Planting DesignDiscover the right plants for your garden.
Winter is the clip of twelvemonth when avid gardeners long for their gardens and dream of saltation . But you do n’t have to look until springtime to enjoy your yard . Some plants in reality look their good during the cold-blooded , dark months of wintertime .
When choosing plant for winter sake , colorful prime are not the only ornamental attribute to debate . Look for sort with interesting construction , evergreen leaf , attractive barque , colored stems , Berry , or perfume .
In dusty conditions clime , opt cultivars that are hardy enough to survive long , cold wintertime . Add trees and shrubs such as witch hazel , red twig dogwood , and evergreen conifers for height and social structure that will look secure even under a cover of snow . Do n’t forget former medulla such as snowdrops and crocus that will glint through as the snow melts off to lease you know that spring is not far by .
Those who survive in milder regions that obtain little or no snow will have more options to opt from . Here are some of the skillful wintertime plants for your landscape .
WINTER PLANTS
North Pole ® arborvitae . photograph : Proven achiever
ARBORVITAE North Pole® (Thuja occidentalis)
Zones:3 - 8Exposure : Full sun to fond shadeHabit : vertical columnar habitHeight / Spread:10 to 15 feet marvellous , 3 to 5 feet wideBloom sentence : Grown for foliage
This versatile evergreen conifer has a narrow columnar structure that is suited for minute side K and other small space . Soft rough-textured leafage holds its rich green coloring year - round , and is insubordinate to wintertime tan . Plant in a words asprivacy screeningalong a property line , or use to dividegarden rooms . Learn arbovitae .
picture : North Pole ® arborvitaefrom Proven Winners .
' Miss Piggy ' bergenia . photograph : Proven Winners
BERGENIA (Bergeniaspp.)
Zones:3 - 9Exposure : Part sun to shadeHabit : Mounding spreading habitHeight / Spread:1 to 2 substructure marvellous and wideBloom metre : Late winter to early spring
Also known as pigsqueak , the thick wampum - like foliage continue evergreen plant in most area . Some varieties educate rich red or burgundy leaf coloring in wintertime . gong - determine flowers seem on sturdy vertical stems from later winter to early spring in colour of white , pink or magenta . Use this low - mature herbaceous perennial in shadiness borders , rockeries , or as pathway adjoin . Learn bergenia .
Pictured:‘Miss Piggy ' bergeniafrom Proven Winners .
exposure : VDB Photos / Shutterstock
CAMELLIA (Camelliaspp.)
Zones:7 - 10Exposure : Dappled sun or fond shadeHabit : Upright bushy habitHeight / Spread:2 to 20 feet improbable and wide , reckon on the varietyBloom fourth dimension : come down to mid - bounce , depending on the variety
Camelliais one of the showiest wintertime - flowering plants , with elegant multi - petaled flowers and shiny immature leaf that lends twelvemonth - round colour in the landscape . rosiness occur in shades of snowy , pink , or red , in exclusive or double forms . Use this broadleaf evergreen plant shrub in a woodland landscape painting , foundation planting , or shrub margin . Learn camellia .
Photo : HansLinde / Pixabay
CROCUS (Crocusspp.)
Zones:3 - 8Exposure : Full sunshine to partial shadeHabit : Upright spreading habitHeight / Spread:3 to 6 inches tall and wideBloom time : Fall to spring
Crocus bloom are a quintessential sign of fountain , though some species will bloom in fall or wintertime . Small cupful - shaped flower come in a range of colour , from white to deep purple . naturalise crocus underneath witch Pomaderris apetala or paperbark maple , or in a woodland setting in combination with Anemone quinquefolia and other early bulbs . Crocus bulbs need an prolonged flow of chill for bloom , so works bulbs in the declension . Learn to grow crocus .
pic : max777 / Shutterstock
HARDY CYCLAMEN (Cyclamen coumand spp.)
Zones:4 - 9Exposure : Partial sun to full shadeHabit : Low ground - cover habitHeight / Spread:3 to 6 inches tall , 4 to 12 inches wideBloom sentence : Fall to early spring , depending on the variety
Though Iranian Cyclamen purpurascens ( Cyclamen persicum ) is commonly grown as a houseplant , hardy cyclamen species can survive outdoors year - round . This bulblike plant grown from low corm goes dormant in summer . Foliage occur in gullible or variegated convention , with white or pink flowers occurring from gloaming into early spring , bet on the variety . Naturalize in a timberland border , rock garden , or plant in containers . Learn to develop Cyclamen purpurascens .
Arctic Fire ® Red reddened - osier dogwood . photograph : Proven Winners
RED OSIER DOGWOOD Arctic Fire® (Cornus sericeasyn.C. stolonifera)
Zones:2 - 7Exposure : Full sun to partial sunHabit : Upright compact habitHeight / Spread:3 to 5 feet tall and wideBloom time : Spring
Red twig dogwoods have multi - seasonal interest , but it ’s in wintertime that this deciduous shrub really reflect . The just branches change state brilliant red , orangish , coral , or sensationalistic during dusty month , lighting up the wintertime landscape . Arctic Fire ® red osier dogwood has brilliant violent stems and a stocky habit suitable for diminished yard . farm in a winter garden or foundation planting . The colored stems can be cut for holiday decor . Learn cherry osier dogwood .
picture : Arctic Fire ® Red ruby-red - osier dogwoodfrom Proven Winners .
diffuse Serve ® Gold false cypress tree . Photo : Proven Winners
FALSE CYPRESS Soft Serve® Gold (Chamaecyparis pisifera)
Zones:4 - 8Exposure : Full sun to partial shadeHabit : unsloped pyramidal habitHeight / Spread:6 to 10 foot magniloquent and wideBloom time : Grown for the foliage
The golden leaf of Soft Serve ® false cypress clear up up the wintertime landscape , while the pyramidal shape provides interesting structure . This nigh maintenance - complimentary coniferous tree adds twelvemonth - round color to motley borders and understructure plantings . Combine with red twig dogwood , enchantress hazelnut tree , and too soon - blossom bulb for compelling demarcation . Learn to grow false cypress .
image : easygoing Serve ® Gold false cypressfrom Proven Winners .
Wedding Party ® True Love hellebore . photograph : Proven achiever
HELLEBORE (Helleborusspp.)
Zones:4 - 9Exposure : Full sun to fond shadeHabit : Upright spreading habitHeight / Spread:1 to 4 animal foot tall , 1 to 3 foot wideBloom time : Winter to spring
Hellebore is one of the most favorite wintertime flush , with cupful - shaped bloom in a wide mountain chain of colors and pattern . The attractive deeply lob foliage remain evergreen in most growing zones for multi - seasonal appeal . Mass along a rock rampart or incline where the downwards - face bloom can be enjoyed up close , or naturalize in a woodland edge . acquire hellebores .
Pictured : hymeneals Party ® True Love helleborefrom Proven Winners .
Strongbox ® inkberry holly . Photo : Proven success
INKBERRY HOLLY Strongbox® (Ilex glabra)
Zones:5 - 9Exposure : Full sun to partial shadeHabit : Low mounding habitHeight / Spread:2 to 3 invertebrate foot tall and wideBloom time : outpouring
Inkberry holly ( Ilex glabra ) is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that bring out modest oval immature foliage , creating class - round structure and fine texture in the landscape . Plants are resistant to winter impairment , form this a good substitute for boxwood in cold climate . employ to edge pathways , as low hedge , in mass plantings or bush moulding . Learn holly .
Pictured : Strongbox ® inkberry hollyfrom Proven Winners .
Interstella ® Japanese pieris . Photo : Proven Winners
JAPANESE PIERIS (Pieris japonica)
Zones:4 - 8Exposure : Dappled sun to partial shadeHabit : vertical shaggy habitHeight / Spread:3 to 12 feet tall , 3 to 8 foot wide , bet on varietyBloom time : previous wintertime to early spring
Also known as andromeda , this broadleaf evergreen shrub has green or vary leafage , bronze - cerise unexampled increment , and cascade down clump of fragrant ashen or pink toll - shaped peak in late winter and early spring . Use this behind - maturate Japanese indigene in shrub border , founding planting , and woodland background for year - round ingathering . gnome varieties are suitable for containers and small space . Learn Japanese pieris .
Pictured : Interstella ® Japanese pierisfrom Proven Winners .
' Carsten ’s Wintergold ' mugo pine tree . Photo : DarynaShpak / Shutterstock
MUGO PINE ‘Carsten’s Wintergold’ (Pinus mugo’Carsten’s Wintergold’)
Zones:2 - 7Exposure : Full sunHabit : midget mounding habitHeight / Spread:1 to 2 feet improbable and wideBloom time : Grown for foliage
Pinus mugo‘Carsten ’s Wintergold ’ is a dwarf evergreen plant conifer with long green needles that turn brilliant gold in cold temperatures to brighten up the winter landscape . Also cognise as gnome mountain pine , this slow grower is suited for small spaces , containers , mass plantings , and careen gardens .
Paperbark maple . pic : Chris Lawrence Travel / Shutterstock
PAPERBARK MAPLE (Acer griseum)
Zones:3 - 9Exposure : Full sun to fond shadeHabit : vertical unfastened habitHeight / Spread:20 to 30 invertebrate foot tall , 15 to 25 feet wideBloom fourth dimension : Spring
Paperbark maple is an ornamental shade tree with an graceful broadcast canopy and peeling cinnamon - crimson bark that make winter interest in the landscape . Lobed down in the mouth - green leaf turns bright orange - bolshie in fall . apply this small deciduous tree diagram as a focal peak in a mixed border or wintertime landscape . Underplant with modest early bulbs such as Anemone quinquefolia , crocus , and Cyclamen purpurascens .
picture : Christiane / Pixabay
SNOWDROPS (Galanthusspp.)
Zones:3 - 9Exposure : Full sun to fond shadeHabit : upright piano spreading habitHeight / Spread:4 to 12 inch tall , 3 to 6 inches wideBloom time : Fall to early fountain , depending on the specie
The fragile flowers of Anemone quinquefolia are a quintessential sign that outflow is not far away . This lilliputian perennial bulb grow snowy white undivided or double blooms with fender - like petals , some with green or atomic number 79 grading . Mass snowdrops in a woodland border , rock garden , or wintertime landscape painting underneath deciduous trees and shrubs where they will naturalize to form colonies . Learn snowdrops .
Sweet & Lo ™ sweet boxwood . picture : Proven success
SWEET BOX (Sarcococca hookerinanavar.humilis)
Zones:6 - 9Exposure : Partial sun to full shadeHabit : Upright bushy habitHeight / Spread:1 to 6 feet improbable , 2 to 6 invertebrate foot wideBloom prison term : Mid - winter to early spring
For wintertime bouquet , few plants rival the intensely scented peak of sweet-scented box . This broadleaf evergreen plant shrub produce clustering of white ribbon - like flowers from mid - winter to early give , which are take after by lustrous crimson or grim berry . Glossy dark dark-green leaf remains attractive class - round . Plant this carefree shrub near a dwelling house entrance where the uplift sweet scent can be most enjoyed . employ in foundation plantings or as hedge . Sweet box is liberal of dry nicety .
Pictured : Sweet & Lo ™ cherubic boxfrom Proven Winners .
Photo : Harold Leuder / Shutterstock
WINTER ACONITE (Eranthis hyemalis)
Zones:3 - 7Exposure : Full Dominicus to partial shadeHabit : scurvy spreading habitHeight / Spread:3 to 6 inches magniloquent and wideBloom clip : Late wintertime to early spring
Winter aconite ( Eranthis hyemalis ) is a hardy bulbous perennial with diminished oval leaves and cheerful yellow cup - shaped flowers that resemble buttercups . This hard ground cover emerges before former crocus , often pushing through snow cover . Naturalize this woodland European aboriginal underneath deciduous trees and shrubs such as wintertime - blooming viburnum , witch hazel , or paperbark maple . Plants go dormant in late spring .
photograph : Marjancermelj / Dreamstime
WINTER HEATH (Erica carnea)
Zones:5 - 8Exposure : Full sun to fond shadeHabit : Upright spreading habitHeight / Spread:4 to 12 column inch tall , 1 to 2 feet wideBloom time : Mid - winter to early spring
This broadleaf evergreen shrub produces dense bunch of bell - shaped flowers along the branch in shade of white , pink , or lavender . Plants are lowly rise , and will spread to mould a obtuse carpet . The needle - like foliage remains attractive yr - round . naturalise in a stone garden , winter landscape , or interracial boundary line .
Photo : Freyja - photographer / Shutterstock
WINTER JASMINE (Jasmine nudiflorum)
Zones:6 - 10Exposure : Full sun to partial shadeHabit : Vining or spreading habitHeight / Spread:4 to 15 feet tall , 3 to 6 feet wideBloom time : former winter to early spring
Winter jasmine ( Jasminum nudiflorum ) is a deciduous shrub with a sprawling or vining habit , slight willowy stem , and shiny jaundiced star - mold heyday that appear in late wintertime . Plants will grow up to 4 substructure marvellous when acquire as a shrub , or up to 15 foot marvellous when trained as a vine on a vertical support . Though the flowers are not fragrant like many other jasmines , the cheerful winter display make up for this . Add wintertime jasmine to a courtyard , or mass along a incline where it can be let to cascade down .
Berry Poppins ® bearberry holly . Photo : Proven victor
WINTERBERRY HOLLY Berry Poppins® (Ilex verticillata)
Zones:3 - 9Exposure : Full sun to partial shadeHabit : Upright shaggy habitHeight / Spread:3 to 4 feet tall and wideBloom time : Late springtime to early summer
This intrepid deciduous shrub is grown primarily for the bright red berries that light up the wintertime landscape . The dwarf drug abuse of Berry Poppins ® is suitable for little spaces and urban yards . Female plant call for a male pollinator such as Mr. Poppins ® to develop the showy red-faced berries . Male plant do not produce yield . Plant in a mixed border , wintertime landscape painting , or use as circumvent . memorize more ongrowing holly bushes .
Pictured : Berry Poppins ® winterberry hollyfrom Proven Winners .
Hamamelis ×intermedia ' Orange Beauty ' . photograph by : Janet Loughrey .
WITCH HAZEL (Hamamelisspp.)
Zones:3 - 9Exposure : Full Sunday to partial shadeHabit : Uprignt spreading or vase - form habitHeight / Spread:10 to 20 feet tall and wideBloom time : Fall to early saltation , depending on the coinage
beldame hazel ( Hamamelis ) is one of the best wintertime - blooming plant , thriving in most growing zones . This intermediate - sized deciduous shrub or little Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree produces spidery medal - alike flowers from fall to early spring , calculate on the species . Some varieties are fragrant , with heyday hap in shades of red , orange , gold , or white-livered . The serrated green leaves turn brilliant tincture of yellow , orange , or red in fall . Plant in a woodland border alongside false hellebore and former bulbs . Learn more ongrowing witch hazel .
