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Winter Interest
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Winter InterestWinter doesn’t have to mean a bare yard. This collection is full of trees, shrubs, and perennials chosen for what they bring to the coldest months: evergreen color, bold bark, bright berries, sculptural shapes, and even blooms.Whether you want something to brighten the view from your kitchen window, add structure to a bare bed, or keep your yard looking like itself until spring, this is where to start.
What is winter interest?Winter interest is what a plant has to offer after its summer show is over. These plants hold their leaves through freezing temperatures or have something eye-catching to show for the season, like colorful bark, graceful shapes, lasting berries, or winter blooms. Every plant here has at least one, and many have several. Use the growing zone filter to see what will thrive where you live.
Evergreen foliageThuja Green Giant Arborvitae and Emerald Green Arborvitae keep their foliage and color through freezing temperatures, so your yard never goes bare. Taylor Juniper, Soft Touch Holly, and Green Velvet Boxwood add year-round structure. For a cooler palette, Baby Blue Spruce brings silvery blue that looks especially good against snow.
Colorful bark and stemsSome of the best color in winter comes from the trunk and stems. Coral Bark Japanese Maple glows red-orange once its leaves fall, Quaking Aspen brings pale, bright trunks that stand out against a gray sky, and Tri-Color Dappled Willow adds color on its stems after the leaves drop.
Textured barkWhen leaves are gone, bark becomes the main event. Heritage River Birch is a favorite for its peeling, curling bark in shades of cream, salmon, and brown, and it adds texture you’ll want to look at up close.
Architectural shapesWithout leaves, a plant’s form is what you notice. Weeping Willow and Snow Fountains Weeping Cherry cascade in soft, sculptural lines. For something tall and narrow, Skyrocket Juniper and Blue Arrow Juniper add upright structure.
Berries and seedheadsHollies and crabapples hold onto bright berries and fruit long after the leaves are gone, a welcome treat for visiting birds. Ornamental grasses like Karl Foerster Grass and Maiden Grass keep their plumes standing through winter, catching frost and snow.
Winter bloomsYes, some plants bloom in the cold. Camellias and Lenten rose bring flowers to the quietest part of the year, just when you need them most.Not sure what will thrive in your zone? Our Plant Experts are happy to help you choose.
