5 Hardy Plants for Winter Interest in UK Gardens

It might still be August, but we all know what’s coming…

The evenings will soon be drawing in, the mornings will turn crisp, and the garden that’s been buzzing with summer life will start to wind down.

But here’s the thing — winter doesn’t have to mean dull. With the right planting, you can have colour, structure, and life in your garden right through until spring. This is something we consider with all Plan B designs.

Here are five hardy, low-maintenance plants that will keep your garden looking its best when the rest of the neighbourhood has gone bare.

1. Hellebores (Christmas Rose)

Why we love it: Hellebores are one of the earliest bloomers, often flowering from late December through to early spring. Their soft shades of white, pink, and plum add a welcome pop of colour in the cooler months.

Plan B Tip:

• Plant them where you’ll spot them from a kitchen or living room window — perfect for lifting your mood on chilly mornings.

• They thrive in shade, so they’re brilliant for tucking under deciduous trees or filling quiet corners.

2. Cornus alba (Dogwood)

Why we love it: Once its leaves drop in autumn, Dogwood reveals striking red stems that light up the garden in the winter gloom.

Plan B Tip:

• Group several together for maximum impact.

• Works beautifully as a winter focal point along a path or lawn edge.

3. Sarcococca confusa (Sweet Box)

Why we love it: An evergreen beauty with glossy leaves and small, creamy-white flowers that give off the most amazing fragrance in January and February.

Plan B Tip:

• Position near entrances or paths so you can enjoy its scent on winter walks around the garden.

• Thrives in shady spots, making it a great solution for awkward areas.

4. Mahonia × media ‘Charity’

Why we love it: Tall and architectural, Mahonia ‘Charity’ produces bold spikes of fragrant yellow flowers in the depths of winter, attracting bees on mild days.

Plan B Tip:

• Plant towards the back of a border to add height and structure.

• Pair with evergreen groundcover for a layered, lush look.

5. Cyclamen coum

Why we love it: Small but full of charm, Cyclamen coum brings splashes of pink and purple from January through to March.

Plan B Tip:

• Great for naturalising under trees or brightening up winter pots.

• Pair with snowdrops for a magical woodland feel.

Why Plan Ahead for Winter?

A truly beautiful garden isn’t just for summer — it should have something to offer in every season, and this is a key part of plan B designs - the succession of planting throughout the seasons. By planning now, you’ll be ready for those shorter days and bare branches, with a garden that still has structure, colour, and life when the temperatures drop.

If your garden tends to look a little lifeless between November and March, now’s the perfect time to start planning a design that works all year round.

📞 Plan B Garden Design can help you create a space you’ll love — even on the frostiest mornings.