10 Plants That Thrive During The Winter

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As the seasons come and go, we have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of new plants that thrive in different weather conditions. While winter conditions may not appear suitable for nature, there are actually a number of plants that thrive in the cold weather. I recently read this article that details some of the best plants to grow in the winter, which I would like to share. If you are an avid gardener like me, then you should consider adding some of these plants to your garden to keep it looking attractive all winter long.

1) Camellia

The Camellia is certainly one of the most popular of the winter plants. This evergreen, with its brightly colored rose like flowers, blooms from fall until early spring. This flower will provide eye-popping color to any dull winter landscape. You will want to try and plant them where they will be protected from strong winds and can get some sun, but not too much of it!

2) Winterberry

Winterberry is a cousin of holly, but loses its leaves in the fall so that the bright red berries can come alive. This plant should be a staple of any winter landscaping endeavor. If you enjoy bird watching, then you will be treated to some frequent visitors thanks to the berries. This is a slow growing plant, however, and germination can take 2 to 3 years.

3) Red Twig Dogwood

The Red Twig Dogwood’s striking red stems are not only attractive but they make a great accent when combined with evergreens. The rich color remains all year but in the spring and summer the new leaves will need to be regularly removed to reveal the stems. Keep in mind that the brightness of the plants color depends on the amount of sun it receives.

4) Firethorn

This hardy perennial is attractive all year round. You will find small clusters of sparkling white flowers in spring and bright glossy green leaves the rest of the year. Firethorn has small pea like berries, which will be either orange or yellow, that remain long after fall. The seeds should be planted in the fall in a cold frame and transplanted to well drained rich earth in the spring.

5) Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick (Corkscrew Hazel)

This is an incredibly unusual winter plant but will provide an interesting dynamic to your garden. What makes this plant attractive in the winter is the winding and twisting branches that give an eerie touch to the winter landscape.

6) The Paper Birch Tree

The Paper Birch Tree shows off its beautiful yellow leaves in the fall, but when the winter comes, its white bark will provide a great contrast to a backdrop of evergreens. You will often see these trees as a focal point of Christmas displays. The trees should be planted in shallow holes with mulch to help it retain moisture.

7) Paperbark Maple

Paperbark Maple’s curls of copper bark peel off from all over the, providing a beautiful sight. The green leaves in the summer turn into an eye catching cinnamon shade during the fall.

8) Heather

Heather is a very popular plant throughout Europe, but has only recently caught on in the United States. This plant has great appeal as a winter plant, with its thick foliage making an appealing contrast to the more delicate blooms of other winter plants.

9) Holly

With 400 varieties to choose from, ranging from small bushes to huge trees up to 80 feet in height, there is a type of holly for every garden. The bright berries and thick foliage ensure that your garden will be eye catching all winter.

10) Hellebore

There a wide range of colors available, meaning that you will be able to find one that compliments the rest of your winter garden. The bloom is an unmistakeable cup shape.