What to Plant in February: Expert Gardening Advice from Your Local Garden Centre

February often feels like the quietest month in the garden. But don’t be fooled - this is a key month for planting and planning if you want a thriving garden later in the year. With the right plant choices, you can get a valuable head start on spring and summer growth.

February planting tips for gardens

If you enjoy growing from seed, February is ideal for sowing early varieties of fruit, vegetables and flowers indoors or in a greenhouse. Tomatoes, chillies, sweet peas and early salad crops all benefit from an early start.

It’s also one of the best times of year to plant shrubs, hedging plants and trees. While plants are dormant, they settle into the soil with minimal stress, allowing strong root systems to develop before spring growth begins.

Hardy perennials such as hardy geraniums and Japanese anemones can also be planted now, rewarding you with colour year after year. However, if you’re looking for a plant with instant winter impact, there’s one clear standout: Hamamelis, commonly known as witch hazel.

Why Plant Witch Hazel (Hamamelis)?

Witch hazel is one of the finest winter-flowering shrubs you can buy from a garden centre. Native to North America and eastern Asia, Hamamelis is perfectly suited to the UK’s cool, damp climate. There are five main species, with Hamamelis mollis and Hamamelis × intermedia being the most popular varieties found in UK gardens.

As well as its garden appeal, witch hazel has a fascinating history. Traditionally used in herbal medicine for skin care and soothing remedies, it remains a popular ingredient in modern cosmetics. Its unusual common name may come from these historical uses or from its striking, spidery flowers that might resemble twisted hands.

Winter flowers and autumn colour

One of the biggest reasons gardeners love witch hazel is its ability to brighten the garden when little else is in bloom. From late winter to early spring, Hamamelis produces vivid yellow, orange or red flowers on bare branches, creating a dramatic focal point.

Many varieties also have a lightly spicy or citrus fragrance, making them ideal for planting near paths, entrances or patios where you can enjoy the scent even on cold days. Witch hazel isn’t just a one-season wonder either; its oval green leaves turn rich shades of gold and orange in autumn, extending its interest throughout the year.

Witch hazels work beautifully as:

• A specimen shrub
• Underplanted with spring bulbs
• A feature plant in a large container
• Cut branches for indoor flower arrangements

How to plant witch hazel

The best time to plant witch hazel is between late October and early April, as long as the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged.

Planting advice from our garden centre experts:

• Choose a sunny or lightly shaded position
• Shelter from strong, cold winds
• Free-draining soil is essential

If your garden has alkaline soil, growing witch hazel in a large pot with neutral or ericaceous compost is often more successful. For heavy clay soils, improve drainage by digging in organic matter before planting.

Although slow-growing, witch hazels can eventually reach up to 6ft tall and wide (if you let them), so give them plenty of space.

Planting steps:

1. Dig a hole about 1.5 times the width of the pot
2. Ensure the plant sits level with, or slightly above, ground level
3. Tease out any circling roots before planting
4. Backfill with soil and firm gently
5. Water thoroughly, even if the soil is damp

Most young plants won’t need staking, but larger specimens may benefit (our team will be happy to advise if you’re not sure).

Witch hazel care and maintenance

Witch hazel is a low-maintenance shrub, perfect for gardeners who want maximum impact with minimal effort.

• No deadheading required
• Pruning is rarely needed
• Feeding is optional: a general fertiliser in late winter is enough

Watering is the main consideration. Young plants need regular watering during their first couple of years, especially in dry weather or if grown in containers. A lack of water in autumn or winter can cause flower drop, so keep an eye on soil moisture.

Plant now, enjoy for years

February is the perfect time to invest in your garden’s future. By planting witch hazel now, you’ll enjoy beautiful winter flowers, rich autumn colour and a fragrant, elegant shrub for many years to come.

Visit our garden centre today to explore our range of witch hazel plants, shrubs, composts and expert gardening advice - and let us help you make the most of your garden this season.