Plants for January Interest

Large evergreen shrub with large double white flowers in spring. With dark glossy leaves they are best grown in the back of a mixed border where the leaves contrast the flowers of summer flowering perennials and shrubs. Grows best in a sheltered location out of prevailing wind in sun to semi-shade. Can also be used as an evergreen hedge. Camellia japonica ‘Nobilissima’ has an AGM.

Sarcococca ruscifolia var. chinensis is a hardy compact shrub, baring small fragranced white petals. This plant will tolerate a wide range of conditions and any soil type. It prefers to grow in shade to semi-shade but if the soil is kept moist can tolerate full sun. It works well when used on the edge of a border or in a pot close to a door to make the most of the scented flowers. Being evergreen, it adds year-round structure and interest.  Sarcococca ruscifolia var. chinensis has an AGM.

Pinus mugo ‘Mops’ is a dwarf evergreen pine, which is extremely hardy and will grow in all soils as long as they are well-drained. This plant is growing in popularity given it is easy to look after with little to no pruning or maintenance required. It forms well-proportioned mounds that add a permanent architectural feature in a garden that is most noticeable through the winter months. Very slow growing so best to plant as big as possible to achieve instant impact. Pinus mugo ‘Mops’ has an AGM.

Galanthus nivalis is the common snowdrop that announces that spring is not far away. Very hardy little woodland plants, they are able to grow through snow. Best grown under trees and shrubs to replicate the woodland environment that these plants have evolved. These bulbs are best planted when in the green which means they have finished flowering but are yet to die down. Perfect to add very early colour to a planting design and is a great plant for lifting spirits after a long winter. Plant in clumps to get the biggest impact. Galanthus nivalis has an AGM.

Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Ruby Glow’ is a hardy slow growing deciduous shrub grown for its fragrant ruby-red spider shaped flowers in mid to late winter and its broad obovate green leaves that turn yellow in autumn. It is perfect grown as a specimen or in groups. It requires little to no pruning so is fantastic for a low maintenance planting scheme. It grows best in full sun to semi-shade position and prefers some shelter from the worst weather. It also prefers a well-drained yet moist soil. It likes a neutral to acidic soil but can handle a deep humus soil over chalk.