As seasons change and most plants lie dormant during the colder months, many gardeners wish for plants that will carry on a bit of the magic. Below is a list of plants that look great for several seasons, working harder for longer, meaning you can rely on them to offer beauty at many points during the year.
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Plants that will look good all year round
Perennials for year-round interest
Echinacea pallida
This exquisite native of the North American prairies, the most dainty of blooms, displays its balletic elegance with slender, pale-pink ray florets that are held horizontally, then gradually droop groundward and flutter in the breeze. The orange-brown central cone remains through winter, topping the bronze stems. Despite its appearance, it is hardy and attractive to bees and butterflies and is outstanding when planted in a troupe with other prairie-style plants. Full sun and moist, well-drained soil create ideal growing conditions. Cut the stems back to ground level in late winter. Height and spread: 1.25m x 50cm. RHS H5, USDA 3a-10b†.
Echinops ritro ‘Veitch's Blue’
Spiny, deeply cut leaves, which are dark green on top and white below, provide interest from spring until the blooms of this globe thistle appear in late summer, when the spherical heads of buds topping the metallic stems gradually open to dark-blue flowers. At its most impressive in large groups, this is an excellent plant for cutting and drying for flower arrangements, but should be cut before the flowers open. Cut back the stems for a second flush of flowers, or leave the flowerheads for their architectural value. They thrive in an open sunny spot on poor soil, but tolerate anything but deep shade; add grit to heavier soils before planting. The flowers are irresistible to bees, butterflies and other insects during the day, and moths at night. In ideal conditions, they self-seed freely. 90cm x 45cm. RHS H7, USDA 3a-8b.
Here's more on how to grow globe thistles
Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii
This understandably popular, evergreen euphorbia has the otherworldly appearance of many of its fellows, particularly when in flower. The upright stems, clothed with whorls of fleshy, glaucous leaves, are topped with huge heads of chartreuse-green flowers with bronze ‘eyes’ in spring. The great Gertrude Jekyll described this sun-loving, evergreen shrub as ‘one of the grandest of plants’; it needs no greater endorsement. Architectural in appearance and drought tolerant, it is a mainstay of the herbaceous border, contemporary minimalist plantings and gravel gardens. It may self-seed, but plants rarely come true, so should be removed. It flowers on the previous year’s shoots, so remove flowering shoots at the base at the end of winter. Avoid contact with the sap: wear gloves, long-sleeved garments and eye protection when working with it. 1.2m x 1.2m. RHS H4, USDA 6a-8b.
Here's more on growing euphorbia
Eutrochium maculatum ‘Purple Bush’
A selection of Joe pye weed raised by Piet Oudolf. It produces fluffy, dusky-pink flowers over a long period through summer and into autumn, then retains its structure and architectural beauty throughout winter, the flowers bleaching to soft brown. Ideal for any moist soil in full sun or part shade, and attractive to insects. Its lance-shaped leaves are a deep, dark green, with serrated margins. The purple stems are strong and sturdy, so there’s no need for staking. More vigorous cultivars can be grown in drier conditions to restrict their growth. 1.5m x 1.5m. AGM*. RHS H7, USDA 4a-8b.
Hylotelephium ‘Matrona’
The plant formally known as sedum is a sturdy, succulent, architectural herbaceous perennial with purple stems, the thick olive-green leaves also becoming purple towards the end of the season. In late summer, flat-topped clusters of soft-pink flowers are a magnet for bees and other pollinators. Its stems and seedheads remain attractive throughout the winter, particularly when frosted, and should be cut back to the base before new growth emerges in spring. Invaluable for the front of a sunny border, in dry gardens and also as a cut flower. 75cm x 30cm. AGM. RHS H7, USDA 3a-9b.
Paeonia daurica subsp. mlokosewitschii
This herbaceous beauty from the Central Caucasus is exceptional in every way. In early spring, the leaves emerge a rich pinkish-bronze, later turning soft grey-green above, creating the ideal foil for the buds. These open to form perfect bowls of cool lemon-yellow, with a central boss of golden stamens, in late spring. In late summer, coral-coloured seedpods open to reveal blue seed, and in autumn the foliage turns orange-brown. Such an aristocratic plant needs full sun or part shade and deep, fertile, humus-rich, slightly alkaline soil; but neutral to slightly acidic soils are suitable too. Thorough ground preparation and correct siting will be repaid a thousandfold. 80cm x 60cm. AGM. RHS H6, USDA 5a-8b.
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Phlomoides tuberosa ‘Amazone’
A striking plant that was selected by the legendary plant breeder Ernst Pagels. From a base of handsome, large, dark-green, deeply veined, arrow-shaped leaves with sharply serrated edges come dark-purple, branching stems, carrying whorls of soft-lilac tubular flowers at intervals from midsummer. The flowers look wonderful among late-flowering perennials and grasses, and remain attractive as dramatic, dark, frosted seedheads over winter. It can be slow to establish but is well worth the wait. Plant in an open sunny spot where the soil is not excessively wet. 1.2m x 90cm. AGM. RHS H5, USDA 4a-8b.
Thalictrum ‘Elin’
Attractive, dark foliage emerges in early spring, with leaves up to 45cm long, made of three- to five-lobed leaflets that gradually turn to grey-green – an attractive contrast to the purple stems. A haze of dusky, pale-lilac flowers with prominent creamy-yellow stamens top the tall stems in late spring and are a magnet for bees. It enjoys an open sunny position or part shade, where it may need staking, and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Autumn colour is bright yellow and although the plant is then fragile, it can become a winter feature, the tall stems turning a tawny colour, topped by the remains of the delicate umbels of flowers. 2.5m x 50cm. AGM. RHS H7, USDA 3a-7b.
Here's more on growing thalictrum
Veratrum album
Rarely planted, this unusual hardy shade lover has a dramatic impact as its conspicuously pleated, bright-green leaves emerge from the soil, then develop in a similar shape and style to hostas up the base of the stem. This early burst of flamboyance is followed by white to green-tinted, star-shaped flowers, produced on imposing, branched, candelabra-like stems in midsummer. It is the true definition of a statement plant. The only downside is its toxicity, if accidentally ingested. Some people are allergic to its sap too – so a naturalised woodland area or meadow is ideal. Slugs and snails also take an unwelcome interest. Take the necessary precautions, and be assured, it is well worth the effort. The flowers are followed by fruits, but can be cut back so energy is used to bulk up the parent plant. 2m x 1m. AGM. RHS H7, USDA 6a-8b.
Annuals and biennials for year round interest
Lunaria annua ‘Chedglow’
A highly desirable selection of honesty, with toothed and heart-shaped young leaves that vary from purple to green and are spotted with purple, eventually becoming dark purple. It has pinkish-purple flowers in late spring to early summer, then flat, rounded seedpods, which hold the dry seeds. These translucent, silvery-white seedpods can be cut for dried floral arrangements, or left in the garden. It flourishes in fertile, moist, well-drained soil in sun or light shade and combines well with pale-yellow or blue, so allow it to self-seed among Paeonia daurica subsp. mlokosewitschii or Camassia leichtlinii. Sown in early summer to flower the following spring, it becomes a large, well-branched plant. It can also be sown in early spring as an annual – but the floral display will be smaller and the seedheads more compact. An excellent plant for pollinators with nectar-rich flowers. 1m x 30cm. RHS H6, USDA 5a-9b.
Scabiosa stellata
This small, pretty annual, with lance-shaped or lobed leaves, produces small, white flowerheads beloved by pollinators. They are followed in late summer by spherical, papery, translucent, silvery heads of bracts, like clusters of individual ‘cupcake’ cases. A chocolate star sits at the centre of each one, with radiating fine lines throughout the papery bracts. A little hairspray after drying makes them less fragile. Grow in well-drained soil in sun to part shade. 50cm x 50cm. RHS H4.
Bulbs for year-round interest
Allium cristophii
This allium bears huge, spherical flowerheads in summer, up to 20cm in diameter, containing up to 80 purple, metallic, star-like flowers and is beloved by pollinators. The flowers fade to resemble parchment starbursts, which last in the border and can be cut as dried flowers or left as punctuation. It can be grown in a cutting garden, and works well in sunny borders, among herbaceous plants or in drifts with ornamental grasses; all hide the tatty leaves after flowering. It needs a sunny location in fertile, well-drained soil. In colder regions it should be protected with a mulch or grown in pots and overwintered in a frost-free place. It not only self-seeds freely but is also deer and rabbit resistant. 60cm x 20cm. AGM. RHS H5, USDA 4a-8b.
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Cyclamen hederifolium
This pretty yet hardy plant is perfect for growing at the base of trees or shrubs and naturalising in short grass, where the massed flowers then foliage, create a pleasing display. The dainty flowers have reflexed petals in shades of pink, which appear in autumn and are followed by masses of dark-green, overlapping leaves marked and marbled in silver. They create a display through winter until spring when the leaves gradually die back and the plant becomes dormant. Bronze rounded fruits form at the end of coiled-spring-like stems and are dispersed by ants. It also self-seeds freely. It thrives in humus-rich soil in part shade, but also in open positions in poorer soils that are moist in winter. 10cm x 15cm. RHS H5 USDA 5a-9b.
Here's how to care for cyclamen
Grasses for year-round interest
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’
One of the most beautiful grasses, is valued for its stiff, upright habit. The flower stems emerge from mounds of green foliage in moist soil. They bleach in summer, become golden in winter, and are particularly attractive when covered in frost. They also last well into the new year. This deciduous grass should be cut back to just above ground level in late February to early March to avoid damaging new growth. Needs moist but well-drained soil. 1.8m x 60cm. AGM. RHS H6, USDA 5a-9b.
Here's more on ornamental grasses to grow
Deschampsia cespitosa ‘Goldtau’
A versatile, mound-forming evergreen grass, perfect for sun and light shade, and moist soils. The silvery to reddish-brown flower spikes appear above clumps of evergreen foliage from early to late summer, then fade to a soft golden-yellow that shimmers like a cloud in the sunlight. It can be planted among perennials, in groups in sun or shade, or even in a rock garden, and self-seed freely. Relatively short lived, it can be divided every two to three years. Cut back old stems in spring before new growth appears. 75cm x 75cm. AGM. RHS H5, USDA 4a-9b.
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Silberfeder’
In late summer, tall, upright stems of narrow, shimmering, silvery-white to buff-pink, feather-like plumes burst from mounds of dark-green foliage with a silver midrib. Best in an open, sunny location, in well-drained, moist soil but tolerates all but waterlogged soils and part shade. It can be enjoyed in massed planting alongside Helianthus, Coreopsis or Echinacea, as screening, specimen groups; and in large containers. 2m x 1.2m. AGM. RHS H6, USDA 4a-9b.
Here's more on caring for and growing Miscanthus
Trees for year-round interest
Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’
The coral bark maple, which can be grown as a shrub or very small tree, is ideal for smaller spaces like courtyards, or for containers. It boasts bright-red young winter stems followed by golden-green leaves in summer, which turn dramatic shades of apricot-yellow in autumn, before falling. Position in sun or dappled shade, or as a specimen tree anywhere that the coloured stems catch the winter sunshine. Needs well-drained, fertile soil and shelter from strong winds. Autumn colour is more dramatic on acidic soil. 6m x 5m. AGM. RHS H6, USDA 5a-8b.
The best hardy woody plants for a cold climate
Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘Ballerina’
A widely recommended small tree suited for gardens with limited space. It’s remarkably floriferous, with the clusters of white flowers packed together at the tips of the previous year’s growth in spring. Rich bronze shoots emerge at the same time, turning cool green through the summer and transforming into a bonfire of bright red, orange and gold in autumn before leaf fall. Outstanding as a specimen tree or used as part of a mixed border in full sun or dappled shade. Although happy in most fertile soils, autumn colour is best on acidic soils. The bright-red fruits, ripen from midsummer, and turn dark purple when ripe. Withstands pollution and tolerates poor soils and damp sites. 6m x 3m. RHS H7, USDA 4a-9b.
Arbutus unedo
This fascinating large evergreen shrub or small, often multi-stemmed tree, known as the strawberry tree, is unique in that it is a native to the Mediterranean and Ireland. Also unusual is that the bright-red, strawberry-like fruits (edible, though not hugely desirable) ripen in autumn at the same time as the white or pale-pink, pitcher-like flowers appear. The flowers are popular with insects and the fruit can take up to a year to ripen. Another outstanding feature is the peeling mahogany-coloured bark, a wonderful feature when grown as a ‘standard’. Best planted in a sheltered position in full sun or dappled shade, protected from cold winter winds or in an urban environment, due to its tolerance of atmospheric pollution. It will tolerate chalk but prefers slightly acidic conditions. 8m x 8m. RHS H5, USDA 7a-9b.
Cercidiphyllum japonicum
A most elegant tree with many virtues. The flowers, appear before the foliage to create a reddish aura, and are followed early in the year by smoky-pink, delicate, beautifully heart-shaped, pendent leaves, with red petioles that cloak the tree in green through the summer. Autumn colour varies from tree to tree and may be orange, yellow, purple or red. It is notable in that the leaves give off an aroma of burnt vanilla or candy floss as they decay, and it is not unusual to smell their glorious fragrance before seeing the tree. Best in a sheltered spot, where the early growth is protected from frost, and although it tolerates some alkalinity, it produces better autumn colour on lime-free or acid soils with a constant supply of moisture. Leaves can fall in drought but will return following rain or irrigation. ‘Glowball’ and ‘Boyd’s Dwarf’
are compact cultivars for smaller spaces. 10m x 4m. AGM. RHS H5, USDA 4a-8b.
Ilex X altaclerensis ‘Lawsoniana’
This long-established holly cultivar, raised in Edinburgh around 1869, is prized for its colourful year-round foliage. The dark-green leaves are splashed with irregular, bright golden-yellow and lighter green variegation, with clusters of vivid-red berries in autumn and early winter. Makes a fine shrub, very small tree or even an unusual hedge. Thrives in sun or will brighten part shade on any fertile soil. It needs a male holly nearby to fruit reliably. Any reversion back to plain green leaves should be removed before the wood hardens. 2.4m x 5m. AGM. RHS H6.
Here are more holly bushes to grow
Koelreuteria paniculata ‘Coral Sun’
This flamboyant small tree, with a narrow, upright habit, really earns its place in the garden. In spring the young shoots and leaves turn from red-pink to orange, maturing to become green and fern-like in summer, the red leaf stalks remaining until autumn. Clusters of bright, golden-yellow flowers in summer are followed by papery seedpods, backed by autumn colour of rich burnt-yellow and orange. It can be grown as a single stem or multi-stemmed for optimum impact. Of slow to moderate growth, it is happiest in a sunny, sheltered position; in cooler areas it is less vigorous. 4m x 3m. AGM. RHS H5, USDA 5a-9b.
Malus ‘Evereste’
A handsome, easy to grow small crab apple, with a dense rounded crown that becomes a cloud of pale-pink and white flowers in spring. They are followed in autumn by clusters of edible, yellow and red, long-lasting fruit, which make excellent crab apple jelly. Established trees also have excellent autumn colour, the leaves turning glowing shades of orange and yellow before falling. Ideal in sun or part shade in fertile soil, it can be pruned to shape in late winter or early spring, though some flowers and fruit will be lost. It is self-pollinating, so fruit is produced with a single tree, and it is also an excellent pollinator for apple orchards. 7m x 6m. AGM. RHS H6, USDA 4a-8b.
Looking for more on crab apples?
Pinus bungeana
The elegant lacebark pine should be more widely planted and can be trained to become a large single or multi-stemmed tree, as it has the habit of branching from the base. Its outstanding feature is the beautifully marbled bark, which flakes away from the trunk like a plane tree, creating a mosaic of white, green, grey-green and brown, and becomes white when exposed to high levels of sunlight. The bark looks spectacular when wet with rain. Hardy but slow growing, particularly during its early years, and preferring full sun and fertile soil, it is not a plant for those seeking instant results but should be planted in a prominent location and regarded as a long-term investment for yourself and others, way into the future. 9m x 6m. RHS H5, USDA 4a-8b.
Prunus ‘Horinji’
The name refers to an ancient Buddhist temple in Kyoto and this cultivar is believed to be a wild selection of cherry tree gifted to the monks there. This small, vase-shaped, deciduous tree with stiffly ascending branches becomes more rounded with age, and bears long, narrow, green leaves that turn yellow before falling in autumn. The spring flowers are semi-double; mauve-pink in bud, opening to soft pink then white, contrasting perfectly with the purplish brown calyces and creating a pleasing two-tone effect. Autumn leaf colour is orange and purple. Needs well-drained soil in full sun to perform well, but tolerates most soils including chalk and clay. Avoid planting near house foundations, fine lawns or drains as it has a shallow, spreading root system. 6m x 6m. RHS H6, USDA 5a-9b.
Here's more prunus trees and how to grow them
Sorbus sargentiana
A medium-sized rowan tree with several outstanding features. Distinctive, large, crimson ‘sticky buds’, like those of a horse chestnut, are visible between leaf fall and bud burst, from late autumn to early spring. In spring, the leaves emerge, up to 30cm long, comprising up to 11 slender mahogany-coloured leaflets, which then unfold to create a billowing texture of dark green before turning glorious shades of rich amber and red, rivalling any acer. Creamy-white flowers, which are popular with bees, appear in May and June and are followed by huge, dense clusters of orange-red berries in autumn and early winter, before being devoured by birds. Initially slow growing, it eventually becomes an excellent open-branched tree for smaller spaces, providing interest in all seasons. 4m x 3m. AGM. RHS H6.
Don't miss our grow guide for sorbus
Shrubs for year-round interest
Cornus alba Baton Rouge (= ’Minbat’)
Dogwoods are renowned for the range of colour from their winter stems. This rather handsome, medium-sized deciduous shrub glows vivid crimson-red in winter but has the added bonus of clusters of white flowers in spring, attractive clusters of small, blue-black fruit in late summer and autumn, and leaves displaying purple, orange and red autumn tints before falling. Needs full sun or light shade on moisture-retentive soil. Plant in groups for the greatest impact. Cutting back the stems to within 30-40cm of the ground in early spring controls growth and maintains a supply of the vivid-red young stems. Feed with general fertiliser after pruning. 2.5m x 2.5m. RHS H7, USDA 3a-7b.
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Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald Gaiety’
This bushy, semi-evergreen shrub is an excellent dense, robust groundcover and ideal for low-maintenance gardens. With greater finesse than other selections, the small, lustrous, rounded, green leaves, each with a fine, irregular, silvery-white margin, become pink-tinged in the chill of winter. It thrives in any well-drained border in sun or part shade, and often adopts a climbing habit when planted against a wall. For those who appreciate the finer points of a plant, clusters of tiny green flowers may appear in May and June. Year-round colour provided by variegated or coloured-leaved evergreens such as this should be added with care, however, or the garden can become too busy. 1.2m x 1.5m. AGM. RHS H5, USDA5a-8b.
Rhododendron yakushimanum ‘Koichiro Wada’
An outstanding rhododendron that is ideal in containers of peat-free acidic compost or for smaller gardens. The architectural pink buds open to clusters of delightful apple-blossom flowers in May. A white fluffy covering on the upper surface of emerging and young leaves – a distinctive feature – is washed away by summer rain, exposing the lustrous, deep-green leaves beneath; the velvety covering on the lower surface then matures to rusty brown. This protective covering means that new growth is usually protected from aphids and fungal problems. Perfect for dappled shade and acidic soil. Water plants grown in containers with rainwater. 1.5m x 1.5m. AGM. RHS H6, USDA 4a-8b.
Rosa ‘Penelope’
This repeat-flowering, large, semi-double hybrid musk rose has been delighting gardeners since its introduction in 1924. The large clusters of well-spaced, attractive, creamy-pink flowers with slightly frilled edges have a fruity musk fragrance and are produced constantly from midsummer well into autumn. They are followed by masses of coral-coloured hips in autumn. Dark-green leaves and stems with plum-red shading ensure it associates well with bronze-foliaged plants. It’s a versatile rose that thrives in full sun to part shade in borders, containers, as a hedge or even a small climber in fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil. 3m x 1.1m. AGM. RHS H5, USDA 4a-9b.
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