Japanese quince
With its flowering from February to April, the Japanese quince will bring a colorful touch to your garden during this rather gray period. It can be white, pink or red. It is a very rustic shrub that measures between 1 and 2 m. But watch out for its thorns! It prefers a sunny location, but it also adapts to partial shade. A location to the east will allow it to take advantage of the morning sun which favors its development.
Winter jasmine
Jasmine is known for its fragrant bloom. Its flowers, shaped like yellow trumpets, bloom in the middle of winter on the still bare twigs. The time of flowering varies depending on its exposure. It succeeds in flowering in partial shade, but prefers a sunny location. It enjoys good hardiness. Pruning promotes the appearance of young stems which will be more floriferous.
Heather
There are different species of heather, some of which are called “winter heather”. Depending on which one is chosen, flowering will take place at a different time. Among the winter heather, you can opt for the alpine heather with white, pink or purple flowers. You can also opt for Erica x darleyensis. These are hardy varieties that can be installed in partial shade. In winter, you will have the pleasure of seeing their flowers pierce the snowpack.
Mimosa
In winter, the mimosa illuminates the garden from December with these bright yellow pompoms. In addition, it gives off a scent that attracts attention. Its foliage is persistent. However, it is semi-rustic and therefore cannot be installed in any region. It is rather found in the south or on the Atlantic coast. Adult, it can measure between 3 and 10 m and grows quickly. It thrives in locations that benefit from at least 3 hours of sun per day. It prefers a rather sandy and well-drained soil.
Laurier-tin
In winter, to bring flowers to your hedge, you can opt for bay laurel. This bushy shrub does not exceed 3 meters. It is characterized by evergreen foliage with oval or even oblong leaves. They are dark green in color or they can be variegated depending on the variety. Its white or pinkish-white flowering forms beautiful bouquets at the end of the twigs and extends from November to April. For optimal development, it needs a sunny location and ordinary, drained soil. It is a rustic plant and very resistant to various aggressions, such as pollution, spray or wind.
Japan cherry tree
This shrub is easy to grow and, to illuminate your garden with its beautiful blooming, its only requirement is to benefit from good sunshine. To enjoy an autumn flowering, you can opt for the variety ‘Autumnalis’. But you will have to wait a few years before reaping the full benefit, because it is when it reaches adulthood that flowering is most abundant. He will then offer you pink buds, which will then bloom into beautiful white flowers. Its hardiness is rather good, since it supports temperatures down to -15 ° C.
Skimmia
Still little known in France, this shrub is as attractive in winter as in spring. It is characterized by an evergreen and fragrant foliage. It is not very high, since it hardly reaches more than 1 m and its growth is slow. If the soil in your garden is acidic, it will be especially popular there. Choose a location that is shaded during the hottest hours of the day. The skimmia can be used in a hedge, in isolated subject or in pot. It is not its flowering that will brighten up your garden in winter, but the profusion of small red berries. On the other hand, to benefit from it, it is necessary to have a male foot and a female foot. Its flowering takes place in spring. The flowers, grouped in panicles, have the shape of small white stars and give off an odor reminiscent of orange blossom. It is an easy to grow shrub that fears, however, periods of prolonged drought.
Mahonia
Depending on its species, mahonia flowers between October and April. It thrives more in partial shade or in the shade, whatever the type of soil, although it prefers a rather sandy soil. However, it can also adapt to a sunny exposure. Its thick green foliage is reminiscent of holly because of its prickly leaflets. It takes on a purple tint in winter. Its flowering is characterized by small fragrant bright yellow flowers gathered in panicles or spikes. Then, during the summer, bluish berries, very popular with birds, appear. It is therefore a shrub that is of interest season after season. Mahonia is hardy and can be planted in all regions of France. Its growth is slow and it will not reach more than 1 and 3 m in height, which means that it can be installed in a container.
Chimonanthe
With its fragrant winter flowering, it will be a real delight in winter and will bring a touch of cheerfulness to your garden. This shrub can reach between 3 and 4 m in height and is recognizable by its rounded silhouette. Its interest lies in its small yellow flowers with purple spots that give off a smell reminiscent of honey. Easy to grow and resistant, it finds its place everywhere in France. It thrives in cool, drained soil. It tolerates calcareous soil. You can opt for a location in the sun or in partial shade. It is practically maintenance-free, since it does not need to be pruned.
Garrya elliptica
This bushy shrub has a bushy habit. Its growth is slow and, in a garden, it rarely exceeds 3 meters. Its foliage is evergreen and its flowering is spectacular because it is adorned with long cream-colored catkins. It can be planted in isolated subject, but it will be necessary to take care to buy well a male foot to take advantage of its famous flowering. The female feet, on the other hand, are adorned with flowers in erect spikes of silvery color. It is a shrub resistant to various attacks. For him, the ideal is a sunny location, whatever the type of soil, as long as it is well drained.