In regions subjected to cold and harsh winters, vegetation is in forced dormancy. The gardener, eager to see their peonies, roses, and other hydrangeas bloom again, impatiently awaits the scheduled end of this dreary season. However, many plants, far more than one might think, dare the cold to showcase their most beautiful flowers in winter. Here is a selection of must-have bushes and perennials for winter:
1) Hellebore or Christmas Rose
The hellebores (Helleborus niger and H. orientalis) are the princesses of winter (it should actually be said "Prince" as Hellebore is masculine)! Their flowers come in a wide range of colours and provide a spectacle until early spring. They are easy to grow in cool, semi-shaded soil. To learn all about this superb perennial, check out our plant sheet: "Hellebores: planting and cultivating them"
The Helleborus niger Double Fashion (on the left) is the first to open the ball, its immaculate white flowers bloom in December; it is the only Christmas Hellebore with double flowers / Helleborus orientalis Double Picotee (on the right) is equally original. This variety blooms at the end of winter.
2) Japanese Quince
The Japanese quinces (Chaenomeles japonica, C. speciosa) delight us with the early onset of their flowering. They offer simple or double flowers in colours ranging from fiery red, remarkable from afar, to pure white, with lovely salmon or apricot pinks in between. These are vigorous bushes, easy to live with, and perfect for hedges or borders.
Two stunning varieties: Chaenomeles Nicoline and Chaenomeles speciosa Kinshiden, one of the few with greenish-white flowers.
3) White Forsythia or Abeliophyllum distichum
The abeliophyllum distichum is a small Asian bush, native to Korea, that deserves attention! Very hardy, it offers graceful little white flowers with four petals and a yellow-orange centre on bare branches at the end of winter. Its modest size (1.5 metres in all directions) is ideal for small gardens or the front of shrub borders.
The white flowers of Abeliophyllum distichum resemble snowflakes; it is also known as White Forsythia.
4) Witch Hazel
Sublime in the heart of winter, Witch Hazel also surprises with the unique shape of its flowers. Its fine, elongated petals give it a particular charm, which is likely why it is often referred to as "witch hazel." Considered by many as the "mimosa of the North," it is just as floriferous, though it lacks the fragrance!
To learn more, check out our complete dossier: "Witch Hazel: planting, cultivation, maintenance, and association"
Different varieties of witch hazel: H. pallida, Jelena, Feuezauber, and Amethyst.
5) Camellia 'Cinnamon Scentsation'
Camellias are renowned for their winter flowering, but the variety 'Cinnamon Scentsation' particularly captivates us with its natural form and the sweet, refined scent of cinnamon from its numerous small pale pink flowers. Its flowering typically occurs in February and continues until the heart of spring. Compact, it is easily grown in the garden or in pots on the balcony or terrace.
The camellia Cinnamon Scentsation: a rustic camellia with highly fragrant flowers in winter.[/caption>
6) Daphne odora
Daphne odora is a shrub that can lead you by the nose because, in terms of fragrant plants, no other species can dethrone it! Indeed, its small, deep pink flowers emit a powerful, intoxicating fragrance that can be detected from 30 metres away. In the garden, it prefers shade and semi-shade, as well as cool but well-drained soils. Its growth is relatively slow, but your patience will be rewarded with its wonderful fragrance. To learn all about Daphnes, we invite you to consult our plant sheet:"Daphne: how to plant, cultivate, and maintain it"
The Daphne odora aureomarginata, a shrub with evergreen foliage whose flowers exude an almost mythical fragrance.
7) Garrya elliptica
Garrya elliptica or Elliptical-leaved Garrya is a beautiful shrub that reaches a height of about 3 metres. Original and very ornamental, it stands out in the heart of winter with its remarkable flowering in pendulous catkins, measuring 20 to 30 cm long. But don’t be fooled by its precious appearance; it is indeed hardy (down to -12 °C) and quite easy to grow. It particularly thrives in well-drained soil, in a maritime climate, or in any garden sheltered from cold winds.
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The Garrya elliptica, a remarkable shrub in winter.
8) Winter honeysuckle or Lonicera fragrantissima
Much less known than climbing honeysuckle, the Lonicera fragrantissima forms a rounded, flexible, somewhat spreading bush. Relatively discreet, it reveals itself in winter by covering itself with small, highly fragrant white flowers. Semi-evergreen and about 2 metres tall, it is a perfect candidate for free hedges or the back of borders. It is appreciated by bees, providing them with valuable food, as well as by birds that consume its berries in autumn.
The winter honeysuckle is appreciated by bees, providing them with valuable food, as well as by birds that consume its berries in autumn.
9) Winter clematis
In terms of flowering, climbing plants, and particularly clematis, are not to be outdone: in mild climates, adopt Clematis cirrhosa such as 'Advent Bells', which bloom as early as the beginning of winter! Elsewhere, rely on a safe bet: the Clematis armandii, which, in addition to being evergreen, is hardy and blooms at the end of winter, in March-April.
The clematis cirrhosa 'Advent Bells' and Clematis armandii.[/caption>
10) Winter jasmine
The Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) shines with the brilliance of its flowers. It is a somewhat stiff, sprawling climbing plant that displays bright yellow flowers from December on bare branches, which further accentuates the effect. This jasmine will be perfect against a well-exposed wall where it will bloom abundantly.
The golden yellow flowers of Jasminum nudiflorum bloom in the heart of winter; despite appearances, this winter jasmine is perfectly hardy, and its flowers bloom even when it freezes.[/caption>
Bonus - Chimonanthus praecox
Many of you have reminded us about the Chimonanthus praecox, and you are right! Also known as Chimonanthe, this winter shrub is particularly distinguished by its fabulous fragrance. Native to China, it is a hardy shrub with a somewhat stiff habit that reaches 3 to 4 metres tall at maturity. From December, its bare branches are adorned with small, rather discreet yellow flowers. To get to know it better, I recommend reading Pierre's article: Chimonanthus praecox, an enchanting fragrance in winter
The flowering of Chimonanthus praecox, divinely fragrant.
With the exception of Clematis cirrhosa, all these plants are very hardy and easy to grow. While some tolerate calcareous soils, others prefer more acidic soil. To prolong these winter blooms in cold regions, one tip: plant them sheltered from cold, dry winds in winter, at the foot of a wall or hedge facing west or south. Protected, the flowers will bloom for a few more weeks!
Also read:
In regions subjected to cold and harsh winters, vegetation is in forced dormancy. The gardener, eager to see their peonies, roses, and other hydrangeas bloom again, impatiently awaits the scheduled end of this dreary season. However, many plants, far more than one might think, dare the cold to showcase their most beautiful flowers in winter. […]
Chaenomeles speciosa Kinshiden: New, very elegant variety with porcelain white‑green flowers.
Chaenomeles or Japanese quince are finally in flower in our greenhouses, 2 to 3 weeks earlier than those in the garden; their abundant flowering marks the start of spring.
What is lovely about Chaenomeles is that they flower before producing leaves, so the flowers stand out perfectly against the twisted outline of the branches — reminiscent of certain Japanese prints showing arched branches studded with small, airy flowers, often red, against a winter landscape.
Chaenomeles speciosa Hot Fire: This intense red colour is often depicted in Japanese prints.
Chaenomeles speciosa Falconnet Charlet
Easy to grow, they thrive almost anywhere — in acidic or calcareous soil, in full sun or partial shade. What they really dislike are very heavy, waterlogged soils.
Chaenomeles speciosa Eximia: Variety with very large flowers.
There are two main categories of Chaenomeles: C. speciosa and C. superba. The speciosa are recognisable by their large flowers; they flower a little later than the superba and are slightly larger. The superba often produce smaller but more numerous flowers; they have a more compact habit and somewhat more twisted branching than the speciosa.
Chaenomeles (x) superba Cameo: Flowers are smaller but more numerous.
Japanese quinces will thus flower for 3 weeks to a month and later, in summer, some will bear yellow fruits the size of a ping‑pong ball. Note that the fruits are eaten cooked and are reportedly as tasty as those of the traditional quince (Cydonia oblonga). Unlike the latter, Chaenomeles have the considerable advantage of taking up very little space: as adults they reach about 2 metres in height and width, making them well suited to small gardens and to container growing.
Chaenomeles or Japanese quince are finally in flower in our greenhouses, 2 to 3 weeks earlier than those in the garden; their abundant flowering marks the start of spring. What is lovely about Chaenomeles is that they flower before producing leaves, so the flowers stand out perfectly against the twisted outline of the branches — […]
Unlike regular hedges, which are often monotonous and monochrome, the flowering hedge enlivens the garden and changes colour throughout the seasons and flowering periods. It combines shrubs that can flower in spring, summer, autumn, or even winter. So farewell to dull, impenetrable thuja hedges, and long live the flowering hedge, free, rustic, synonymous with biodiversity, charm, and easy maintenance!
Why choosing a free and flowering hedge?
Firstly, because this type of hedge offers a variety of decorative advantages throughout the seasons, making it interesting to fully integrate into garden design, with effects from both deciduous and evergreen foliage, as well as flowering and fruiting.
Secondly, because the shrubs planted here are less exposed to diseases or pests due to their diversity. If one plant is sick, the neighbours are unlikely to be affected, unlike uniform hedges.
Through its diversity, the mixed hedge helps attract a variety of beneficial wildlife, including birds that come to seek shelter and food, as well as beneficial insects, pollinators, or pest predators.
Finally, because it is not static. You can intervene through pruning to control a species that is a bit too vigorous, decide to replace another that may not thrive or lacks vitality...
Euonymus europaeus, Weigelia Bristol Ruby, Ligustrum ovalifolium aureum and Viburnum opulus
What to plant to create a beautiful hedge?
A golden rule: only choose robust plants that are suited to the growing conditions of your garden, both in terms of climate and soil. The hedge is not the place to try to acclimatise a rhododendron in chalky soil or a shrub at the edge of hardiness that risks freezing irreparably after the second winter.
Also, consider observing the local wild flora and the hedges of neighbouring gardens: this is an excellent indicator of what will thrive in your area.
Of course, choose according to your tastes and seek a decorative effect that changes with the seasons. To ensure the hedge remains attractive in winter, do not overlook evergreen foliage (a ratio of 1/3 evergreens to 2/3 deciduous is ideal) and also consider Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), which retains most of its dry leaves throughout winter.
Which species and varieties to plant?
To choose your shrubs for a flowering hedge, consider your climate as well as the exposure and size of your garden...
- In southern France: pittosporum, strawberry tree, choisya, oleander, pomegranate, bay laurel, buddleia, myrtle, laurustinus… select plants for their drought resistance and, of course, their ornamental qualities.
- In northern France: rough rose, barberry, kolkwitzia, spindle, forsythia, mock orange, Japanese quince, hornbeam, pyracantha, palm laurel, cherry laurel, holly, laurustinus, eleagnus, hazel, privet, spiraea, weigela…
- In shade: this may be the case in an urban garden overshadowed by neighbouring buildings, or when large trees cast shade. Remember: barberry, pyracantha, mahonia, aucuba, Japanese cornel, snowberry, sea buckthorn, palm laurel, laurustinus, privet.
- In a small garden: combine the useful with the pleasant and plant a flowering hedge (in a single row, of course) as a shrub bed, choosing your favourite shrubs, simply planted along the property line. To break the alignment effect, lean other plantings here and there against the hedge.
How to associate shrubs in a hedge?
On a short length of hedge, you can place the shrubs as you wish, avoiding as much as possible the regular repetition of a sequence.
On a longer stretch to plant, it is often simpler for both purchasing the plants and planting to design a “sequence” to repeat. Imagine a sequence of at least 5 different shrubs, in an odd number for a more harmonious effect, and when planting, do not hesitate to interchange certain species to break the repetition effect and always favour more freedom!
When and how to plant a flowering hedge, what planting distances?
Regarding the planting period, it all depends on the conditioning: for container-grown subjects, it is possible almost all year round if you take care with watering. Deciduous trees and shrubs with bare roots should be planted between the end of October and the end of March.
Useful resources
- Discover our wide range of shrubs and kits for flowering hedges
- To learn all about the different shrub conditioning options: "Hedge shrubs: bare roots, clumps, pots... What to choose?"
- For how to plant your hedge: "How to plant a hedge"
Goodbye to the dull, impenetrable thuja hedges that require regular pruning and end up deteriorating… Long live the mixed hedge, free, flowering, and rustic, synonymous with biodiversity, charm, and easy maintenance!
