They have now been joined by a few more plants keen to break the gloom of early winter:
Iris unguilicularis
I have found that this lovely plant takes a while to get established - it didn't flower for me for the first couple of years. However, it now takes advantage of any mild winter weather to put forward these amazingly showy blooms. The flowers are, however, set down among the long narrow leaves, making them less conspicuous. I have mine planted just outside the living room window - then I can look out down onto it, even when the weather is too horrible to venture outside! Likes a sheltered spot in full sun, with well-drained soil. It is fully hardy.
Mahonia
This shrub has several important benefits - it will grow in shady conditions, it is evergreen and produces these fragrant yellow flowers throughout the winter. It's upright habit and large spiny foliage will also give architectural impact to an otherwise unexciting border.
It is fully hardy and likes moist, but well-drained, fertile soil.
Primula vulgaris
The common primrose is one of those familiar plants that is easy to overlook. More often thought of as a spring flower, I find it flowers consistently throughout the winter, particularly if in a sheltered spot.
It increases easily but never really becomes a nuisance and also has the accommodating habit of growing in shade and tolerating a range of soil types. It is also fully hardy.
Pyracantha berries
If you are looking for a good plant to deter trespassers then the Pyracantha is a good choice as it bears sharp spines to deter all but the most thick-skinned of intruders.
It has many other advantages as well - it is evergreen, produces white spring flowers in abundance, followed by berries in the autumn, plus it will grow in full sun or deep shade. However, it does prefer well-drained fertile soil and protection from cold winds.
Sarcococca confusa berries
Also known as Christmas box, this Sarcococca is a compact evergreen shrub that is famed for its wonderfully fragrant white winter flowers. However, it also produces these attractive glossy black fruits.
It is fully hardy and prefers moist, humus-rich, but well-drained soil. It does best in shade or semi-shade and shelter from cold winds.
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