The most beautiful winter flowerings

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

The 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"

[caption id="attachment_34245" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The Daphne odora aureomarginata, a shrub with evergreen foliage whose flowers exude an almost mythical fragrance.

7) Garrya elliptica

The 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.

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.

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.

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

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:

• 5 shrubs with colourful wood that you must have in your garden in winter
• The best ornamental bushes with decorative fruits
• Discover Olivier's tips for a beautiful garden even in winter: