Advice
Containers in winter
Make the most of your containers and avoid keeping them bare in winter while waiting for seasonal spring plants to flower. Try using evergreen plants or topiary, surrounded by seasonal bedding and bulbs, aiming for a succession of flowers from autumn through to spring.
Containers
Containers should be frost proof or they will need wrapping to protect from frost at the very time they should look their best. The containers should be raised on feet to give free drainage, and ensure the holes are not blocked by using crocks or a layer of gravel in the base of the container.
Compost
For shrubs and longer term planting use a loam based compost such as John Innes No 3. A formula for ericaceous plants is available without added lime. For tubs and containers with a seasonal display only use a multi-purpose compost based on a peat substitute such as composted bark or coir.
Watering
Take care to avoid winter wet, but do not assume that there is sufficient rain in the winter. Check containers weekly and water when necessary. Never water during freezing weather. Wait until growth starts in spring before feeding.
Selection
For seasonal planting follow summer-flowering plants which flower well into the autumn - such as Fuchsia - with spring-flowering plants such as Erysimum (wallflower), Bellis perennis, Dianthus barbatus (sweet william). Few plants flower throughout the winter but pansies, polyanthus and other primulas are a good choice and can provide colour in mild weather.
Ideally choose plants which are hardy if you only have one or two containers. Use slightly tender architectural plants such as Cordyline or Trachycarpus and protect from cold damage in situ or move to a frost free environment in severe weather.
Many garden centres now sell shrubs and herbacous perennials in small pots for container use. These can be transferred to the garden and replaced with younger specimens when necessary. Flowering examples include cultivars of Erica x darleyensis, Erica carnea, Rosmarinus officinalis Prostratus Group AGM, Helleborus niger AGM.
Choose plants with an attractive foliage when they are not in flower. For permanent planting try, Ajuga reptans ‘Braunhertz’ AGM, Choisya ternata ‘Sundance’ AGM, Convolvulus cneorum AGM, Euonymus fortunei cvs, Hedera helix cvs., Hebe pinguifolia ‘Pagei’ AGM, Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' AGM, Polystichum setiferum AGM.
A wide range of bulbs flower between autumn and spring. Try planting some bulbs in double layers for a denser display which will provide colour for longer. The following are good choices for winter containers: Colchium, Chionodoxa, Anemone blanda, Crocus, Eranthis hyemalis AGM, Galanthus nivalis AGM, Iris danfordiae.