Shade-tolerant winter evergreens

Create impact at this challenging time of year

1 Mahonia aquifolium ‘Apollo’

Durable, ground-covering shrub clothed in leathery, holly-like leaves which turn purple in winter. Stubby clusters of bright yellow flowers from February into spring. Purple berries in autumn loved by birds. Any moist, well-drained soil in semi to full shade. H: 90cm (3ft), S: 1.2m (4ft).

Tip Ideal for planting in more exposed gardens.

From www.jacksonsnurseries.co.uk, tel: 01782 502741.

2 Aucuba ‘Golden Girl’

Mound-forming, compact shrub with brightly spotted, eye-catching, oval leaves. Will produce red berries in winter if pollinated by a male plant. Any moist, well-drained to dry soil in semi to full shade. H/S: 1.2m (4ft).

Tip Ideal for planting beneath mature trees where soil is drier.

From www.ashwoodnurseries.com; tel: 01384 401996.

3 Camellia hiemalis ‘Kanjirō’

Strong-growing, upright, evergreen shrub, with glossy, toothed foliage. Impressive double and semi-double, slightly fragrant, cerise-pink flowers in November and December. Moist, welldrained, acid soil in semi to full shade. H: 2.4m (8ft) S: 1.5m (5ft).

Tip Grow in pots of ericaceous compost if soil is chalky.

From www.trehanenursery.co.uk; tel: 01202 873490.

4 Leucothoe axillaris ‘Curly Red’

Mound-forming, densely branched shrub. Glossy leaves, which are distinctively crimped and curled, turn deep glowing red from autumn as weather cools. New growth is also red. Small, white flowers in spring. Moist, well-drained, acid soil in semi to full shade. Slowly attaining H/S: 90cm (3ft). Tip Can be clipped to train into a sphere.

From www.longacres.co.uk; tel: 01276 476778.

5 Pseudowintera colorata ‘Moulin Rouge’

Spreading, compactly branched, New Zealand shrub with oval leaves, which are aromatic when crushed. Grey-green foliage has deeper red margin, spotted with deep purple red. Colour intensifies in winter. Prefers neutral to acid, humus-rich soil in dappled shade. Hardy to -10C (14F). H/S: 1.2m (4ft).

Tip Provide shelter in more northerly or exposed gardens.

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