Winter hanging baskets that stand up to the weather

A winter hanging basket needs to look good when the temperature drops, the rain arrives and flowers take a break. The most reliable approach is to build it around hardy evergreen foliage, then add a few winter flowers and bulbs for colour when conditions allow.

These three designs are intended for a basket about 35 cm (14 in) across. The images show how each combination could look; the plant lists give you the quantities to buy.

Gold, purple and ivy winter basket

1. Gold, purple and ivy

Plant list

• 1 small Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’ for the centre
• 3 purple winter violas around the rim
• 2 small variegated ivies (Hedera) to trail over the sides
• 5–7 crocus bulbs tucked between the plants

The carex provides a bright, arching centre and the ivy keeps the basket looking full through the winter. The violas may flower in mild spells; the crocuses add a welcome lift towards spring. This is a good choice for a bright entrance.

Heather and white primroses winter basket

2. Heather and white primroses

Plant list

• 1 compact winter-flowering heath, Erica carnea, for the centre
• 3 white primroses around the rim
• 2 small green ivies to trail
• 5 dwarf iris bulbs (Iris reticulata) beneath the surface

This basket has a softer, cottage-garden look. The heath supplies lasting structure and winter colour, while the primroses flower when the weather is suitable. The dwarf irises emerge later, bringing a fresh splash of colour as winter turns to spring.

Bronze foliage and pale yellow flowers winter basket

3. Bronze foliage and pale yellow flowers

Plant list

• 1 compact, reliably evergreen bronze or purple heuchera for the centre
• 3 pale yellow winter violas around the rim
• 2 small green ivies to trail
• 5–7 crocus bulbs between the plants

The heuchera’s leaves do most of the work, making this basket attractive even when there are no flowers open. Give it a position with some shelter from persistent heavy rain, and choose a heuchera sold as evergreen rather than semi-evergreen.

How to make a basket last through winter

Start with a sound basket, a secure bracket and a liner that holds the compost while allowing excess water to escape. Use fresh, good-quality container compost and check that the finished basket drains freely. Winter roots are more likely to suffer in waterlogged compost than in an ordinary cold spell.

Arrange the central plant first, set the smaller plants around it and angle the ivy gently over the rim. Leave a little room for growth instead of packing the basket tightly. Tuck the bulbs into gaps at their recommended planting depth, then water the basket thoroughly and let it drain before hanging it up.

Choose a bright spot where the basket will not be battered by the strongest wind. Check the compost occasionally with a finger: water if it is becoming dry, but keep it moist rather than soggy. Avoid watering when frost is forecast. Remove faded flowers and damaged leaves as needed. There is no need to feed a winter basket; feeding can encourage soft growth that frost may damage.

Winter flowers are naturally less continuous than summer bedding. By choosing foliage that looks good every day, you get a basket with colour and shape throughout the season, with flowers and bulbs appearing when the weather gives them a chance.

GardenAdvice tip: Once the display is finished, the ivy, carex, heath and heuchera can be considered for planting elsewhere in the garden, provided the new position suits each plant.