Alan Titchmarsh has shared his three preferred winter-flowering plants to plant now for garden colour lasting from December through to February, and beyond into spring.
In a video on his YouTube channel, the gardener, author and broadcaster urged gardeners to make the most of October while "temperatures are still warm and the ground is still pliable." He noted that garden centres are restocking with seasonal plants, saying: "This is the time to buy winter-flowering plants."
Heathers for Ground Cover
Titchmarsh first suggested winter-flowering heathers, highlighting the 'Beauty Queen' variety. These compact, evergreen shrubs grow well in lime-free soil and suit ground cover in borders. He advised planting "three of them 18 in apart" to create "a thick rug running through your border."
Pansies for Containers
For containers in front of a border, he recommended winter-flowering pansies, which "come in a range of cheery colors, and they'll flower on right through to spring." He stressed the need to plant them promptly so they develop roots before the soil turns cold. Pots should have drainage holes, a layer of gravel or crocks at the base, and fresh, peat-free multi-purpose compost mixed with roughly 20% grit or perlite. Plants should be spaced 10 to 15 cm apart, or closer in containers for a fuller look.
Hellebores for Dappled Shade
His final pick was the hellebore, an evergreen perennial. Presenting the Ice N' Roses variety, he said: "they grow in any half-decent soil, and they love to be planted in dappled shade around trees and shrubs. And best of all, they keep on flowering right through the spring." Unlike traditional hellebores, the Ice 'n' Roses variety can grow in partial shade through to full sun. When planting, the top of the root ball should be lightly covered with soil, with 35 to 45 cm spacing between plants. A small circular ridge of soil around the hole helps retain water, after which the plant should be watered generously.
Titchmarsh concluded: "Don't despair that your garden will be without color during the winter. Add some winter flowering plants, and whatever the weather, rain, snow, or shine, you'll have glorious winter color right the way through to spring."
