Winter Interest Plants

Sure winters are cold and sometimes snowy, but inclement weather shouldn't stop you from being able to enjoy views of your garden; even if it is from inside your home. By selecting plants which provide visually appealing textures and color, it is possible to make winter a season of natural beauty.  Here are four types of winter interest to look for and names of plants which showcase these characteristics.

 

Interesting Bark:

Trees and large shrubs with interesting bark add visual interest all year long; however during winter, when branches are bare, the bark captures our attention.  Peeling and curing bark often reveals a different color below adding a beautiful touch of color to any landscape.  Some plant varieties take a few growing seasons for this feature to fully develop.

 

Try Planting:

River Birch

Oakleaf Hydrangea

Paperbark Maple (pictured below)

 

Colorful Stems and Twigs:

An easy way to add winter interest is by planting a large group of deciduous shrubs with colorful stems and twigs. These plants are sure to stand out against the snow.

 

Try Planting:

Yellow Twig Dogwood

Japanese Kerria

Red Twig Dogwood (pictured below)

 

 

Ornamental Grasses:

Ornamental grasses add color, texture, and movement to the winter landscape.  When planted near evergreen plants they create a beautiful contrast.

 

Try Planting:

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass

Blue Fescue

Maiden Grass (pictured below)

 

 

Wintertime Fruits and Berries:

Plants with fruits or berries which persist through winter add interest to your landscape and potentially attract wildlife such as birds.

 

Try Planting:

Prairifire Crabapple

Nannyberry Viburnum

Beautyberry (pictured below)