Winter is renowned for zapping the life out of any blooming garden thanks to frosty temperatures, minimal sunshine, and heavy rainfall. Thankfully, this doesn’t have to be the case.

Particular plants and flowers thrive during the winter months, giving your garden a colourful revival even when winter is at its peak.

So, as searches for ‘winter garden’ have increased by a staggering 67 percent in the last three months, Craig Wilson, gardening expert and founder of Gardeners Dream, has shared five flowers you should plant now.

Wilson said: “Whilst winter gardens or landscapes can be serene and picturesque when the frosts arrive, a garden with little to no colour can be somewhat disheartening to view, especially if you are someone who has spent all summer curating a colourful space full of life.

“Thankfully, there are several plants and flowers that flourish during the colder months of the year, adding a pop of colour to even the dullest of winter gardens. Planting these five options now will provide you with a winter garden worth admiring – from the warmth of the indoors, of course.”

The five flowers to plant now for a colourful garden this winter: 

Pansies:

Wilson said: “Planting pansy seeds now- and no later than early October – will give them plenty of time to establish strong and sturdy roots, ready for them to flower just before the coldest weather arrives.

Pansies are the perfect addition to a dull winter garden as they offer a range of bright colours such as purple, orange, pink and red.”

Violas:

The garden expert explained: “Violas are a beautiful addition to your garden during the colder part of the year, offering bright flowers that bloom throughout the winter.

“Whilst standard varieties should be planted as seedlings during the spring, winter varieties can be planted now and throughout winter. You can grow them in bedding or pots, and position in any area of your garden where you’d like a little more colour.”

Snowdrops:

“Snowdrops can be some of the first winter flowers to bloom if you plant them between now and late autumn,” Wilson added.

“Snowdrops are tough and hardy plants that cope well with frost and snow, making for a cheerful sight when they are seen poking through picturesque blankets of snow.

“Even when the ground is cold and semi-frozen, snowdrops can push through, so frost protection is not necessary.”

Cyclamen

The pro advised: “This hardy tuberous perennial offers a pleasant pop of colour in late winter, often when little else is flowering.

“To get the best out of these flowers, plant tubers between now and the end of October. When they bloom you’ll have beautiful bursts of pink or white heart-shaped flowers, signalling that spring is not too far away.”

Carex morrowii

Finally, Wilson said: “Carex morrowii is an evergreen sedge. It is a popular ornamental grass that has green leaves with yellow edges, making it perfect for adding some winter interest to your garden.

“As long as the ground is not frozen, you can plant carex morrowii at any point during the colder part of the year.

“They don’t like shaded areas, so when planting, ensure you are positioning it in an area of your garden that is likely to benefit the most from the winter sun.”