When winter comes, many plants are put into a state of dormancy to survive the cold temperatures and lack of sunlight. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy greenery in your outdoor space during the winter months!
There are a variety of plants that are well-suited to outdoor winter conditions, and can provide a pop of color and life to your garden or patio.
One type of plant that is especially hardy in the winter is evergreen shrubs. Many varieties, such as boxwood, holly, cypress and juniper, retain their glossy green leaves all year round.
These shrubs create a lush backdrop for other seasonal plants, such as pansies and mums.
Trees also add beauty to an outdoor space in the wintertime. Deciduous trees with ornamental bark such as paperbark maple or birch are ideal for providing interest when their leaves have fallen off.
Additionally, evergreen coniferous trees like pine and spruce stay green all year long and can be planted in clusters or rows to create an interesting landscape feature.
Ground Cover
Ground cover plants like ivy and sedum provide texture and color during the colder months when other flowers have faded away. These low-growing perennials spread rapidly and require very little maintenance. Another type of ground cover is moss; these tiny plants thrive in cool climates where there is ample moisture and shade.
Bulbs
Spring-blooming bulbs, such as tulips and daffodils, should be planted in fall so they can take advantage of the cooler temperatures to grow roots before they put on their colorful display come springtime. Other types of bulbs such as crocus or snowdrops will bloom even sooner than tulips and daffodils, providing some much needed winter cheer!
Annuals
For color throughout the entire winter season, annuals like pansies are an ideal choice. They’re hardy enough to survive cold temperatures but still need regular watering throughout the season – just make sure not to overwater them! Other annuals that can withstand cooler weather include violas, snapdragons and dusty miller.
Herbs
.Herbs are not only good for cooking but also look great when planted outdoors during the winter months. Rosemary, sage and thyme will stay green throughout most of the season while providing texture with their woody stems.
.Grasses
.Grasses provide movement with their swaying blades – a nice contrast against evergreen shrubs or trees – plus add texture to your outdoor space when other plants have gone dormant.
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Conclusion: Whether you want vibrant color or subtle greenery throughout the winter season, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to plants that can withstand cold weather conditions outdoors! Evergreen shrubs, trees (both deciduous & coniferous), ground covers (such as moss & ivy), spring-blooming bulbs (like tulips & daffodils), annuals (like pansies & violas) herbs (like rosemary & thyme) & grasses all make great additions to any outdoor space during wintertime.
