Gardening expert's 'incredibly easy to grow' winter plants that 'sparkle'

While many of us are already thinking about , now is the ideal time to consider winter plants and get stuck into some while the soil is still warm and before the frost sets in.

The main issue with winter gardens is that they can appear one-dimensional and dull due to a lack of colour and plant life at this time of year. It might be tempting to neglect your garden during the winter months, but this can actually make gardening more difficult come springtime.

To help avoid this and make things easier for gardeners, the experts at have shared a few plants you can start growing now to add some colour to your garden this winter.

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1. Hellebores

While many plants tend to hibernate during winter, these plants can "bring a magical touch" to your garden with their "luxuriant blousy blooms and abundant evergreen foliage".

They may look delicate, but don't be deceived - these are "sturdy plants" that "will survive the cold temperatures of winter" and remain "awe-inspiring".

2. Cornus

If you're looking for something to really "add a vibrant punch of colour" to your winter garden, then cornus is the plant for you with its fiery-coloured bark. This plant is "incredibly easy to grow" and its striking colour instantly adds shape and form to any garden it's planted in, reports .

3. Camellia

Camellias are a much sought-after, "low maintenance and extremely hardy" shrub that's perfect for planting in a pot or a border. Garden experts have revealed that a winter and spring garden "will sparkle with their extravagant blooms" that are adored by bees and butterflies. The evergreen foliage of these plants ensures there's always something eye-catching in the garden, even during the colder months.

4. Winter flowering clematis

Winter flowering clematis, in particular, is "sure to impress" with its lush foliage and stunning flowers, making it a standout when trained up a trellis or through shrubs.

5. Pansies

Pansies, a seasonal favourite, offer a vast array of colours, providing an "ideal plant for beginner gardeners" due to their ease of growth. They're perfect for adding a splash of colour in containers and window boxes from October to March.

6. Coronilla

For those in coastal or windy areas, coronilla is the "very best choice", with its sweet scent and lemon-yellow flowers bringing a hint of spring on sunny winter days.