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Winter Interest with Evergreen Perennials

When selecting “evergreen” ground covers, consider choosing plants rated for a hardiness zone at least one colder than your own. This increases the chances they will remain evergreen throughout the year, even during harsher winters.

  • Acorus gramineus Ogon 10ct Quarts Acorus gramineus Ogon 10ct Quarts

    Acorus g. 'Ogon' (10)ct Quarts

    Acorus gramineus 'Ogon' Common name: Golden sweet flag, golden Japanese sweet flag, or Japanese rush (a.k.a. 'Wogon'). Zone: (5) 6 to 10, evergreen in warm zones. Sun to part shade, aquatic or wetland perennial.Mature size: 6 to 12 inches tall, with...

    $110.25
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  • Acorus gramineus Ogon 18ct Flat Acorus gramineus Ogon 18ct Flat

    Acorus g. 'Ogon' (18)ct Flat

    Acorus gramineus 'Ogon' (18)ct Flat Common name: Golden sweet flag, golden Japanese sweet flag, or Japanese rush (a.k.a. 'Wogon'). Zone: (5) 6 to 10, evergreen in warm zones. Sun to part shade, aquatic or wetland perennial.Mature size: 6 to 12...

    $127.64
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  • Acorus g. 'Ogon' (3.5 inch pot) Acorus g. 'Ogon' (3.5 inch pot)

    Acorus g. 'Ogon' (3.5 inch pot)

    Acorus gramineus 'Ogon' (3.5-inch pot)Common name: Golden Variegated Sweet Flag Height: 8-12 Inches Spread: 6-12 Inches Hardiness Zone: 5/6-10 Sun to Part-Shade Prefers afternoon shade in Southern zones Bright golden and green striped grass-like...

    $6.67
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  • Ajuga Chocolate Chip 10ct Flat Ajuga Chocolate Chip 10ct Flat

    Ajuga 'Chocolate Chip' (10)ct Flat

    Ajuga "Chocolate Chip" (10)ct Flat a/k/a Carpenters Herb, Comfrey, Creeping Bugleweed, Creeping Carpet Bugle, Sicklewort Zone 4 to 9, maybe 3 to 10, Sun to full shade, at least 3 to 4 hours of sun for best foliage color .Mature foliage height 3 to...

    $85.05
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  • Ajuga Chocolate Chip 18ct Flat Ajuga Chocolate Chip 18ct Flat

    Ajuga 'Chocolate Chip' (18)ct Flat

    Ajuga "Chocolate Chip" (18) count Flat Transform your garden with the rich, chocolate hues of Ajuga "Chocolate Chip"! This versatile groundcover, also known as Carpenter's Herb or Bugleweed, adds a touch of elegance to any landscape. Vibrant...

    $99.29
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  • Ajuga r Catlins Giant 3.5 inch pot Ajuga r Catlins Giant 3.5 inch pot

    Ajuga r 'Catlin's Giant' (3.5 inch pot)

    Ajuga reptans 'Catlin's Giant' (3.5-inch pot)Common Name: 'Catlin's Giant' Bugleweed Height: 5-7 Inches Spread: 18-24 Inches Hardiness Zone: 4-8 Sun to Shade Part Shade is preferred in Hot Summer Zones Evergreen to Semi-evergreen Large, Bronze Purple...

    $4.57
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  • Ajuga reptans Black Scallop PP15815 30ct Flat Ajuga reptans Black Scallop PP15815 30ct Flat

    Ajuga r. 'Black Scallop' PP15815 (30)ct Flat

    Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' PP15815 30ct FlatCommon Name: Bugleweed, Carpet Bugleweed This attractive small-scale groundcover has glossy, near-black, scalloped leaves and a dense habit. The deepest foliage color is achieved when plants are sited...

    $192.75
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  • Ajuga reptans Black Scallop PP15815 10ct Flat Ajuga reptans Black Scallop PP15815 10ct Flat

    Ajuga r. 'Black Scallop' PP15815 (10)ct Flat

    Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' PP15815 Ten (10) 4.5-inch containersCommon Name: Bugleweed, Carpet Bugleweed This attractive small-scale groundcover has glossy, near-black, scalloped leaves and a dense habit. The deepest foliage color is achieved when...

    $85.05
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  • Ajuga reptans Bronze Beauty 10ct Flat Ajuga reptans Bronze Beauty 10ct Flat

    Ajuga r. 'Bronze Beauty' (10)ct Flat

    Ajuga reptans 'Bronze Beauty' a/k/a Carpenter's Herb, Comfrey, Creeping Bugleweed, Creeping Carpet Bugle, Sicklewort Enrich your garden with the timeless elegance of Ajuga 'Bronze Beauty'. This classic variety, also known as Bugleweed or Carpenter's...

    $85.05
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  • Ajuga reptans Bronze Beauty 18ct Flat Ajuga reptans Bronze Beauty 18ct Flat

    Ajuga r. 'Bronze Beauty' (18)ct Flat

    Ajuga reptans 'Bronze Beauty' a/k/a Carpenter's Herb, Comfrey, Creeping Bugleweed, Creeping Carpet Bugle, SicklewortZone 4 to 9, Partial sun (morning only) to full shade.Mature foliage height 3 to 4 inch; low spreading groundcover. Glossy bronze, medium...

    $99.29
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  • Ajuga reptans Bronze Beauty 3.5 inch pot Ajuga reptans 'Bronze Beauty' (3.5 inch pot)

    Ajuga r. 'Bronze Beauty' (3.5 inch pot)

    Ajuga reptans 'Bronze Beauty' (3.5-inch pot)Common Name: Bronze Beauty Bugleweed Height: 3-4 Inches Spread: 12-36 Inches Hardiness Zone: 3-9 Sun to Shade Part Shade is preferred in Hot Summer Zones Evergreen - semi-evergreen Bronze purple leaves Blue...

    $4.57
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Bring Life to Your Winter Garden with Evergreen Perennials

Even as winter chills the air and most plants slumber, evergreen perennials stand strong, adding beauty and interest to your landscape. Here's how these champions can enhance your garden throughout the year:

  • Wintertime Magic: When other perennials are dormant or lackluster, evergreens provide a burst of color, texture, and form. They bring life to the winter garden, offering a glimpse of the summer's magic that once was and a promise of spring to come.

  • Hiding the Off-Season: Evergreen perennials artfully conceal the fading foliage of summer bulbs and perennials that have gone dormant. They effectively camouflage these tired parts of the garden, creating a clean and visually pleasing scene.

  • A World of Choices: Evergreen perennials come in a stunning array of shapes, sizes, and bloom times. You can find tall, stately plants for backdrops, cascading groundcovers, and everything in between. There's an evergreen perennial to suit any design preference.

  • Shade Solutions: Many evergreen perennials thrive in shady areas, adding beauty to parts of your garden where other plants might struggle. This allows you to create depth and visual interest throughout your entire landscape.

  • Low-Maintenance Marvels: Generally low-maintenance, evergreen perennials require minimal upkeep. They're perfect for busy gardeners who want a beautiful landscape without the constant work.

Planting for Year-Round Beauty:

While most perennials look similar in spring and summer, some may surprise you by turning evergreen come winter. So, when shopping for spring or summer plantings, inquire about the plant's winter characteristics. A little research beforehand ensures you're selecting the right evergreen perennials for your garden.

Here are some popular evergreen perennials to consider:

  • Ajuga (Bugleweed)
  • Arabis (Rock Cress)
  • Armeria (Common Thrift, Sea Pink)
  • Bergenia (Heartleaf Bergenia, Pig Squeak)
  • Dianthus (Pinks)
  • Euonymus (Purple Leaf Wintercreeper)
  • Carex (Sedge)
  • Festuca (Blue Fescue)
  • Heuchera (Coral Bells)
  • Heucherella (Foamy Bells)
  • Iberis (Evergreen Candytuft)
  • Lavandula (English Lavender)
  • Liriope (Lily-turf)
  • Pachysandra (Japanese Spurge)
  • Phlox subulata (Creeping Phlox)
  • Sagina (Irish Moss)
  • Sedum (Stonecrop)
  • Sempervivum (Hen & Chicks)
  • Thymus (Creeping Thyme)
  • Tiarella (Foamflower)
  • Vinca (Myrtle, Periwinkle)
  • Yucca (Adam's Needle)

By incorporating evergreen perennials into your garden design, you can ensure vibrant beauty throughout the seasons, even when winter throws its coldest punches. So why not add some life to your winter landscape and enjoy your garden year-round?

Do not let your garden fade with the summer sun! As the days grow shorter and the vibrant colors of summer give way to the muted tones of winter, it is easy to think your garden's beauty must also slumber. But with a little planning and the right plants, you can create a garden that provides visual interest and enjoyment throughout the winter months. Evergreen perennials are the key to achieving this. These remarkable plants retain their foliage year-round, providing a constant source of color, texture, and life, even when the rest of the garden is dormant.

Evergreen Perennials for Winter Interest Evergreen perennials come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, offering a wealth of options for adding winter interest to your garden. Here are a few examples:

  • Hellebores (Helleborus spp.): Also known as Lenten roses, hellebores are a winter garden staple. Their leathery, dark green foliage persists throughout the winter, providing a welcome sight when other plants have died back. As an added bonus, hellebores often bloom in late winter or early spring, adding a touch of unexpected color to the garden when it is most needed.
  • Heuchera (Coral Bells): Heuchera is prized for its incredibly diverse and colorful foliage. Many varieties retain their leaves throughout the winter, providing a vibrant groundcover in shades of red, purple, gold, and silver, even in the coldest months.
  • Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens): This evergreen groundcover forms a dense mat of dark green foliage that adds texture and color to the winter landscape. Its white flowers in spring make it a versatile choice for borders and rock gardens.
  • Bugleweed (Ajuga): Bugleweed is a versatile groundcover that offers colorful foliage in shades of green, purple, and bronze. It also produces attractive flower spikes in the spring and summer, adding another layer of interest.
  • Pigsqueak (Bergenia spp.): This plant features large, leathery leaves that take on rich ruby hues in the winter. Its spring blooms add a welcome splash of color, and its tolerance for a variety of conditions makes it a reliable choice for many gardens.

In addition to these, here are a few more evergreen perennials that can be used to create winter interest:

  • Carnation and pinks (Dianthus spp.)
  • Groundcover stonecrops (Sedum spp.)
  • Creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera)
  • Moss pink (Phlox subulata)
  • Liverleaf (Hepatica spp.)
  • Hardy ginger (Asarum spp.)
  • Hardy cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.)
  • Ice plant (Delosperma spp.)
  • Spotted dead nettle (Lamium maculatum)
  • Hens and chicks (Sempervivum spp.)

Evergreen Perennials with Interesting Forms While the foliage of evergreen perennials provides a welcome splash of green in the winter garden, some perennials offer an added dimension of interest with their unique forms and structures. These plants add height, texture, and movement to the landscape, creating focal points and visual interest even after they have finished blooming.

  • Ornamental Grasses: Ornamental grasses are a fantastic way to add winter interest. Their upright stems and seed heads sway gracefully in the winter breeze, catching frost and snow in captivating ways. Consider varieties like feather reed grass, giant miscanthus, and switchgrass for their impressive stature and winter hardiness.
  • Coneflower (Echinacea spp.): Coneflowers are known for their cheerful summer blooms, but their dried seed heads also provide structural interest in the winter. These cone-shaped seed heads add texture to the garden and provide a valuable food source for birds.
  • Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum): Joe Pye weed is a tall, stately perennial that produces large, dome-shaped flower clusters in late summer. These flower clusters dry and persist throughout the winter, adding architectural interest to the garden.

Evergreen Perennials with Winter Blooms While most plants are dormant in winter, a few select evergreen perennials offer the delightful surprise of winter blooms. These blooms add a much-needed touch of color to the garden when it is most appreciated.

  • Hellebores (Helleborus spp.): As mentioned earlier, hellebores often bloom in late winter or early spring, adding a welcome splash of color to the garden. Their blooms come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, purple, and green.
  • Snowdrops (Galanthus spp.): Snowdrops are among the earliest blooming bulbs, often pushing through the snow to reveal their delicate white flowers. These charming flowers are a sure sign that spring is on its way.

Evergreen Perennials with Berries Some evergreen perennials also produce berries that add a splash of color to the winter garden. These berries not only enhance the visual appeal of the garden but also provide a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife.

Red Berries

  • Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata): This deciduous holly loses its leaves in the fall, revealing a profusion of bright red berries that persist throughout the winter. These berries provide a striking contrast against the snow and offer a welcome feast for birds. Winterberry holly is also deer-resistant, making it a good choice for gardens where deer are a problem.
  • Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia): This large evergreen shrub produces clusters of bright red berries that contrast beautifully with its dark green foliage. Toyon is a native plant in many parts of North America and is an important food source for birds.

White Berries

  • Common Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus): This deciduous shrub produces clusters of white berries that resemble small snowballs. The berries persist throughout the winter, adding a touch of whimsy to the garden.

Blue Berries

  • Juniper (Juniperus spp.): Junipers produce fleshy cones that resemble berries and add a unique touch to the winter garden. These "berries" come in shades of blue and provide a valuable food source for birds.

Evergreen Perennials with Interesting Bark While most people think of flowers and foliage when considering winter interest, do not overlook the beauty of bark. Some evergreen perennials have interesting bark that can add texture and visual appeal to the winter garden.

  • Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea): This deciduous shrub offers vibrant red stems that stand out against the snow, providing a stunning focal point in the winter garden.

Evergreen Perennials with Variegated Foliage Variegated evergreen perennials add another layer of interest to the winter garden with their unique foliage patterns. These plants often feature leaves with contrasting colors, such as green and white, or green and gold, adding brightness and visual appeal to the landscape.

  • False Holly 'Goshiki' (Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki'): This evergreen shrub has spectacular winter color with its variegated foliage.
  • English Holly 'Argenteomarginata' (Ilex aquifolium 'Argenteomarginata'): This holly variety features bright white edges on its leaves, adding a touch of elegance to the winter garden.

Evergreen Perennials with Silver Foliage Silver-leaved evergreen perennials add a touch of coolness and sophistication to the winter garden. Their silvery foliage reflects light, creating a luminous effect that brightens even the dullest winter days.

  • Artemisia frigida 'Silver Eagle': This artemisia variety has beautiful silver foliage that provides excellent contrast with other plants in the garden.
  • Artemisia 'Silver Lining': This artemisia cultivar has silvery leaves that create a soft, flowing effect in the garden.

Caring for Evergreen Perennials in Winter Evergreen perennials generally require less care in winter than other plants, but there are still a few things you should do to ensure they thrive.

  • Watering: Proper watering is crucial for evergreen perennials, especially in the fall. Water them thoroughly before the ground freezes to help them survive the winter months. This is especially important because evergreens continue to lose water through their leaves throughout the winter, even when the ground is frozen. If you live in an area with dry winters, you may need to water them occasionally throughout the winter, especially if there is no snow cover.
  • Pruning: Most evergreen perennials do not require pruning in winter. However, you can remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches at any time of year. Some evergreens, like boxwood, yew, arborvitae, and holly, are best pruned in spring after they have finished pushing out new growth. This timing helps avoid damage from freezing temperatures. Other evergreens, such as spring-blooming deciduous shrubs like viburnum and lilac, should be pruned soon after they finish blooming.
  • Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch around evergreen perennials can help protect their roots from freezing temperatures and conserve moisture. Use a loose organic mulch, such as shredded leaves, bark chips, or pine needles.
  • Drainage: Ensure your evergreen perennials have good drainage, especially during the winter. Poor drainage can lead to root rot and death if the soil becomes saturated and frozen. For plants susceptible to root rot, careful positioning and a mulch of pea gravel can help improve drainage.
  • Anti-desiccant Sprays: Consider using anti-desiccant sprays to protect evergreens from winter burn. These sprays create a waxy coating on the leaves that helps reduce water loss, especially during periods of dry, windy weather.

Design Tips for Using Evergreen Perennials Evergreen perennials offer a versatile palette for creating stunning winter gardens. Here are a few design tips to help you make the most of these plants:

  • Layering: Plant evergreen perennials in layers, with taller plants at the back and shorter plants in the front. This creates depth and visual interest, drawing the eye through the garden. For example, you could plant a backdrop of tall arborvitae, with a mid-layer of rhododendrons, and a foreground of heuchera.
  • Mass Planting: Plant evergreen perennials in masses to create a bold statement. This is especially effective with plants that have colorful foliage or interesting textures. Imagine a swathe of red-leaved heuchera or a carpet of silver-leaved artemisia – the impact is undeniable.
  • Focal Points: Use evergreen perennials to create focal points in the winter garden. For example, plant a specimen evergreen in a prominent location or use evergreens to frame a view. A weeping blue spruce or a contorted filbert can add a touch of drama and intrigue to the winter landscape.
  • Combine with Other Plants: Combine evergreen perennials with other plants that provide winter interest, such as deciduous shrubs with colorful bark, ornamental grasses, and winter-blooming plants. This creates a tapestry of textures and colors that keeps the garden alive throughout the winter months. Imagine the contrast of red twig dogwood stems against a backdrop of dark green conifers, or the delicate blooms of snowdrops peeking through a carpet of evergreen ferns.

Evergreen Perennials for Different Parts of the Garden Evergreen perennials can be used in a variety of ways throughout the garden. Here is a table summarizing some of the best choices for different areas:

Garden Area

Recommended Evergreen Perennials

Key Features

Borders

Hellebores, Heuchera, Ajuga

Structure, year-round interest, colorful foliage

Foundation Plantings

Japanese Holly, Rhododendrons

Soften foundation, curb appeal, low-maintenance

Rock Gardens

Sedum, Creeping Phlox, Hens and Chicks

Drought tolerance, groundcover, texture

Woodland Gardens

Hardy Ginger, Ferns, Hellebores

Shade tolerance, texture, winter blooms

By incorporating evergreen perennials into your garden, you can ensure that it remains a source of beauty and interest throughout the winter months. With their variety of colors, textures, and forms, these plants can transform your garden into a winter wonderland. Remember to choose plants that are hardy in your area and provide them with the proper care to ensure they thrive. Consider the mature size and shape of the plants to ensure they fit well in your garden and do not overcrowd other plants.

Evergreen perennials not only provide visual interest but also offer valuable shelter and food for wildlife during the winter months. Their foliage provides cover for small animals and insects, while their berries offer sustenance for birds.

Gardening, even in winter, can be a rewarding and therapeutic activity. It provides an opportunity to connect with nature, get some fresh air and exercise, and enjoy the beauty of the natural world. The act of caring for plants and watching them thrive can have a positive impact on mental and physical well-being, especially during the shorter, darker days of winter.

So, embrace the challenge of creating a winter garden that delights and inspires. With a little planning and the right plants, you can enjoy the beauty of your garden all year round.