, or rich red blossom, chaenomeles blooms from February to May. Its height and spread ranges from 1-2m x 1-5m, making it a perfect addition to any garden.
- Winter Jasmine: This plant's starry, bright yellow flowers can lift spirits on cold days.
- Snowdrops (Galanthus): These delightfully dainty, nodding flowers can be naturalized in grass.
- Corylus avellana 'Contorta': An entertaining shrub with crazily twisted bare stems adorned with dangling, bright sulphur-yellow catkins, which bloom from February to March.
- Winter-flowering Heathers (Erica carnea): Impressive for blooming in the darker months.
- Cyclamen coum: Thriving in dappled shade below trees and shrubs, this plant has a height and spread of 1.5m x 1.5m and its flowers range from vivid magenta to pure white, blooming from December to March.
- Sarcococca confusa: This plant's white, whiskery flowers have a strong fragrance and bloom from December to March. It has a height and spread of 2m x 1m.
- Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire': A brightly colored-stemmed dogwood, with year-old shoots that blend amber and pink.
While specific recommendations from Alan Titchmarsh and Carol for winter colour in containers and pots were not provided, it's worth noting that he promoted winter garden plants such as hellebores, camellias, and evergreens like holly and boxwood.
In terms of pruning, plants such as apples, pears, blackcurrants, hazel, Buddleja, rowan trees (Sorbus aucuparia), viburnums, magnolias, and willow are recommended for winter pruning. Prune dogwoods in early spring to encourage more new stems. Plants with attractive seedheads, berries, and evergreen color can thrive in winter, such as Hylotelephium spectabile, pyracanthas, and hollies.
However, a comprehensive winter pruning checklist and seven tips for a great winter garden were not provided in the information given. Nonetheless, embracing the winter season in your garden can bring a sense of joy and vibrancy even on the coldest of days.
