10 OF THE BEST Frost proof favourites

These winter flowering beauties are renowned for their hardiness

Galanthus elwesii

Flowers: January to March. H20cm

The greater snowdrop has large flowers with green markings. On tall stems, they exude a lovely honey scent. An ideal candidate for naturalising – it needs neutral-to-alkaline soil and semi-shade.

Clematis cirrhosa ‘Jingle Bells’

Flowers: December to February. H3m A charming evergreen climber that is hung with large scented, attractive ivory bells throughout the coldest months. Grow in well-drained soil, in sheltered sun, and only prune when absolutely necessary.

Jasminum nudiflorum

Flowers: January to March. H2.5m

This is a tough plant, especially when in bud. A ferocious frost may damage open flowers, but there will be more buds waiting. The protection of even a north-facing wall is helpful.

Viburnum tinus

Flowers: December to April. H3m

This form of the evergreen Viburnum usually sails through winter. Even if individual florets are frosted, the crowded clusters are followed by longlasting black berries. Viburnum are easy to grow in a partially shaded spot.

Erica carnea f. alba ‘Whitehall’

Flowers: January to March. H15cm An upright, compact heather with bright green foliage and snow-white flowers early in the year. Happy in either sun or semi-shade, and in welldrained neutral-to-acidic soil. Also suitable in a container.