I found this list at Thompson and Morgan the seed specialists. These plants will flower in the late autumn and even in a mild winter, but will then provide a splash of color in the spring. Top of the list are pansies followed by their cousins the violas. Three and four are primroses and polyanthus, but you will have to read their article to discover the other six.

Autumn is the perfect time to plant out bedding plants for spring flowering. Winter bedding plants are often referred to as Spring bedding plants or even autumn bedding plants. However there?s no need to get confused. Simply put, they are biennials or perennials, which are planted from September to November. Most common bedding plants flower throughout the winter during milder spells, before putting on a burst of vigorous growth in the spring.
Try planting winter bedding plants in beds, borders, containers, window boxes or hanging baskets for a welcome splash of colour when few other plants are in flower. Why not try planting spring bulbs underneath your bedding plants for something a bit different!
It?s easy to order your bedding plants online. Choose from our large range of bedding plant plugs for sale. Take a look at our Top 10 favourites below for lots of winter bedding plant ideas. For more information read this helpful article on how to grow bedding plants.

1. Pansies

A stalwart of winter bedding displays, Pansy plants are so versatile and will bloom for far longer than any other winter flowering bedding plant. From autumn through to spring, pansies provide a welcome splash of colour in beds, borders, containers, window boxes and hanging baskets! Available in many colours, including white, purple, blue, red, orange and yellow, grow winter-flowering pansies in a sunny or partially shaded position and dead-head regularly for continuous flowering.

2. Violas

Generally slightly smaller than Pansies, Viola plants produce an abundance of dainty flowers on neat compact growth for a more subtle display. As versatile as pansies, you can buy upright varieties such as Viola ‘Sweeties’ or trailing violas such as Viola ‘Allspice Mixed’ which are ideal for winter hanging baskets. Many violas often have a delightful sweet fragrance too.

3. Primrose

A well-loved cottage garden bedding plant. Modern breeding has given us a plethora of new colours, sizes and improved flowering in primrose plants. No longer flowering for a brief period in spring, modern varieties such as Primrose ‘World’s Most Scented Mix’ start producing their rosettes of flowers from mid-winter onwards in a whole host of bright colours. Try this hardy perennial bedding plant in beds, borders, window boxes and containers to add sparkle to your garden on dull winter days.

4. Polyanthus

Compact and bright, Polyanthus plants differ slightly to primroses in that the flowers are produced in umbels atop short, sturdy stems. As colourful as their cousins and with long-lasting flowers, Polyanthus are superb winter bedding plants for beds, borders, window boxes and containers. For a fragrant display try Polyanthus ‘Most Scented Mix’.

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