Ornamental cabbage in winter. Photo by Judith Canty Graves
“Nature has undoubtedly mastered the art of winter gardening and even the most experienced gardener can learn from the unrestrained beauty around them.” ~ Vincent A. Simeone
By Judith Canty Graves
How can there be a garden in the winter? Many people ask this question, but I have discovered a few hardy plants that create a satisfying garden experience even when the landscape is bare. With these plants, you can add color and interest to your yard or to your patio.
Among my favorite winter plants is the hellebore, which has evergreen foliage and pink and white flowers. On warm days in December, I have even seen bees emerge to pollinate these flowers. Another favorite is the nandina, a perennial shrub with handsome leaves and abundant red berries that appear just in time for the holidays. Other shrubs with beautiful red berries are winterberry, holly and euonymus. I especially like the Silver King euonymus with its variegated foliage and bright red berries that grace my indoor winter arrangements.
I appreciate shrubs that add the color of their evergreen foliage to the winter landscape. Two standouts are the mahonia, with striking leaves and yellow flowers that bloom in the winter, and the aucuba with its large yellow and green leaves.
In addition to shrubs, many ferns grow in my garden. Some die off during the cold months, but others, like Brilliance Autumn and Shield ferns, endure. These hardy plants produce large leaves that glow in the late afternoon light.
There are also cool-weather vegetables that can tolerate frosty nights. Kale, cabbage and other brassicas like Brussels sprouts can thrive throughout a mild winter. Ornamental kale and cabbages come in vibrant colors. The pink, lavender, white and green outer petals brighten any winter landscape.
While most flowers require warm temperatures, one flower that does well in the cold is the pansy. I buy containers of them in the fall and plant them in pots outside. Since the winter in WNC is usually mild, pansies can bloom for a long time, providing many different colors. If the forecast is for colder temperatures, I just bring the pots inside until it warms up.
Perhaps the ultimate winter flowering plant is the Yuletide camellia. I have not grown it, but one year I admired the vibrant red blooms with a yellow center in a neighbor’s front yard. It blooms in December and will bring uplifting color to any Southern garden.
Just because we have entered the cold, dark days of winter doesn’t mean that the gardener has to give up green foliage and colorful flowers. With a little care and foresight, anyone can have a winter garden to enjoy.
Judith Canty Graves is an award-winning columnist with a home garden in Asheville. Follow @TheObservantGardener on Instagram to see new garden photos daily.
