Plants for Winter Gardens

Winter is a doozy here in Buffalo, so it's important to include plants that provide visual interest during the snowy season. Stand out from your neighbors and incorporate some color into your winter landscape!

Incorporating Winter Plants into your Landscape

Most of these would look great as part of your foundation plantings or along walkways-any area that gets visibility during the winter. Evergreens are always a good choice, but there are many other options that add some color to your garden beds.

holly, broadleaf evergreen shrub (4-6’ height & spread, depending on variety)

Holly

Dark green glossy foliage and red berries against the white snow might be one of my favorite color combinations. Make sure you have a male and female variety planted so that the shrubs produce red berries. "Winterberry" is a variety that produces an abundance of berries during the winter months.

red twig dogwood, shrub (6-10’ height & spread)

Red Twig Dogwood

This shrub is a great option for four-season interest, but really shines during the winter. Bright red and orange stems offer a welcome pop of color against the snow. I recommend planting them as a row backing your flower beds or bordering your property.

boxwood, broadleaf evergreen shrub (size varies depending on variety)

Boxwood

Homeowners love the lime green evergreen foliage of the boxwood. These are a great alternative to needled evergreens if you're looking for a more formal looking shrub.

"Whipcord" red cedar: If you're looking for texture, check out the whipcord cedar. Straight from the pages of Dr. Seuss, this low growing evergreen will definitely attract attention. Evergreens like these might get lost during the warmer months but will stand out in your landscape when all the other plants are buried in snow.

witch hazel, perennial shrub (10-12’ height & spread)

Witch Hazel

These large shrubs are a great way to break up long fence or property lines, and are famous for their medicinal properties. What's more, they flower in the winter! Clusters of long, ribbon-like petals grow along the length of the stems and provide color during winter.

hellebore, perennial (1-2’ height & spread)

Hellebore

Also called “Christmas Rose” or “Lenten Rose,” hellebore blooms during the late winter and early spring. A great solution for shady areas, this perennial is a repeat bloomer! Enjoy the long lasting, showy flowers when everything else is still dormant.

ornamental grasses, perennial (varying height)

Ornamental Grasses

These low-maintenance perennials provide texture, movement, and interest during the winter months. They come in many varieties, from tall and dramatic to short and compact. Some popular types include fountain grass, switchgrass, and maiden grass. Just be sure to cut down to 6” in the spring so new grass can grow.

birch trees, tree (40-50’ tall)

Trees with interesting bark

Winter is a great time to appreciate the bark of trees like coral bark maple, Japanese stewartia, and birch. These trees may not have lush foliage or vibrant flowers during the colder months, but their unique bark patterns and textures can make for a striking winter landscape.

Conclusion

Winter may seem like a bleak time for your garden, but there are actually many plants that can add color and texture during the colder months. Above all, make sure to plant these in places you can appreciate from the warmth of indoors! There is no need for a dull winter garden; with a little planning and creativity, you can have a vibrant and lively space even during the coldest months.