Garden Tips to Add Vibrant Color to Your Winter Landscape
Discover how to enhance your winter garden with colorful plants and decorations
Greater Columbus, Winter Plants, Evergreens, Garden Art, Winter Color
Greater Columbus: Winter can feel pretty dull, right? The bright flowers are gone, and everything seems to turn brown and gray. But don’t worry, there are ways to bring some color back into your garden.
Evergreen trees and shrubs are lifesavers during this time. They keep things looking green, and if you’re lucky, a fresh layer of snow can make everything look magical.
Even though most flowers take a break in the cold, some brave plants bloom in winter. Others show off their colorful berries or interesting branches, adding a splash of life to the landscape.
Now, while it might be too late to plant for this winter, it’s a great time to plan for spring. Let’s check out some plants that can brighten up your garden.
Winterberry plants are fantastic for adding color. Their bright berries really pop against the winter backdrop.
Let’s talk about winter flowers. Witch hazel is a lovely shrub that blooms with fragrant yellow and orange flowers, even in the cold. It’s a real treat when it starts to bloom during those warmer winter days.
Then there are hellebores, which are tough little guys that can push through frozen ground. They bloom in beautiful shades of red, pink, and white, lasting for weeks.
Winter aconite is another gem, with its cute yellow flowers that can bloom for weeks before going dormant. And don’t forget about crocuses and snowdrops, which are often the first flowers to peek through the snow.
Winter pansies are also a great choice. They’re smaller than regular pansies but thrive in the cold and can handle snow. You can find them at local garden centers in January and February, perfect for brightening up your front steps.
Now, let’s not overlook the beauty of branch colors. Red twig dogwood adds a stunning red hue to the landscape, while yellow twig dogwoods bring a sunny touch. Plus, deer usually steer clear of these plants.
Winterberry, a type of holly, is another winner. It may not look like much in summer, but come winter, its berries shine in shades of red, orange, and yellow. Just remember, you need both male and female plants for those berries!
Chokeberry and swamp rose are also great for winter color, with their deep-purple and ruby-red berries, respectively. Just keep in mind that swamp rose can be a bit aggressive in smaller spaces.
Evergreens are a must for winter landscapes. Think about adding more evergreen trees and shrubs like pines, firs, and spruces. They keep your garden looking lively all year round.
Some trees also have beautiful bark that adds interest in winter. Birch trees, for example, have bright-white bark that stands out, while others have peeling bark that reveals different colors underneath.
And let’s not forget about garden art! Leaving colorful decorations outside can really brighten up a dreary winter day. I’ve hung glass ornaments on a trellis, and they look stunning against the snow.
So, while you’re looking at the winter wonderland outside, take some time to plan for next year. Think about where you want to add those colorful plants to make your garden pop!
Mike Hogan is an Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and associate professor with Ohio State University Extension.
hogan.1@osu.edu
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Garden: Bringing color into your winter landscape