The garden comes alive in Spring & Summer with countless blooms, but when the snow falls and gray clouds return, there are many plants that shine in the winter landscape. Focusing on evergreen foliage and texture will add multi-season interest even in the coldest months.
Chief Joseph Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) – This slow growing dwarf pine can be somewhat unassuming in spring and summer with its typical green needles, but when the temperatures get colder, it turns a bright, golden yellow. Perfect as a focal point in the winter landscape, this will only get about 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It gets its best color in full sun and can handle rock garden type locations with good drainage.
Curly Leucothoe (Leucothoe axillaris ‘Curly Red’) – You can’t go wrong with a shade loving Leucothoe, but this one looks especially pretty under a fresh dusting of snow. The curly, evergreen leaves turn shades of red in fall and fade into purples and maroons by winter and catch the snow perfectly. This compact shrub only grows to 1.5-2 feet tall and wide making it ideal for small shady spaces or pots.
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.
Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis) – Perfect for adding airy 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.
Lily of the Valley Bush (Pieris) – Prized for their clusters of bell-shaped flowers in spring, their foliage is nothing to sleep on either. Some varieties, like ‘Little Heath’, have variegated leaves with new leaves emerging pink while others, like ‘Mountain Fire’, have bright red new growth that turns a deep green. These can be great shrubs that add year-round height to the shade garden without being overbearing. They work well as a hedge or a focal plant with some being compact enough for container gardens.
What plants stand out in your winter garden this time of year? Let us know in the comments, we’d love to hear from you!
