Size shown is height x spread. Click on images for larger versions.

Climbers:
Clematis cirrhosa balearica 'Freckles' (fern leaved clematis)
This scented evergreen clematis flowers from October to January/ February. Flowers are bell- like with beautiful mottled pink/cream markings on the inside. Foliage is a a lovely glossy green. Clematis can exceed 3m x 1.5m if it likes it's spot, so give it room.
Is slightly tender so needs a sheltered spot - the native variety originates from Mallorca in the Balearic islands. Tip: It's flowers can be hidden by the foliage, so try growing the clematis over a pergola or arch to give you a chance to see them (and sniff them!).

Shrubs:
Jasminum nudiflorum (Winter Jasmine)
This wall shrub/climber is hugely evocative of sunny cold winter days. The shrub (4 x 4m) bears bright yellow flowers on bare leafless arching branches from Nov to March. Small sprigs cut and placed in a small glass cheer up any kitchen table. Prune in Spring after flowering to tame and tie in wayward shoots.

Ilex aquifolium (Common English Holly)
Holly has its star turn in December, being closely associated with Christmas festivities. It makes lovely cut decorations for the house at Christmas - traditionally to ward off evil goblins and witches.
It's a fine evergreen plant and grows eventually into a pyramidal shaped tree 25 x 8m. The beautiful green glossy leaves create the perfect backdrop to the striking red berries.
It also makes a fantastic architectural hedge if kept well clipped as copes well with hard pruning (in the spring). Both male and female plants are needed for berries.
Other beautiful varieties of Holly are Ilex aquifolium 'Argentea Marginata' with fabulous variegated blue green leaves with striking cream edges. Combine with a male variety such as Ilex aquifolium 'Silver Queen' for a fruiting hedge

Viburnum x bodnantense 'Dawn' (Viburnum)
A pretty medium -large sized deciduous shrub which has wonderful scented waxy pink flowers and is invaluable in a bare winter garden. This shrub is long flowering from October through to March.

Perennials:
Helleborus niger (Christmas Rose)
This evergreen perennial begins flowering at the end of December- January (it's normally too late for Christmas!). The flowers are a beautiful pure white with bright yellow stamens. Unlike it's cousin Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose) these flowers are not so drooping and so are easy to see when in bloom. It is also a useful groundcover plant with its handsome dark green serrated leathery green leaves.

Miscanthus 'Malepartus' (Maiden Grass)
Dramatic flower plumes fade from pink/reddish brown to silver which then last all winter, giving you extra interest through the dormant months. Grasses are great for introducing movement to garden, and as well as catching the breeze they also catch the low autumn sun beautifully.This diverse genus of grasses are excellent structure plants and a great backdrop for late season flowers. Height 1.8m - 2.2m (with the flowers). Spread: 1m. Dislikes very dry soils. Needs sun.

Bulbs:
Iris reticulata (Iris)
Flowering January-March or April, they catch you out when you're least expecting it. You'll find these dainty little iris suddenly flowering, when there had been nothing! They mostly range in colour from pale blue to deep purple with yellow or white markings (there are also yellow and white varieties). If you missed planting the bulbs in autumn, you may be find some of these beautiful flowers potted up in a garden centre. Needs full sun and well drained soil Ht xSp 15cm x 10cm.

Eranthis hyemalis (Winter Aconites)
These small winter bulbs appear in January or February and are perfect for woodland areas, thriving in cool, moist soil. The yellow buttercup like flowes have a ruff of leaves and are an uplifting winter sight massed in grass. They look great mixed with snowdrops. Ht -10cm.

December 2008