When planning out a garden and considering a schedule for lawn management, it’s important to not only think of how the yard will look in the spring and summer months, but also during autumn and winter. Many plants die or go dormant during winter, especially in colder regions. However, there are several plants that stay green all winter and will make any yard look like a beautiful, lush winter wonderland.
- Castle Spire Holly
Castle spire holly is one of the most colorful winter plants gardeners can choose. This holly is narrow and tall, growing to between six and 10 feet tall and three to four feet wide. The holly retains its glossy, dark green leaves through the winter, and it looks particularly striking with snow. In addition, the castle spire holly also produces deep red berries that add a pop of color to the garden.
- Grows well in hardiness zones five through seven
- Perfect for hedges or as a garden accent
- Matures quickly
Winter Gem Boxwood
This evergreen grows quickly and develops small, bright green leaves that stay colorful all year long, including into the winter. Winter gem boxwood generally grows to about three or four feet across and five feet tall, in a shape similar to a ball or mound. However, many gardeners choose this plant when considering lawn care because it can be easily clipped in order to form a dense hedge.
- Grows well in zones five through eight
- Works perfectly as a hedge or in a planter
- Grows rapidly and fills in quickly
Maney Juniper
For a plant that will add a bit of a different color to a garden, many people opt for maney juniper. This evergreen shrub has small green leaves with a definite blue tint. It also forms small blue berries for even more color in the winter months. This juniper can grow to between four and five feet tall, but it usually spreads out, to around five or six feet wide, more than it grows vertically. In addition, maney juniper is not just hardy through the winter months. It also survives drought incredibly well.
- Hardy in zones three through eight
- Works well as an accent, foundation hedge, or filler
- Drought resistant
Brass Buckle Ilex
Brass buckle ilex is an excellent choice for a smaller accent plant that stays colorful and green all year long. The plant’s small, glossy leaves have a yellow tint, so they add a bit of interest and color to a garden during the winter months. This plant prefers acidic soil and either full or partial sun. When properly cared for, the brass buckle ilex, which stays low to the ground, will gain a spread of about 12 or 18 inches across.
- Grows well in hardiness zones five through eight
- Works perfectly as a colorful addition anywhere in the garden
- Stays colorful all year, including the winter months
Bear’s Paw Hellebore
Bear’s paw hellebore adds a great deal of interest to a winter garden because of its long, purplish green leaves. In addition, this plant produces pale green, bell shaped flowers during the winter months. These flowers generally appear from December to February, depending on the particular region. This plant is narrow and usually grows to about two feet tall. It makes a perfect addition to any garden and works well as an accent plant.
- Grows well in hardiness zones five through nine
- Works well as an accent plant or anywhere in the garden
- Blooms during the winter or early spring months