Top p 5... winter ‘wow’ conservatory plants

While the garden slumbers through the colder months, enjoy some floral excitement indoors

1 Camellia vernalis ‘Yuletide’

Upright, evergreen shrub with single, red, scented flowers produced November to January. Keep moist in semi-shade. Hardy to -10C (14F). H: 2.5m (8ft), S: 1.5m (5ft) outside, but much less in pots.

Tip Likes acid soil so plant in ericaceous compost. Keep moist, but well-drained.

From www.burncoose.co.uk; tel: 01209 860316.

2 Correa ‘Dusky Bells’ Twiggy, evergreen, spreading shrub with open habit. Pendulous, tubular, red-pink flowers from autumn to spring. Prefers moist, well-drained compost. Can withstand temperatures down to 1C (34F). H: 60cm (2ft), S: 1.2m (4ft). Tip Prune after flowering to keep in shape.

From www.burncoose.co.uk; tel: 01209 860316.

3 Haemanthus albiflos Compact, bulbous plant with evergreen, strap-shaped leaves. White ‘shaving-brush’ flowers in late autumn. Sun or part-shade in a frost-free spot. H/S: 30cm (1ft). Tip Plant so that the top half of the bulb is exposed and allow to form clumps. From www.himalayangardens.com; tel: 01414 163536. Delivery in spring 2018.

4 Justicia rizzinii Rounded, evergreen shrub with small leaves. Brightly-coloured, tubular flowers from late autumn to spring. Full sun or semi-shade. Minimum temperature 10C (50F). H/S: 45cm (1.5ft) Tip Can be placed outdoors in summer. From www.burncoose.co.uk; tel: 01209 860316.

5 Veltheimia bracteata Easily-grown, semi-evergreen bulb with strap-shaped, frilled leaves. Red-hot poker-like flowers in shades of cream, pink and yellow from midwinter. Provide light shade and reduce watering in summer. H/S: 30cm (1ft).

Tip In pots allow plants to create stout clumps to aid flowering.

From www.vantubergen.co.uk; tel: 01379 688282.