Winter Planting Tips
When winter hits Lincolnshire and the garden starts looking a bit bare, it’s tempting to think the whole place has gone to sleep. The lawn’s soggy, the perennials have packed up for the year, and most of us would rather stay indoors with a hot drink than wonder what’s happening outside.
But here’s the thing – your garden doesn’t have to look dull in winter. In fact, with the right plants, you can have colour, structure, and interest even on the coldest days. There are plenty of hardy plants that don’t just survive frosty mornings… they actually enjoy them.
Whether you want vibrant berries, evergreen leaves, winter flowers, or eye-catching stems, here’s how to make your garden shine long after summer has gone.
1. Evergreen Shrubs: Your Winter Garden’s Best Mates
Evergreens are like the dependable friends who turn up whatever the weather. They keep your garden looking alive when everything else is having a nap.
Great evergreen choices for Lincolnshire gardens:
- Holly (Ilex aquifolium) – glossy leaves and bright red berries (the birds love them).
- Box (Buxus sempervirens) – ideal for low hedging or neat shapes.
- Skimmia – compact, reliable, and full of colour thanks to its deep red winter buds.
- Euonymus – tough, variegated foliage brightens shaded corners.
These shrubs give you colour and structure all year round and need very little maintenance – perfect for winter gardens.
If you’re planning a broader low-maintenance redesign, here’s a helpful guide: Creating a Low-Maintenance Garden Before Winter Sets In
2. Winter-Flowering Beauties
Yes, you really can have flowers in the coldest months. These seasonal stars start blooming just when you think the garden’s finished for the year.
Winter flowers worth planting:
- Hellebores (Christmas Rose) – flower through December to March in shades of white, pink, and plum.
- Winter Jasmine – bright yellow flowers that light up bare walls and fences.
- Viburnum bodnantense – strongly scented pink flowers, even in January.
- Sarcococca (Sweet Box) – tiny flowers with a surprisingly powerful fragrance.
Plant these near paths and entrances so you benefit from the colour and scent on cold days.
The RHS winter plant guide is a great reference for more ideas.
3. Plants with Show-Stopping Stems and Bark
Some plants save their best performance for the colder months. Even when they’ve dropped their leaves, their bark or stems become the star of the show.
Ideal choices:
- Cornus (Dogwood) – vivid red, orange, or lime stems that glow in low winter light.
- Himalayan Birch – stunning white bark that stands out beautifully against darker plants.
- Willows – colourful stems ranging from yellow to deep crimson.
They’re brilliant for adding structure, height, and a little bit of “wow” to winter borders.
If you missed it, here’s how we use plants and hardscaping to boost seasonal colour: How to Add Autumn Colour to Your Garden with Plants and Hardscaping
4. Berries That Brighten Up Dark Days
Berries add colour, feed wildlife, and look great coated in frost.
Top winter berry plants
- Pyracantha – red, orange, or yellow berries; great for walls.
- Cotoneaster – arching stems and loads of berries for birds.
- Callicarpa (Beautyberry) – striking clusters of bright purple berries.
These plants are perfect for wildlife-friendly gardens too. For more tips, see: Transform Your Garden into a Wildlife Haven.
5. Winter-Proof Grasses and Perennials
Ornamental grasses hold their shape all winter and look fantastic covered in frost. They sway gently in the wind and bring movement to an otherwise still winter garden.
Good choices include:
- Miscanthus
- Pennisetum
- Carex varieties
Leave them standing through winter for texture and cut them back in early spring.
6. Containers for Instant Winter Interest
If your borders look a bit empty, winter containers work wonders.
Try combining:
- Winter pansies
- Heuchera
- Ivy
- Dwarf conifers
- Cyclamen
They brighten patios, entranceways, and paths – and you can move them around whenever you want.
For inspiration on hardscaping and patio design, you may want: Creative Patio and Deck Design Ideas for Small Gardens
7. Don’t Forget Scent
Winter scent can transform a garden. It catches you off guard – you pop outside for the bin and wonder where that lovely smell’s coming from.
Try planting:
- Witch hazel
- Daphne odora
- Mahonia
These shrubs provide fragrance exactly when the garden needs it most.
Conclusion
Winter doesn’t have to be the season when your garden looks bare and forgotten. With the right plants – evergreens, berries, winter flowers, colourful stems, and hardy grasses – your outdoor space can look just as interesting in January as it does in June.
Whether you’re refreshing a single border or planning a full redesign, ALS Landscaping Lincoln can help you create a garden that thrives in every season. With clever planting and thoughtful landscaping, your garden can stay vibrant all year round – even when the frost arrives.
FAQs
1. When is the best time to plant winter plants?
Autumn is ideal, as the soil is still warm enough for roots to establish before winter.
2. Do winter plants need much maintenance?
Most winter plants are low-maintenance, especially evergreens and shrubs. Just add mulch and water during dry spells.
3. Can I mix winter plants with summer plants?
Absolutely. Planting for year-round interest is the secret to a garden that always looks great.