The Ideal Winter Interest: Conifers & Evergreens

Many gardeners do not look forward to winter because they think that all their plants are dead or sleeping, but if you pick the right ones, you can have plenty of color throughout the cold months. Not sure which plants are perfect to light up your winter landscape? Here are 14 that will do a great job of coloring your winter months.

Fantastic Flowers & Color for Winter

Not all things that are green during the winter come with needles and cones. Some come with beautiful foliage, berries, and flowers. If you want more than just green during the winter months, here are some plants that will give you more color, both in winter and the rest of the year.

Azalea

There are many evergreen varieties, some bloom in the spring, but they will give you lovely color all year round. As you look for the right ones for your yard, note that some prefer shade but others will do well in full sun. Add a few to your yard and you will be able to enjoy their color 12 months of the year.

Gardenia

This evergreen has dark green leaves and their white flowers will tickle your nose day in and day out. They don’t like colder weather, so if you have frigid winters, plant them in a pot and bring them indoors when things start to cool. They like acidic soil and prefer a bit of shade.

Hollies

There are a wide variety of hollies to pick from, so you can bet you will be able to find one that is happy in your zone. Typically, they have dark green leaves, small white flowers, and brilliant red berries. Just remember, that they come in male and female, and you will need at least one of each to enjoy the berries.

Mirror Bush

This delightful plant does well in warmer zones, but if you have colder winters, you can plant it in a pot and bring it inside when things get a little frosty. Most varieties have variegated leaves–lime and dark green leaves, but if you look, you can find some that have a bit of pink too. They are salt tolerant and will do well in sun to partial shade.

Rhododendrons

Take your pick because there are many varieties to choose from. Most have dark green leaves, but some have pretty variegated leaves that provide a bit more color. Most like warm weather but there are some varieties that do grow in colder zones. Most have pink to white flowers and can be grown alone or planted as a hedge or screen. They do well in partial shade to full sun, but protect them from cold winter winds because they are susceptible to cold damage.

Wintercreeper

If you need a good ground cover shrub, take a look at wintercreeper. There are many varieties, and some have variegated leaves. They range from dark green to pink. They like shady spots and will do a great job reducing weeds and adding color to your winter landscape.

Evergreens for Winter Interest

When you think of green trees surrounded by white snow, most people think of evergreen trees and shrubs. Here are some of the most popular and hardy.

Arborvitae

These are fast-growing, very hardy. Their dark green foliage can be shaped if you want or you can plant enough to use as a screen. They like full sun and are suitable for a number of zones

Cedar

Cedars are an excellent choice to plant near the road or as a windscreen. Their blue-green needles will add some beautiful color to your winter landscape. They grow well and are easy to care for. Plant them in the sun with their feet in well-drained soil for them to do their best, but they will adapt to most soil types.

Fir

There are many uses in your landscaping for firs. Their short needles form a carpet beneath them which keeps the weeds down and makes it easy to mow around them. They also have decorative cones and their deep green needles look great against a white winter background.

Hemlock

Don’t forget the hemlock. They have short green needles and can be used for shade if you just one a few or you can plant multiple as a screen. They are more particular than most trees when it comes to the amount of light, so try to place them where they will get partial sun–too much or too little can cause problems.

Juniper

Juniper is an easy-to-grow evergreen that can add some delightful winter color to your yard. Their dark green, flat needles and small bluish berries will draw your eye, they are happiest in full to partial sun. There are a lot of varieties–smaller varieties are great for ground cover, while larger ones will make a good hedge or screen.

Pine

You will have a wide variety to choose from, but most prefer rich, well-drained soil. They come in colors from deep green to bluish-green, and some have small cones while others have large cones. Few things can match the distinctive smell of a pine tree, and they will be a nice focal point in your yard when winter snow arrives.

Spruce

If you are looking for a tree that does well in the cold, there are a number of varieties of spruce to pick from. They are hardy–few trees will do as well during harsh winters. Give full sun to partial shade, and they will happily color your winter yard for years to come.

Yew

Yews have short, flat needles, and there are a number of varieties to pick from. Some are short, others grow taller, but they all will do well in cold climates. They will do well in the sun or shade, but just make sure that their soil is well drained. If you have females, you will also be able to enjoy their bright red berries.

Light Up Your Winter Garden

Winter doesn’t have to be a dull and colorless season. Plant a few of these evergreens, enjoy the added color, and get out into the brisk winter air. Enjoy it while you can, because before you know it, spring will be here with its balmy air and delightful colors.