Plant these bulbs to create the ultimate festive tablescape
From bright cyclamen to pretty paperwhites, give your garden (and home) a burst of life this December with these quick-blooming flowers. It may feel too late to plant, but some bulbs can still go in the ground now — and reward you with beautiful Christmas blooms.
'Even when summer flowers have faded, you can still find plenty of plants that provide colour, texture, and shape in the winter garden,' says Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres. 'With the right plants and a little care, you can enjoy a beautiful outdoor space full of colour and interest throughout the winter months.'
Get your gardening gloves ready and take a look at the flowers to plant now:
Nothing heralds the start of the festive season like a Christmas rose, also known as the hellebore. To ensure flowering for Christmas Day, plant yours in November before the ground freezes.
'These hardy perennials produce large, nodding flowers in shades of white, even in frosty conditions. Plant them now in a sheltered, shady spot with well-drained soil to enjoy their elegant blooms right around Christmas,' explains Emma.
'Amaryllis are a true showstopper for Christmas blooms. Known for their large, trumpet-shaped flowers in red, white and pink shades, they add an instant festive cheer to any home,' says Emma Fell, Head of Horticulture at Hillier Garden Centres.
'Plant your amaryllis bulb now in a pot that allows for just a couple of centimetres of compost around the bulb, and choose a peat-free, multi-purpose compost. Place in a brightly lit window and you can expect gorgeous blooms in about 6 weeks, just in time for Christmas.'
Pansies can be planted in November, as long as the ground hasn't frozen. Small but mighty, these groundcover flowers provide vibrant winter colour from late autumn through to early spring. Choose from purple, yellow and blue.
'These resilient flowers will continue blooming through winter, adding charm and colour throughout the Christmas season and beyond.'
Quick-blooming paperwhites make the most beautiful festive table displays. A close relative of the daffodils, these powdery-white flowers should be planted by mid-to-late November. They'll take around four to six weeks to bloom — plant bulbs in pots or shallow bowls with gravel and water.
'Cyclamen are ideal for a winter splash of colour, offering delicate flowers in shades of pink, white and red that bloom from late autumn into December,' says Emma.
'Perfect for shaded areas, these plants thrive in cool conditions, down to around minus two Celsius. Plant them in pots or garden beds now, and they'll bring a graceful touch of colour to your garden or doorstep, just in time for Christmas.'
Plant your winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) near a wall or fence for a beautiful, trailing look. Top tip: cut a few branches and place them in a jug for a nature-inspired display.
'Winter jasmine or Jasminium nudiflorum bursts into bright yellow blooms from December to early spring. Their flowers appear on bare stems, providing a stunning contrast to the winter landscape. Plant now in a sunny or partially shaded location, and they will bloom early in winter, making them a perfect addition to any Christmas display.'
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