While there are a plethora of evergreen trees and shrubs that provide interest year-round, these plants really stand out in the garden when that first frost hits.
Dwarf Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ or ‘Little Bunny’) – Although not technically an evergreen, the flower stalks can be left on through the winter to provide interest until new growth begins. As winter comes to an end, the whole plant can be cut back to ensure a tidy appearance in the coming growing season. Hameln gets to be about 2-3 feet tall and wide while Little Bunny stays more compact at 1-1.5 feet tall and wide so you can find the perfect place to fit them in your garden.
Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’) – With flower stalks that can reach upwards of 6 feet, this grass is perfect for adding height to the garden. Similar to Pennisetums, the flower stalks can be left on throughout winter to capture the frost but should be cut back in late winter before new growth emerges. Works well in breezy locations to create movement in the garden.
Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis) – Another option for adding height in the garden, Maiden Grass forms 3-4 foot wide grass-like clumps that reach up to 5 feet tall which is then topped by plumes that can get up to 6 feet tall. The thin blade-like foliage and flower plumes sway in the wind and add texture to winter landscapes.
Hydrangeas – Leaving flower heads on Hydrangeas into winter offers a whimsical, structural element to the garden. Panicle (Hydrangea paniculata) and Smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) are some of the hardiest Hydrangeas but in our temperate climate in the Pacific Northwest most Hydrangeas will do just fine. You’ll want to make sure they’re getting at least some water throughout the winter months and if it snows a lot, it’s a good idea to brush off snow to prevent any canes from breaking.
Heuchera – This evergreen perennial provides colorful foliage year-round but really stands out under a blanket of frost. The unique, frilly shapes of the leaves really stand out this time of year, especially the dark-leaved varieties. In late winter they may start to look a little messy so you can cut them back then before new foliage starts to grow.
Gulf Stream Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica ‘Gulf Stream’) – As temperatures start to cool, the evergreen foliage from summer will turn vibrant shades of red and stay on throughout winter and into spring before changing back to green. They can handle many different conditions including drought and hot, sunny locations. Cuttings also work well for cut flower arrangements in the fall and winter.
Red-Twig & Yellow-Twig Dogwoods (Cornus sericea) – When most of the garden is in shades of gray and brown in winter, the bare stems of the red-twig and yellow-twig dogwoods stand out especially after a fresh snowfall.
Echinacea – Echinacea may reach its peak in later summer but the remaining seedheads will persist into winter if left alone and are beneficial to local wildlife. The flower stalks remain standing above the foliage mound and add architectural interest to the winter garden and frost gives the seedheads a thistle-like appearance while the seeds provide food for various birds. Their deer and drought resistance is perfect for native gardens, along dry streams, or in a perennial border.
Lenten (or Christmas) Rose (Helleborus) – Another evergreen perennial, the leathery leaves stand up nicely to chilly temps and produce some of the earliest flowers of the year, hence the name Christmas Rose. The foliage comes in varying shades of green and late winter flowers appear in shades of white, red, pink, and purple. Hellebores are perfect for that shady space in your garden.
Viburnums – Viburnums provide year-round interest but winter and spring is where they really shine. Depending on the variety, a cascade of blooms in shades of white to pink emerge in spring. Foliage is green and deeply veined throughout summer and turns shades of red, orange, or purple in fall. Fall also brings bright red berries (sometimes dark blue) that persist through winter and provide food for birds and other wildlife. The red berries are really highlighted in the winter garden.
What plants stand out in your winter garden? Leave a comment or send us a picture of your garden in winter, we’d love to hear from you!
