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| C. praecox, | Sarcococca confusa |
Of the winter flowering shrubs is the very aptly named "Winter Sweet" (Chimonanthus); this grows into a medium /large shrub which has a strong but pleasing spicy fragrance which can really brighten your day! For the best results, plant Chimonanthus against the shelter of a south or west-facing wall. The most popular is C. praecox, which has an abundance of clear waxy yellow blooms from February to March.
Another favourite is Sarcococca confusa - an evergreen; small, white flowers in January- February; the flowers are small but very fragrant growing between 1 -2 metres depending upon its position.
Daphne odora is another evergreen and has pale purple flowers from January-April; it grows quite slowly eventually reaching to 4 - 5 ft high.
Witch Hazel - Hamamelis is another star of the winter with its fragrant clusters of spidery yellow or orange/red flowers borne all along its naked stems from December - February.
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| Witch Hazel - Hamamelis | Viburnum x bodnantense, |
Mahonia Bealii has a stunning display of bright yellow flowers produced through the winter months. The numerous flowers are borne at the very top of the stems on several long spikes arranged in a star formation, giving the effect of an explosion of colour. Most cultivars and species are very fragrant having an aroma similar to 'Lilly of the Valley'.
Viburnum x bodnantense, is a deciduous shrub, which carries its many pink/white flowers on naked stems during winter. If viewed against a clear blue winter sky or if planted in front of a dark background, against which the flowers can show up, they really do look spectacular.
