Winter interest plants keep a garden looking alive from November to March: evergreen ground cover that colours up in the cold, hellebores that flower in the depths of winter, skimmia buds, berries, and seedheads that catch the frost. This is our widest winter range, for borders, shady corners and pots. Free tracked delivery to 25 EU countries.
Four kinds of winter interest
| Interest | Plants in this collection | See more |
|---|---|---|
| Evergreen ground cover | Purple wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus'), whose leaves turn purple-bronze in cold weather; variegated Pachysandra for shade; Bergenia 'Herbstblüte', whose large leaves often take on red tints in winter; and Carex 'Ice Dance' | Ground cover plants |
| Winter flowers | Christmas roses (Helleborus niger) from midwinter, followed by Lenten roses (Helleborus orientalis) into spring | Winter colour plants |
| Buds and berries | Skimmia 'Rubella' and 'Finchy' buds, Gaultheria 'Big Berry', firethorn 'Orange Glow', and snowberry 'Hancock', whose autumn berries last into winter | Festive red buds and berries |
| Seedheads | Phlomis russeliana, whose tiered seedheads stand through winter if you leave them uncut | Best winter garden plants guide |
Where to plant them
Most of these plants are happy in part shade and in any reasonable soil that does not sit wet. That makes them a good fit for the shady side of a house, the ground under deciduous trees and the edges of paths. Skimmia and Gaultheria need lime-free (ericaceous) soil or compost. You can plant whenever the ground is not frozen or waterlogged; winter is a good time to plant hardy plants, as our November planting guide explains.
For ground cover, allow about 4–6 plants per square metre for coverage within two to three seasons, or 9–11 for a faster, denser carpet. That is why many of these plants come in packs of 24, 48 or 60 in 9cm pots. Our ground cover guide shows how to work out how many you need.
Frequently asked questions
Are these plants frost-hardy?
Yes. Everything here is grown to stay outdoors through a normal winter. Plants in pots are more exposed than plants in the ground, so move pots against a sheltered wall during a hard freeze. For the toughest options, see frost-resistant plants.
Which of these suit a pot by the door?
Skimmia, hellebores and Gaultheria all do well in containers. For trailing ivy, sedges and clipped topiary to go with them, see plants for winter pots and our winter planter guide.
Are they safe for pets?
Several are harmful if eaten, including hellebores, skimmia, Gaultheria berries and Euonymus. Keep them away from young children and from pets that chew plants.
For a shortlist of six standout evergreens, see best evergreen plants for winter interest. Part of our Christmas and winter plants range.