As the new year begins, the garden’s landscape transforms under the quiet chill of January. This month, often perceived as a time of dormancy in the garden, actually holds hidden gems in the form of ornamental plants that thrive in the cold. These plants not only survive the harsh winter conditions but also bring life and color to the otherwise muted winter palette. January is the perfect time to appreciate the beauty and resilience of these special plants.
Top 10 January Ornamental Plants
Discover the top 10 ornamental plants that thrive in January, perfect for adding winter charm to your garden.
Sweet Box (Sarcococca)
Sweet Box, scientifically known as Sarcococca, is a true winter treasure, revered for its delightful fragrance and glossy evergreen leaves. This understated shrub comes to life in January, when many other plants are dormant, with its small but intensely fragrant white flowers.
Sweet Box thrives in shaded areas, making it an excellent choice for those challenging parts of the garden that receive little sunlight. It prefers well-drained soil and is quite adaptable to various soil types, requiring minimal care once established. This plant is particularly valued for its ability to bring scent to the winter garden – a feature often missing in colder months. Its compact growth habit also makes it suitable for smaller spaces or as an understory plant in larger landscapes. The fragrance of Sweet Box, combined with its attractive foliage and ease of care, makes it a standout choice for adding sensory appeal to your garden in January.
Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)
Winterberry Holly, or Ilex verticillata, is a stunning deciduous holly that becomes the star of the winter garden in January. Known for its bright red berries that cling to bare branches after the leaves have fallen, this plant offers a striking contrast against the winter landscape, providing both visual interest and a valuable food source for birds.
Winterberry Holly prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in acidic, well-drained soil. It’s crucial to ensure proper moisture, especially when the plant is establishing. This holly is dioecious, meaning both male and female plants are needed for successful berry production – typically, one male plant can pollinate several female plants. Planting Winterberry Holly in groups or rows can enhance pollination and, consequently, berry production. While the plant requires minimal care once established, occasional pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages healthy growth. The vibrant berries of Winterberry Holly make it an essential addition to the January garden, offering a splash of color during the coldest months.
Skimmia (Skimmia japonica)
Skimmia japonica, commonly referred to simply as Skimmia, is a standout evergreen shrub that adds both texture and color to the January garden. This plant is particularly appreciated for its dense clusters of red berries (on female plants) and fragrant white or pinkish flowers that appear in spring.
Skimmia thrives in partial to full shade, making it an ideal choice for woodland gardens or shaded borders. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil and benefits from being planted in a sheltered location to protect it from harsh winter winds. Skimmia is a dioecious plant, requiring both male and female plants for the females to produce their characteristic berries. The foliage is glossy and rich green, providing a beautiful backdrop to the berries and flowers. Minimal pruning is needed, mostly to shape the plant or remove any damaged or diseased growth. Skimmia’s combination of attractive foliage, fragrant flowers, and bright berries make it a multifaceted and valuable addition to gardens in January.
Daphne (Daphne odora)
Daphne odora, commonly known as Daphne, is a prized ornamental plant cherished for its intoxicating fragrance and beautiful blooms. In January, when most gardens are quiet, Daphne begins to shine, producing clusters of pink or white flowers that emit a powerful, sweet scent, capable of perfuming the entire garden.
This evergreen shrub prefers a position in the garden where it can receive dappled sunlight or partial shade. It thrives in well-drained, fertile soil and requires protection from harsh winds and extreme cold. Over-watering and poorly drained soils are the common pitfalls with Daphne, so care should be taken to avoid these conditions. Pruning should be minimal, primarily to remove any dead or damaged branches after flowering. The plant’s compact size makes it suitable for small gardens or containers, and its fragrant flowers make it a favorite for placement near paths or seating areas where its scent can be fully enjoyed. Daphne’s exquisite fragrance and attractive blooms during the coldest months make it a valuable addition to the winter garden.
Winter Heath (Erica carnea)
Winter Heath, scientifically named Erica carnea, is a vibrant addition to the January garden, bringing color when most plants are dormant. This low-growing evergreen shrub is known for its profusion of pink, white, or purple flowers that bloom in the heart of winter, offering a welcome splash of color.
Ideal for rock gardens, borders, or as ground cover, Winter Heath thrives in well-drained, acidic soil. It prefers a sunny location but can tolerate partial shade, which makes it versatile for various garden settings. This plant is relatively low maintenance, requiring little care once established. However, to encourage dense growth and maintain a neat shape, light pruning after flowering is beneficial. Winter Heath is also drought-tolerant once established, making it a good choice for gardens with less water availability. Its ability to flower in the depths of winter, coupled with its resilience and low maintenance needs, makes Winter Heath a fantastic choice for adding enduring beauty to the winter landscape.
Paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha)
Paperbush, known botanically as Edgeworthia chrysantha, is a distinctive ornamental plant that brings a unique beauty to the January garden. This deciduous shrub is celebrated for its striking, fragrant yellow flowers that bloom on bare stems in late winter, giving it a dramatic appearance.
Paperbush prefers a sheltered spot in the garden with partial shade, though it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. This plant requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season, and benefits from mulching to retain soil moisture. Protection from strong winds and extreme cold is important to prevent damage to the delicate flowers. Pruning is minimal and typically involves just removing any dead or damaged wood in late winter or early spring. The paper-like texture of its blooms, combined with their sweet fragrance, makes Paperbush a captivating addition to winter gardens, offering both visual and olfactory pleasures.
Winter Honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima)
Winter Honeysuckle, or Lonicera fragrantissima, is a delightful addition to the winter garden, known for its sweetly scented, cream-colored flowers that bloom in mid to late winter. This semi-evergreen shrub provides a burst of fragrance and subtle beauty during a time when few other plants are in bloom.
Thriving in full sun to partial shade, Winter Honeysuckle is adaptable to a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soil. It’s a low-maintenance plant that can be a great choice for hedges or foundation plantings. Pruning should be done after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. The plant can spread quite widely, so it’s important to give it enough space to grow. Winter Honeysuckle’s fragrant flowers not only add a pleasant scent to the garden but also attract pollinators like bees, making it a valuable plant for supporting wildlife in the colder months. Its simple yet elegant presence makes it a cherished plant for adding winter interest to any garden setting.
Corkscrew Hazel (Corylus avellana 'Contorta')
Corkscrew Hazel, also known as ‘Contorta’, is a unique and intriguing addition to the January garden. This variety of Corylus avellana is especially noted for its ornately twisted and spiraling branches, which provide a striking architectural element to the winter landscape.
This deciduous shrub thrives in well-drained soil and can adapt to a range of soil types. It prefers a sunny or partially shaded spot in the garden. Corkscrew Hazel is relatively low maintenance, but it benefits from occasional pruning to remove any straight shoots that don’t match the twisted character of the plant. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring. In addition to its fascinating form, Corkscrew Hazel produces catkins in late winter or early spring, adding a touch of subtle color and texture. Its distinctive shape makes it a focal point in the garden, particularly in winter when its contorted branches can be fully appreciated against a stark landscape. Corkscrew Hazel’s unique aesthetic appeal makes it an excellent choice for adding interest and character to a winter garden.
Viburnum x bodnantense
Viburnum x bodnantense is a standout winter-flowering shrub, celebrated for its clusters of fragrant, pinkish-white flowers that bloom from late winter into early spring. This hybrid Viburnum variety provides much-needed color and fragrance during the colder months, making it a valuable addition to the January garden.
Ideal for borders or as a specimen plant, Viburnum x bodnantense thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, is important for maintaining its health and vigor. This shrub is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning. If pruning is necessary, it’s best done immediately after flowering to shape the plant and encourage new growth. The flowers not only brighten the winter garden but also attract pollinators, adding an ecological benefit. With its elegant blooms and sweet fragrance, Viburnum x bodnantense is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to extend the flowering season into the colder months.
Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox)
Wintersweet, or Chimonanthus praecox, is a highly valued plant in the winter garden for its incredibly fragrant, waxy yellow flowers that bloom in the heart of winter. This deciduous shrub can brighten up a barren winter landscape not only with its blooms but also with its delightful scent.
Wintersweet prefers a sunny spot in the garden to maximize its flowering potential. It thrives in well-drained soil and benefits from being planted in a sheltered location to protect its delicate flowers from harsh winter winds. While it’s a low-maintenance plant, it does best with some space to grow, as it can become quite large. Minimal pruning is required; if necessary, it should be done just after flowering to maintain the shape of the plant and encourage healthy growth. The enchanting fragrance of Wintersweet’s blooms makes it a standout choice for January gardens, offering a sensory experience that is both rare and captivating during the colder months.
As we’ve explored, the January garden is far from barren; it’s a realm where unique and resilient plants come to life. These ornamental plants defy the winter chill with their vibrant blooms, captivating fragrances, and striking forms. Incorporating these plants into your garden not only adds visual interest during the winter months but also provides a haven for local wildlife and a source of joy for the gardener. Embrace these winter wonders to transform your garden into a year-round sanctuary of natural beauty.