Guide To A Winter Wonderland Of Scent Outdoors

Winter in the UK can be a chilly affair, but at British Garden Centres, we know how to turn it into a fragrant delight to take the blues away and make your garden the focal point, even when other plants are dormant. Our plant team has put together some great suggestions of winter-scented plants you can find instore that will transform your garden into a sensory oasis, filling it with the sweet and intoxicating aromas of nature.

One of the most captivating winter-scented shrubs is the Sarcococca. Its evergreen leaves provide a great backdrop for the delicate, fragrant flowers that emerge in late winter or early spring. The scent, a delightful blend of sweet and spicy, is particularly intoxicating when placed near your doors or patios. Available in various sizes, from dwarf varieties to large shrubs, Sarcococca can be easily incorporated into outdoor spaces.

Another late-season evergreen gem, Mahonia, offers a different kind of winter fragrance. Known for their glossy, holly-like leaves, Mahonia produce clusters of fragrant yellow flowers in winter or early spring. Their hardy nature and ability to tolerate a range of growing conditions make them a popular choice for gardens across the UK, especially in the colder and wetter months.

The Hamamelis, more commonly known as witch hazel, is a unique plant for autumn and winter. Its unusual, twisted branches and fragrant flowers, which bloom in shades of yellow, orange, and red, add a touch of much-needed colour to the winter garden.

For those seeking a more intense fragrance, Daphne is an excellent choice. Its intoxicating scent, which can fill a garden or balcony with its sweet perfume, is a showstopper for winter.

Deciduous plants also offer a wealth of scented delights. Viburnum has fragrant flowers in shades of white or pink and can be evergreen or deciduous, providing a variety of options for gardeners. Some viburnums also offer attractive foliage or berries, adding to their appeal for autumn and winter colour. Skimmia, another evergreen shrub, produces clusters of fragrant flowers in winter or early spring in shades of red or pink. Relatively low-maintenance and suitable for both containers and gardens, Skimmia is a versatile choice for gardeners of all levels.

Winter jasmine, with its cheerful, star-shaped flowers, fragrant honeysuckle, and aromatic sweet bay leaves, also offer a delightful array of options for gardeners seeking to infuse their winter garden with captivating scents.

When planting winter-scented plants, choose a spot that’s right for each kind, your local British Garden Centres store will be able to advise on the best homes for your plants. Some like lots of sunlight, while others prefer shady areas. Make sure the soil is loose and has lots of good quality compost worked in. Water them regularly, especially when it’s dry, and put mulch around their base to help them stay healthy.

By carefully selecting and planting winter-scented plants, you can create a garden that is filled with fragrance and beauty throughout the colder months. The sweet and intoxicating aromas of these plants will not only uplift your spirits but also provide a haven for wildlife. So why not embark on a fragrant journey and discover the magic of winter-scented plants in your own garden?