Grow a potted evergreen shrub

Plant a winter-flowering evergreen shrub in a pot to add winter cheer to your patio. Select from shrubs such as the long-flowering Viburnum tinus or, for scent, go for daphne, mahonia, sarcococca or skimmia.

Choose a deep pot that is at least 10cm wider than the rootball. Use a John Innes potting compost and keep the plant in the centre of the pot as you firm it in well. The finished compost level should be below the rim and the shrub’sstems above the compost. Place in a position sheltered from the wind and water again.

Viburnum tinus is a useful winter-flowering shrub to grow on the patio