Flowering plants for Winter interest

Hellebores are an evergreen perennial from the genus Helleborus; they are also known as Christmas rose, lenten rose, or winter rose. They can bloom in the freezing months of winter due to their deep rooting system. Hellebore flowers come in many shades of. pink, yellow, purple and white, even green.

Hellebores in our Aberdeen garden

For Winter flowering Heathers, choose the variety (Erica) they are small evergreen shrubs that grow from 7-19 inches (20-50 cms) tall; they bloom in shades of purple, pink, red and white, some flowering from Winter through until mid Spring. For best results grow these winter hardy drought-resistant plants in a position that provides full sun and good-drainage. Plant heathers in Autumn or early spring (acidic soil). They flourish in USDA hardiness zones 4-8, and all parts of the UK.

Heathers in our Scottish garden

These beautiful nodding shaped flowers are a must in your Autumn, Winter and Spring garden. The flowers of cyclamen are less than an inch (2.5 cm) width with twisted petals. They acquire magenta to white colour that has a dark marking at the base with ivy-shaped leaves, patterned in the silvery-green shade. Cyclamen thrives in well-draining humus-rich soil in partial shade. Cyclamen Coum and Hederifolium are best for Winter flowering.

Snowdrops or Galanthus Nivalis are popular, slightly fragrant flowers that come in an appealing, droplet-like pendulous white petals; some appear as early as November and bloom till February. These small bulbous perennials grow elegant, nodding white flowers with green spots and gray-green leaves. They thrive in full as well as partial shade in medium and well-drained soil.

Also known as Iris Unguicularis, it starts blooming around Thanksgiving