A Beautiful Winter Garden Trivia Quiz

Answer: Pansies

Pansies, also known as garden pansies or violas, were first cultivated in the early 19th century by cross-breeding various types of the wildflower Viola tricolour, commonly known as 'heartsease'. This small plant grows showy flowers with multi-coloured petals, commonly in shades of purple, pink, yellow, red and white.

However, some of the many hundreds of varieties available have flowers in just a single shade.

Answer: Snowdrop

Snowdrops are hardy little plants with delicate white flowers that are amongst the first flowers to appear in early spring or late winter. They are perennial, so can be relied upon to reappear year after year once planted. The best displays of snowdrops will be found in years with particularly cold weather, as they will sprout and flower almost regardless of the temperature and their blooms last longer in cool conditions than if they are subjected to lots of sunshine and heat.

Answer: Witch hazel

Witch hazel has the botanical name 'Hamemelis' and commonly flowers from late autumn right through the winter. As a deciduous species, witch hazel loses its leaves in the autumn meaning that the flowers are particularly visible in a winter garden. It also has the added bonus of providing a pleasant, spicy fragrance to your outdoor space.

These plants are best placed in a sunny, open position with slightly acidic soil. You might also find extract of witch hazel in your bathroom during the winter as it is a useful astringent and good for the skin.

Answer: Viburnum

There are well over 100 species of viburnum native to the northern hemisphere, although they can also be found in south east Asia and South America. They make a nice addition to a winter garden thanks to the fact that they keep their glossy leaves throughout the winter and also have delicate whiteish-pink flowers and an array of berries as well.

Laburnum is a species of tree, alburnum is part of the wood of a tree and weburnum is what happens when humans put wood into a fireplace.

Answer: Heather

In the wild, heathers (plants of the genus Ericaceae) provide a splash of colour on moors and heathlands. However, they can also provide a welcome (if somewhat close to the ground) display of colour in an otherwise drab winter garden. They grow particularly well in acidic soil and can also cope with poor quality or infertile ground. If you decide to visit your local garden centre to invest in some heather for the winter, it is important to check which species you are purchasing as many flower at other times of the year.

Answer: Cyclamen

Winter-flowering cyclamens grow from a round tuber that lies dormant underground during the summer, but sprouts in autumn, with flowers developing (unsurprisingly) during the winter period. There are over 20 species of cyclamens in the Primulaceae family and all have flowers that are white, pink or purple (or some combination of these).

Interestingly cyclamens practice myrmecochory - they use ants as the primary method of dispersing their seeds. Therefore it's probably best to plant your cyclamens well away from your back door if you don't want to see an army of ants marching past.

However, since cyclamens grow best in well-sheltered spots, such as around the base of a tree, their appeal to ants shouldn't be a problem.

Answer: Buttercup

Helleborus niger is a member of the Ranunculaceae family - better known as buttercups or crowfoots. The name "Christmas rose" comes from the appearance of its rather showy flower (which bears a striking resemblance to a wild rose) and the fact that it is very likely to be in full bloom on December 25th. If you do choose to grow this plant in your garden, then make sure you don't accidentally eat it as hellebores are poisonous and can cause nasty stomach upsets and severe vomiting.

Answer: Dogwood

The Cornus genus is better known as the dogwoods and common names for the species Cornus sericea include red osier dogwood, red stem dogwood and American dogwood. It can grow to around eight metres (25 feet) in height and create dense thickets, so it is important that gardeners keep it well pruned if they don't want it to take over their entire plot (unless of course they have acres and acres of land at their disposal). Dogwoods are also particularly good at growing in soggy soil - another point that makes them ideal for an English garden despite the fact that they are actually native to North America.

Answer: Primrose

This plant has the scientific name Primula vulgaris and is also often known as the common primrose or the English primrose - so it is an ideal candidate for planting in an English country garden. Although it flowers relatively late in the winter, it is still a good option for providing a splash of colour in your garden on a wintry day.

They also have quite a strong scent so are good for planting near your front door. Although these plants have naturally yellow flowers and have given their name to a shade of yellow, there are many hybrid versions available that can provide a greater variety of colours.

Answer: Blue spruce

Blue spruce, Picea pungens, is a large evergreen with a bluish tinge to its spiny needles. Along with other conifers such as firs and pines, it is a commonly available species of Christmas tree. Of course, if you have space to grow one in your garden, then you could always let it survive the Christmas season by not chopping it down and just getting some waterproof decorations and outdoor lights instead.

In the wild, this species is native to the Rocky Mountains area of the USA and it is also Colorado's State Tree.