Plant partners

The fresh tones of these vibrant combos reminds us that spring is just around the corner

Vibrant tones – precursors to spring

1 Erica x darleyensis aureifolia ‘ Mary Helen’ and Cyclamen coum

It’s important at this time of year to tend our window boxes – a bit of colour just outside the sitting room window is always good for the soul. This is a classically unbeatable mix of foliage (look at those heart-shaped cyclamen leaves with the pointy needles of the heather) and gleeful colour. Erica x darleyensis aureifolia ‘Mary Helen’

Care Prefers free-draining, acid soil. Has good leaves all year round and flowers from February until April.

HxS 30cm x 30cm Cyclamen coum

Care Happy in partial shade in any free-draining soil. Soak seeds overnight before sowing or plant tubers 3-5cm deep.

HxS 10cm x 15cm

Narcissus ‘Tête-à-tête’ and Viburnum tinus

This viburnum may not be a shrub that will turn heads, but it is as reliable as a carthorse. It provides not just a cheerful, yet dignified, background to showier plants (like this daffodil) but has neat leaves, pretty pinkish flowers and little blue-black berries.

Narcissus ‘Tête-à-tête’

Care A very popular and resilient daffodil. Propagate by digging up in summer and removing offset bulbs.

HxS 50cm x 10cm

Viburnum tinus

Care Evergreen shrub that thrives in any position away from cold, drying winds. Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings in summer. Watch out for viburnum beetle.

HxS 3m x 3m

Galanthus elwesii and Convolvulus cneorum

Where would we be without snowdrops? I’ll tell you: we’d be sadly sitting around eating too much waiting for spring. Instead, we have the delight of snowdrops (here with the fine foliage of shrubby bindweed) to distract from the fridge. Snowdrops; not just beautiful, but good for your health, too.

Galanthus elwesii

Care It’s approaching the best time for planting these ‘in the green’. Divide clumps just after flowering.

HxS 15cm x 10cm

Convolvulus cneorum

Care A really good small evergreen shrub with pretty white flowers in summer. Keep out of bitter winds and protect in cold gardens.

HxS 50cm x 50cm