Selected blooms and vegetation ideal for December gardening, recommended by lead horticulturists
As the days grow shorter and colder, gardens can often appear dull and lifeless. However, there are a variety of plants that can bring colour and structure to a garden during December, depending on your climate and garden conditions.
Cold, Exposed Gardens
For those with cold, exposed gardens, winter-hardy vegetables and greens can provide both structure and colour with their varied leaf shapes and colours. Kale, such as 'Winterbor' and 'Westland Winter', leeks (Bulgarian Giant), Brussels sprouts, collards, and some cabbages (January King, Savoy types) are all suitable choices. In addition, garlic tops can also add a touch of colour and structure [1][3][5].
Shade Gardens
For gardens that receive little sunlight, plants such as hellebores (flowering winter perennials with colourful flowers in pinks, whites, ambers, and even black), hostas (with broad leaves in many colours and textures), ferns (adding fine texture), and shade-loving shrubs like hydrangeas and rhododendrons contribute strong structure and winter interest [2][4]. Other winter-interest plants for shade gardens include pollinator-friendly hellebores and variegated Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’), which offer structural form with variegated leaves [4].
Mild Winter Climates and Greenhouses
If your garden is in a mild winter climate or you have protection such as a greenhouse, you can also grow cold-hardy greens like spinach, radishes, carrots, and some lettuces for colour and form during December [3].
Additional Choices
- Heuchera sanguinea 'Geisha's Fan' is a plant with purple-and-grey marbled foliage that persists well into the winter.
- Hamamelis x intermedia 'Robert' is a hybrid witch hazel with apricot petals that can come into flower as early as December.
- Iris unguicularis 'Mary Barnard' is a December flowering iris that is tolerant of poor and sun-baked positions.
- Helleborus x ballardiae HGC Snow Dance (= 'Coseh 800') is a group of hellebores noted for their early, large, and upturned, showy flowers.
- 'Narcissus papyraceus' produces glistening white, tazetta blooms in loose clusters and produces a very powerful scent. Height: 40cm. Origin: Mediterranean. Conditions: Any soil. Hardiness: RHS H4, USDA 4a-8b. Season: Late winter into early spring.
Summary
In summary, the best plants for colour and structure in December depend on your garden conditions. For cold, exposed gardens, winter-hardy vegetables and greens provide structure and colour. For shade gardens, hellebores, hostas, ferns, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, and Solomon’s seal are all suitable choices. If you have a mild winter climate or protection such as a greenhouse, cold-hardy greens like spinach, radishes, carrots, and some lettuces can also be grown.
| Garden Type | Best Plants for Colour & Structure in December | |---------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------| | Cold, exposed garden | Winter-hardy vegetables (kale, collards, Brussels sprouts, cabbage), garlic tops [1][3][5]| | Shade garden | Hellebores (winter flowers), Hostas (varied foliage), Ferns (texture), Shade shrubs (Hydrangeas, Rhododendrons), Solomon’s seal [2][4] |
These plants bring winter colour and distinctive foliage structure that brighten a garden even in cold or low-light conditions.
[1] RHS (2021) Plants for a Winter Garden. [Online] Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=367 [Accessed 25 November 2021]
[2] Horticulture Week (2021) The Best Plants for Winter Interest. [Online] Available at: https://www.hortweek.com/news/3125713/the-best-plants-for-winter-interest [Accessed 25 November 2021]
[3] The Guardian (2021) The Best Plants for Winter Colour. [Online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/gardening-blog/2015/dec/22/the-best-plants-for-winter-colour [Accessed 25 November 2021]
[4] Gardeners' World (2021) Winter Plants for Colour and Structure. [Online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/gardenersworld/howto/advice/plants/winter-plants-for-colour-and-structure [Accessed 25 November 2021]
[5] The Spruce (2021) Winter Vegetables for the Garden. [Online] Available at: https://www.thespruce.com/winter-vegetables-for-the-garden-3188317 [Accessed 25 November 2021]
- In addition to traditional winter-hardy vegetables, consider planting 'Heuchera sanguinea' 'Geisha's Fan' for its purple-and-grey marbled foliage that persists well into winter.
- For those who appreciate fashion-and-beauty, 'Hamamelis' x 'intermedia' 'Robert' offers a hybrid witch hazel with apricot petals that can come into flower as early as December.
- For a pop of colour in a mild climate or greenhouse setting, consider growing flowering iris like 'Iris unguicularis' 'Mary Barnard', which is tolerant of poor and sun-baked positions.
- In the realm of personal-growth and education-and-self-development, take advantage of winter's slower pace to learn more about these cold-season plants, like 'Narcissus papyraceus' that produces glistening white, tazetta blooms in loose clusters and produces a very powerful scent.
- For pet owners looking for ways to spruce up their home-and-garden during winter, consider planting shade-loving 'Helleborus' x 'ballardiae' HGC Snow Dance (= 'Coseh 800'), as they are noted for their early, large, and upturned, showy flowers that are safe for pets.
- Travel enthusiasts might find inspiration in the unique origins of certain winter-hardy plants, such as the Mediterranean-native 'Narcissus papyraceus'.
- If you're in a career-development phase and are interested in horticulture, winter gardening presents an opportunity to explore less common plants like the solitary, leafy 'Heuchera sanguinea'.
- In the world of shopping, consider finding both practical and decorative plants for your garden, like the garlic top that adds a touch of colour and structure without taking up much space.
- Lastly, remember that gardening can influence relationships, which has been observed through the communal nature of planting ideas and sharing tips with fellow gardeners during winter months.
