Garden Q&A: What are the best plants to add winter colour?

Whether you're a gardening beginner or expert, Irish Examiner columnist Peter Dowdall has the answer to your questions

Hanging baskets can add colour to winter gardens. File picture

What plants can I use to provide winter colour in pots and hanging baskets?

ANSWER

Adding winter colour in pots and planters is a great idea as we could all do with a bit of a lift during the darker months. 

As the summer bedding fades, look for plants that provide some winter flowers such as cyclamen, violas, bellis and primulas — but also look for plants that will give some foliage interest such as carex and other ornamental grasses and heucheras which are available in a broad range of leaf colours.

Perhaps the best winter-flowering and most important of this season's plants for bees and any pollinating insects is heather. 

Irish-grown heathers will add a real touch of sparkle and life over the next few months.

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