Plants which will provide 'beautiful' blooms all winter long - you must plant now

Whilst many wind their down for autumn and winter, others will be looking for to bring colour into their outdoor spaces.

Autumn can be a great time to plant annuals, perennials, and evergreen shrubs, according to James Ewens, a garden design expert at .

The expert said: "Many plants are great for colder seasons.

"Throughout autumn, you can focus on flowers, scents, berries and dramatic evergreen foliage to bring colour and warmth to your garden, which at times can feel bare and frosty as the weather gets colder.

"Below are my top picks for winter plants that you can add to your garden starting from now, so the autumn glow fades, you will be surprised at the colour and splendour your garden can still offer."

Strawberry tree

When not producing juicy fruits, the strawberry tree produces clusters of white flowers from October to December.

They can be grown in large containers, making them perfect for patios or courtyards.

They're also drought tolerant making them suitable for sloping areas or banks where soil drainage might be an issue for other plants.

Clematis cirrhosa

The expert explained: "This little climber plant is an evergreen that blooms during the winter months.

"It retains its green leaves throughout the whole year and delights gardeners with its bell-shaped, creamy white or pale yellow flowers from November to March.

"Its delicate, bell-shaped flowers will cascade over the surface, making beautiful pergola decorations or an eye-catching doorway display."

Winter iris

This plant is great for borders, rock gardens or even pots, making it a versatile winter plant.

It's relatively low-maintenance and will give you the results of "beautiful" blooms from October to March.

Make sure to keep it in an area of the garden which receives sun and as much warmth as possible.

The garden pro added: "Depending on the severity of the winter, flowering times for shrubs and plants can vary.

"Some may bloom sporadically over several weeks or months, and some not at all, but with a bit of TLC and patience, you can often still enjoy a beautiful floral display when the conditions eventually improve.

"With that said, winter doesn't have to mean the end of a vibrant garden. With the right selection and plants, you can transform your outdoors into a space that beams with colour and life.

"So, get ready to dig in and plant these winter gems, ensuring your garden shines vibrantly no matter the season!"