Gardening: winter groundcover

Karen Murphy chooses plants to help fill those empty spaces in your garden when colour is lacking, to see you through the darkest of winter days!

1

Heuchera ‘Electra’ Clump-forming evergreen perennial with large leaves that are bright yellow in summer with bronzered veining. The foliage mellows to tan and bronze tones in winter. Produces short white spires of flowers in summer. Likes any moist, well-drained soil in sun or shade. H&S: 30cm (12in). Tip: Remove old tatty leaves in spring to improve appearance.

From: www.heucheraholics.co.uk call 01590 670581

2 Erica carnea ‘Golden Starlet’

Spreading shrublet with bright gold foliage in summer turning to limegreen in winter, with white flowers. Enjoys moist, well-drained acid soil, but is also reasonably lime-tolerant. H&S: 15x30cm (6x12in).

Tip: In chalky areas, grow in raised beds or pots of lime-free compost. From: www.ashwoodnurseries.com call 01384 401996

3

Bergenia ‘Wintermarchen’ Evergreen, clump-forming perennial with oval, slightly pointed leathery leaves which turn a gorgeous deep red in winter, with dark rose-red flowers on red stems in April/May. Likes moist soil in sun or semi-shade. H&S: 30cm (12in)

Tip: Will establish in dry shade, but flowering and leaf colour is less intense. From: www.holdencloughnursery.com call 01200 447615

4 Carex oshimensis ‘Everoro’

An evergreen mound-forming sedge with arching leaves and a bold, central, creamy-yellow stripe. Prefers moist, well-drained soil in sun or shade. H&S: 40x30cm (16x12in).

Tip: Goes well with bulbs and perennials From: www.knollgardens.co.uk call 01202 873931

5

Euonymus japonicus ‘Emerald n ’Gold’

A durable, variegated, evergreen shrub with oval leaves and a yellow margin. Shoots often become red or bronze-tinted in cold weather. Produces insignificant flowers in May and June. Prefers moist, well-drained soil in sun or full shade. Will tolerate dry shade once established. H&S: 60x90cm (2x3ft).

Tip: Remove any totally green shoots if they appear.

From: www.crocus.co.uk call 01344 578111

■ Karen writes for Garden News magazine which is packed full of tips, inspiration, plant and product news and great money-saving offers in every issue! On sale every Tuesday, or subscribe for just £4.50 a month. Call 01858 438884 or visit www.greatmagazines.co.uk/gn and quote AFAA. T&Cs apply.