Top 5... winter ground cover
Fill all your vacant spots with vibrant colour
1 Erica carnea ‘Golden Starlet’
Spreading shrublet with bright gold foliage in summer, lime-green in winter. Harmonious foil for the white flowers in winter and spring. Moist, but well-drained acid soil, but also reasonably lime-tolerant. H: 15cm (6in), S: 30cm (1ft).
Tip In chalky areas grow in raised beds or pots of ericaceous compost.
From www.ashwoodnurseries.com; tel: 01384 401996.
2 Bergenia ‘Wintermärchen’
Evergreen, clump-forming perennial with oval, slightly pointed, leathery leaves which turn deep red in winter. RHS awardwinning variety. Dark rose-red flowers on red stems top the foliage in April and May. Any moist, well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. H/S: 30cm (1ft). Tip Will establish in dry shade, but flowering and leaf colour is less intense. From www.holdencloughnursery.com; tel: 01200 447615.
3 Carex oshimensis ‘Everoro’
Evergreen, mound-forming sedge. Arching leaves have bold central, creamy-yellow stripes. Insignificant brownish flowers. Any moist, well-drained soil in sun or shade. H: 40cm (1¼ft), S :30 cm (1 ft ). Tip Ideal for using in potted displays with bulbs and early-flowering perennials. From www.knollgardens.co.uk; tel: 01202 873931.
4 Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’
Durable variegated, evergreen shrub. Oval leaves have bold yellow margin. Shoots often become red or bronze-tinted in cold winter weather. Insignificant flowers in May and June. Any moist, well-drained soil in sun or full shade. Will tolerate dry shade once established. H: 60cm (2ft), S: 90cm (3ft). Tip Remove any green shoots if they appear.
From www.crocus.co.uk; tel: 01344 578111.
5 Heuchera ‘Electra’
Clump-forming, evergreen perennial. Large leaves are bright yellow in summer with bronze-red veining. Foliage mellows to tan and bronze tones in winter. Short, white spires of flowers in summer. Any moist, well-drained soil in sun or shade. H/S: 30cm (1ft).
Tip Remove old tatty leaves in spring to improve appearance.
From www.heucheraholics.co.uk; tel: 01590 670581.