Color In The Winter Garden

Color and interest in the winter garden is a challenge.  I have been working on this for the past few years and realize that it is still a work in progress.

The Rhododendrons are a wonderful reddish brown color with pinkish buds.  They like being protected during the winter and summer, mine are behind a stone wall up close to the foundation of my home.

Azalea Karen keeps its reddish leaves all winter.  It is hardier than the rhodies and can do very well in an exposed border.

Boxwood Chicagoland adds consistent green to the winter border.

Miscanthus Little Kitten

It is small enough that it doesn't fall over.  I will see if it can be left up until the spring as recommended.

Panicum Northwind makes a nice backdrop for the Boxwoods and the Miscanthus.

I am not sure why the Euphorbia Blackbird stayed around or if it would still be here if it was much colder with snow?

Myrtle Blue Dart

I am really appreciating the groundcovers this year because I can see them and they add so much to the color of a winter garden.

Even Viburnum Carlesi Compactum is interesting with its buds already formed.

Heuchera Plum Pudding has never been great in my garden, but I certainly do appreciate its winter color.

Even a few garden art items help keep the interest over those dreary winter months.

Limelight Hydrangea is not like many other hydrangeas.  It holds its dried flowers all through the winter.

The Molina grasses are delicate, but as they mature become very interesting in the winter garden.

Penstemon Hamlin

Monte Casino Aster

Eupatorium Chocolate

I have never left this for the winter but it definitely stays interesting with the dried flower heads.

It is nice to have the holiday arrangements that will last until spring, bows put away, previously sprayed with Wilt Pruf so it will be March before I take these out.

Green Sheen Pachysandra remains green all winter and when there is not any snow it is lovely!

The front border with Heuchera Southern Comfort and the myrtle groundcover.