Three kinds of shrubs are important in winter borders and gardens:
- Evergreen shrubs. They form a backdrop, mostly in shades of green from nearly yellow to very dark. In the picture above on the far left is a mid-green (Hebe salicifolia), middle top: a very dark green (Mahonia lomariifolia) and bottom right: gold edged green (Euonymus fortunei “Emerald n’ Gold”).
- Shrubs grown for the colour of their twigs in winter. These include some dogwoods (Cornus species) and willows. They can be cut back hard each spring so there is a fresh flush of young twigs the next winter. My favourite is Cornus “Midwinter Fire” whose stems are golden at the base and grade in colour to red at the top. In the picture above the yellowy green twigs are those of Cornus stolonifera “Flaviramea” and the red twigs are of Cornus alba “Sibirica”.
- Shrubs grown for the scented flowers. The two Viburnums, V x bodnantense which has flowers on bare branches and V farreri both grow well on clay and alkaline soils. You could also try the Witch Hazels, Hamamelis species, which tend to thrive best on lighter, acid soils.
At ground level, winter heathers, miniature conifers and ornamental grasses provide contrasting colours and textures. In February snowdrops, dwarf irises, crocuses, cyclamens and early daffodils start to flower.
Debbie Winson November 2020.
