As winter settles in, many gardens may seem like they’re taking a well-deserved rest, but there’s still plenty of life and beauty to be found in the colder months. English roses, with their exquisite blooms and rich fragrances, are known for brightening gardens from early summer through autumn, but their allure doesn’t have to fade when winter arrives. By pairing your roses with thoughtful companion plants, you can maintain visual interest and add seasonal charm that will make your garden a delight to behold all year long.

While roses themselves might not bloom in winter, surrounding them with winter-flowering shrubs can create an inviting display. Camellias are a perfect choice, with their elegant blooms that emerge as winter progresses. Their pink, red, or white flowers contrast beautifully against the deep greens of the roses’ foliage. Similarly, Mahonia, with its bright yellow, clustered flowers, brings a cheerful pop of colour when the garden is otherwise quiet.

Adding plants that bear colourful berries is a fantastic way to inject vibrant hues into your winter garden. The red and orange berries of pyracantha (firethorn) and cotoneaster contrast nicely with the deep greens of rose leaves and add visual interest. These plants are also a magnet for birds, providing a natural food source during the colder months and bringing a touch of life and movement to your garden. The glossy red hips of roses themselves are also a beautiful addition to winter arrangements and will remain attractive long after the blooms have faded.

While most perennials go dormant in winter, certain varieties still provide a touch of colour and interest. Hellebores, commonly known as Christmas or Lenten roses, are an excellent choice as they bloom in the colder months and create a delicate display. Their nodding, cup-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple pair beautifully with the classic look of English roses. Snowdrops (Galanthus) are another winter favourite; their tiny white blooms add a whimsical touch to garden beds and look charming when planted in clusters near rose bushes.

Winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) is a great option if you’re looking for a low-growing plant that can spill over garden walls or edges. Its yellow, star-shaped flowers bloom from late winter into early spring, adding a cheerful splash of colour. Pairing it with roses creates a soft, romantic effect that enhances the garden’s beauty in the colder months.