WINTER firecrackers

Warm up chilly days with sizzling colour

- CHRIS MORLEY

Joy givers

Now that the last of the autumn leaves have skittered to the ground, gardens can often seem bereft of colour. Yet there are plenty of plants that catch the eye (and delight the nose) in winter, glowing with vibrant leaves, buds and perfumed flowers. A seasonal display will bring joy through the darkest months of the year – and now is the perfect time to get planting.

Scent trails

Mark the beginning of winter with a scented shrub. Witch hazel (hamamelis) peaks from November/December, with streamer-like petals that act like a barometer – curling into tight bundles when it’s freezing and unfurling in clement weather. As a bonus, their potent sweet scent will tempt you into the garden on dry, still days. Top picks include citron-hued ‘Wisely Supreme’ (H3m), burnt orange ‘Aphrodite’ (H3m) and crimson ‘Rubin’ (H4m).