Winter doesn’t mean your garden has to hibernate. In Virginia, a variety of plants can be successfully planted during the winter months, adding beauty and structure to your outdoor space. Here’s a guide to some fantastic winter plants that will keep your landscape looking vibrant and inviting.

1. Evergreen Trees and Shrubs

Evergreens are the backbone of a winter garden. They provide year-round color and structure, making them a staple for winter planting.

• American Holly (Ilex opaca): Known for its glossy green leaves and bright red berries, American Holly adds festive cheer to any landscape.

• Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana): This hardy tree is perfect for creating privacy screens and windbreaks. Its blue-green foliage and small berries provide visual interest.

• Boxwood (Buxus): A classic choice for hedges and topiaries, boxwood remains green throughout the winter, offering a touch of elegance to your garden.

2. Winter-Flowering Plants

Winter-flowering plants bring unexpected color and fragrance to your garden during the cold months.

• Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum): Bright yellow flowers bloom on this hardy plant, offering a splash of color in the winter landscape.

• Hellebores (Helleborus): Also known as Lenten roses, hellebores produce beautiful, nodding flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple.

• Witch Hazel (Hamamelis): This shrub blooms in late winter with fragrant, spidery flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red.

3. Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses add texture and movement to your winter garden. They are low-maintenance and can withstand Virginia’s winter conditions.

• Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum): This native grass turns a golden hue in the winter and provides habitat for birds.

• Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora): With its tall, upright plumes, this grass adds vertical interest and looks stunning against a backdrop of snow.

• Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca): This compact grass has silvery-blue foliage that adds a cool tone to the winter landscape.

4. Hardy Perennials and Ground Covers

These plants are resilient and can handle the winter chill, providing ground cover and color.

• Coral Bells (Heuchera): Known for their colorful foliage, coral bells are evergreen in many areas and add interest with their variety of leaf colors.

• Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia): This low-growing ground cover stays green throughout the winter and can add a lush carpet to your garden.

• Lamium (Lamium maculatum): With its silver-tinged leaves and occasional winter blooms, lamium is a charming ground cover that brightens up shady areas.

With the right plants, your garden can remain a beautiful and inviting space even during the winter months. By incorporating evergreens, winter-flowering plants, ornamental grasses, and hardy perennials, you can ensure your Virginia landscape stays vibrant and appealing year-round.

At Decked Out Landscapes, we specialize in creating stunning outdoor spaces that thrive in every season. Our expert team can help you select and plant the perfect winter plants for your garden. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us transform your winter landscape into a true winter wonderland.