Top six ice-proof flowers

Galanthus

Snowdrops will take just about anything except very low temperatures in a raging gale. They’ll still look good peeking through snow, and will even stretch to emerge through a few inches.

Jasminum

Winter jasmine, J. nudiflorum (above), is a tough plant, especially when in bud. A ferocious frost may damage any open flowers, but there will be more buds waiting to replace them. The protection of even a north-facing wall is helpful.

Hamamelis

I’ve seen witch hazel blooming at below 0ºC, with snow on the flower clusters. Darker colours like orange ‘Jelena’ (above) stand out; and as the sun warms them you’ll notice the scent.

Prunus

The winter cherry Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ opens its blushed flowers over a long period, and has buds that are tougher than the flowers – just in case. Interestingly, later flowers tend to be pinker than the early ones.

Helleborus

Pastels and reds look best against snow. If you get regular snowfalls, avoid those with double flowers, which will be weighed down. Melting overnight ice crystals on the blooms can be delightful.

Viburnum

Forms of the evergreen Viburnum tinus (above) usually sail through winter. Even if individual florets are frosted, the crowded clusters are full of buds, and are followed by long-lasting black berries. They’re good cut for posies, too.