Winter Flowering Interest πŸŒΈβ„

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As a good portion of the garden hibernates over winter, retreating into inaction in much the same way as we find ourselves doing in an effort to keep warm, there are trees that take the opportunity to entertain and delight.Β  Winter is their time and this is their show.

CAMELLIA 'Fairy Blush' - Pale Pink Flowering Camellia

CAMELLIA 'Fairy Blush' 25lt, August
CAMELLIA 'Fairy Blush' - Flower, July

As courtyards and smaller gardens darken from overcast skies, the β€˜Fairy Blush’ pushes back against the dreariness with these delightful small, pink flowers.Β  As the buds open, they turn white and provide a velvety aesthetic to soften the harsh edges of winter.Β 

Ideal for smaller gardens, courtyards and in formal hedging, this evergreen grows to 2 x 1m

CHAENOMELES 'Yokuku' - Japanese Flowering Quince

CHAENOMELES Yokuku 35lt, July

Found in the high altitude woodlands of Japan and China, this is a most curious smaller tree.Β  Deciduous, the stems are barren from mid-winter to spring.Β  It’s as if the tree uses all available energy into growing a profusion of white flowers, with a classical yellow stamen.Β  Native birds certainly appreciate the winter show, eagerly feasting and adding life to go with the welcome colour of the Yokuku.

GARRYA elliptica 'James Roof' - Silk Tassel Tree

GARRYA elliptica 'James Roof' 35lt - February
GARRYA elliptica 'James Roof' - July

It would be hard to resist answering the question β€˜what is that delightful tree’?Β  with anything other than; β€˜Roof, James Roof’.Β  It’s an apt comparison too.Β  The silvery tassel-like catkins of the winter display might even appear from a distance to be some kind of wintery decoration.Β  But under that deceptive cover is a bushy evergreen shrub worthy of any garden.

VIBURNUM tinus 'Lucidum' - Evergreen Flowering Viburnum

VIBURNUM tinus 'Lucidum' - July
VIBURNUM tinus 'Lucidum' 12lt - July

With its cheerful white flowers, the β€˜Lucidum’ is perfectΒ for providing some levity to the otherwise dull of winter.Β  This formal hedge is deceptively hardy to the cold, frost and dry.Β  It also spreads its joy multiple times a year, flowering in spring and autumn too.Β  An evergreen, it will grow to 5 x 3m.

Winter Interest poster for free download