Just as fruits and vegetables have popular seasons, so do plants used in landscapes and indoor displays. A lot of people think the winter months are reserved for evergreens and bushes, but the truth is that you can find a lot of color during this colder season.
Japanese Maple
The Japanese Maple is from Asia and can grow up to 25 feet at its largest height. They are famous for their red and gold colors in the late fall and early winter. They’re popular in zones 5 through 8 but some hybrid varieties do very well in colder climates and you can also find potted varieties for indoor decoration.
Winterberry
The winterberry is considered the cousin of the holly plant. It loses its leaves in the fall, but they’re soon replaced by gorgeous red berries. They’re not only gorgeous to look at, but any winter-loving birds remaining in your area will be grateful for the treat.
Calendula
Calendula plants do well in climates where the winters are relatively mild. They are generally either yellow or orange and can grow anywhere from 12 to 24 inches in height. While they can tolerate a moderate winter, they do need full sun in order to thrive.
Christmas Cactus
The Christmas Cactus can be cared for throughout the year, though it tends to bloom around Christmas (hence the name). The tips of the leaves will grow, then become darker right before the buds develop. The gorgeous flowers will appear right in time for the holidays. If you’re lucky, your plant will bloom again sometime around Easter.
Poinsettias
Poinsettias are incredibly popular during the Christmas season, but you do need to keep them indoors so they are not exposed to the cold for too long. They are actually tropical in nature and can easily become damaged by the cold, quickly dropping leaves and petals. They do well in temperatures ranging between 60 and 70 degrees F.
Firethorn
This gorgeous perennial features clusters of orange and yellow berries in the late fall and early winter, deep rich leaves in the summer and fall, and fantastic white flowers in the spring.
Red Twig Dogwood
The red twig dogwood actually has a red stem that is pretty neat to see by itself and they look great when planted in a landscape that also features evergreens. The trick is to make sure you remove some of the new leaves in the spring and summer so that the stems receive plenty of sunlight. The more sun they get, the brighter they’ll stay.
There are tons of gorgeous plants you can keep inside and out during the winter months. If in doubt, ask one of us here at Horizon for help. We’ll be happy to help you choose a plant to compliment your overall landscape.