Plant of the month
Every month of the year has it own special plant, and in the winter it has to be one that actually flowers.
In January it has to be the Winter Flowering Jasmine (Jasminum
nudiflorum) which became a firm favourite after it was introduced from
Northern China by the 19th century plant collector, Robert Fortune.
It thrives in almost any place, including north facing, and lights up the
garden with its golden flowers during the dark days.
Two other great winter flowering shrubs are the gloriously scented shrubby honeysuckle, Lonicera fragrantissima, and the North American Garrya elliptica, which produces wonderful long jade-green catkins now.
All these plants are uncomplaining given a sheltered spot, and are perfect for
cutting for flower arrangements.
