Many homeowners assume winter is the off-season for gardening. However, the cold weather doesn’t have to mean your yard appears boring and bland. You can plant some hardy winter plants that can survive through the winter storms and add texture and interest to your landscaping.
Here are some of your plant options to spruce up your yard during the winter season.
Flowering Quince
The flowering quince is virtually indestructible, which makes it ideal for homeowners who lack gardening experience. This thorny shrub can withstand extreme climates and neglect. Flowering quinces can also extend up to eight feet wide, which allows this plant to create a natural fence.
You should plant flowering quince in the spring or fall to ensure these plants grow strong enough before the harsh winter.
Japanese Yew
Many gardeners in eastern Asia and North America use Japanese Yew as groundcover. This plant is an excellent fit for areas that don’t receive a lot of natural moisture or sunlight. You can also plant this versatile shrub as a tree that can reach up to 50 feet high.
Camellias
Camellias are a perfect splash of color during the cold winter months. The eye-catching flowers vary in color from bright red to light pink and have shiny evergreen leaves. Camellias come in more than 280 species. The most common is the tea plant.
People living in colder climates should use newly developed cold-climate hybrid seeds. These beautiful plants require protection from extreme winds. If wind is a concern in your yard, plant them in a sheltered spot that receives some sunlight during the day.
Boxwood
Boxwood hedges are easy to plant and make terrific borders to outline your garden or walkway. This plant is a durable shrub that homeowners can shape into ultimately anything they choose. Place some boxwoods in your yard to give your landscape a green warmth during the winter months.
Japanese Maple
Japanese maple trees are native to Asia and come in a variety of heights. In some cases, they can grow up to 25 feet tall and 15 feet wide. However, you can also get dwarf versions that make great focal points for your landscape design. Many homeowners choose this tree for the fall foliage that comes in red and gold.
This tree’s silhouette can vary from cascading to vase-shaped, depending on the type you choose. This tree also has a variety of leaf shapes to choose from.
Winterberry
Winterberry is a type of holly shrub that has bright, lipstick-red berries all year. This shrub prefers a location with moist, acidic soils and full sunlight. Consider planting winterberry in a formal garden or loose hedge.
Keep in mind these plants usually are male or female. Try to pair at least one male plant among female plants to ensure fruit growth.
Evergreen Holly
Another shrub with bright red berries is the evergreen holly. This plant can grow anywhere in the United
States and can survive year-round. It also comes in a variety of leaf and berry colors. Choose an evergreen holly plant if you want to add a splash of holiday spirit to your winter landscape.
Snowdrops
Snowdrops are bell-shaped, white flowers that can last through long snowstorms. In fact, homeowners will likely see their snowdrops popping up through the layers of snow after a storm. These small flowers traditionally grow only six inches high. However, newer hybrids can reach nearly 10 inches.
Take advantage of the winter months and try planting some trees, flowers, or shrubs that will last throughout the year. For additional recommendations or help choosing a shrub, contact a local landscaping company. They can help you determine which winter plants are the best fit for your yard.
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