Interesting Winter Plants: Bringing Color and Texture to the Cold Months

Interesting Winter Plants

Interesting Winter PlantsA well-designed landscape shouldn’t fade into the background when temperatures drop. Winter is the perfect time to highlight structure, bark, berries, and evergreen foliage. By choosing interesting winter plants that shine in the colder months, you can keep your garden attractive year-round.

Why Focus on Winter Interest?

Interesting winter plants bring a unique dimension to the landscape, blending beauty with purpose. By combining vibrant color, distinctive structure, and ecological value, these plants ensure your garden remains engaging and alive even in the quiet months. They offer visual warmth, architectural appeal, and essential support for wildlife when nature’s palette is at its most subdued. A few main highlights include:

Seasonal Color: Bright berries and stems add contrast to snowy or bare backdrops.

Structure: Plants with striking bark or strong form bring beauty when leaves are gone.

Wildlife Value: Winter berries provide food for birds and pollinators benefit from early bloomers.

Top Interesting Winter Plants

Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
Famed for its vivid red stems, this shrub stands out against snow or muted winter landscapes. Pruning older stems encourages fresh, brightest-colored growth.

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis)
One of the earliest bloomers, witch hazel produces fragrant yellow to copper flowers from late winter into early spring. It’s a standout when little else is in bloom.

Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)
A deciduous holly that drops its leaves but leaves behind masses of bright red berries. Birds love the fruit, and it creates a festive display in the landscape.Interesting Winter Plants Pink Muhly

Ornamental Grasses (Miscanthus, Panicum, Calamagrostis)
Tall grasses retain their seed heads and structure through winter, catching frost and snow for a dramatic effect.

Camellia (Zones 7–9)
Depending on the variety, camellias bloom in fall, winter, or early spring, offering glossy evergreen leaves and rose-like flowers when color is most needed.

Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum)
This small ornamental tree has rich cinnamon-colored, exfoliating bark that peels in curls, providing striking texture all winter long.

Evergreen Favorites (Holly, Boxwood, Cryptomeria, Thuja)
Broadleaf and conifer evergreens provide the backbone of winter structure, keeping landscapes green when everything else is bare.

Design Tips for Interesting Winter Plants

Contrast is Key: Place red-twig dogwood near evergreens to make the stems pop.

Think Layers: Combine tall evergreens with mid-height shrubs and ground covers for year-round depth.

Use Structure: Choose plants with unique forms or bark to anchor the landscape.

Plan for Wildlife: Select berry-producing shrubs to support birds in cold months.

Final Thoughts

Winter doesn’t have to be dull in the garden. With plants like witch hazel, red twig dogwood, and evergreen mainstays, you can design a landscape with interesting winter plants that’s full of color, structure, and life—even in the coldest months.

Shade Garden Favorites: Plants That Thrive in Partial Sun

Shade Garden

Shade Garden Basics

Not every corner of the landscape gets bright sunlight, but that doesn’t mean those spaces can’t be beautiful. A shade garden will create cool, calming retreats filled with texture, foliage color, and seasonal blooms. The key is choosing plants that are naturally adapted to lower light conditions.

Why Plant a Shade Garden?Shade Garden

    • Cool & Refreshing: Shade garden spaces are comfortable for people and plants in summer.
    • Low Maintenance: Many shade-loving plants require less watering than sun-lovers.
    • Unique Beauty: Shade gardens highlight foliage textures, variegated leaves, and subtle blooms.

Top Shade-Loving Perennials and Shrubs

Helleborus (Lenten Rose)

Among the first perennials to bloom in late winter and early spring, hellebores feature nodding flowers in shades of pink, white, purple, and green. They thrive in part to full shade and offer evergreen foliage year-round.

Hakonechloa (Japanese Forest Grass)

This graceful grass adds movement and golden-green color to shaded beds. It pairs beautifully with hostas and ferns, creating texture contrast in woodland-style gardens.

Heuchera (Coral Bells)

Known for their colorful foliage, coral bells bring deep burgundy, lime green, or silver tones to shady borders and they also produce delicate flower spikes in summer.

Hostas

The classic shade perennial, hostas come in countless sizes and leaf patterns. From giant blue-green leaves to compact variegated types, they create bold foliage statements.

Camellia (for Mild Climates)

These broadleaf evergreens bloom in fall or winter, depending on the variety. With glossy foliage and showy flowers, they brighten shaded foundations and woodland edges.

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis)

A unique option for filtered-shade locations is witch hazel which provides fragrant yellow to red blooms in late winter when few other plants flower.

Design Tips for a Shade GardenShade Garden Favorites

    • Mix Textures: Pair bold hosta leaves with fine-textured ferns and grasses.
    • Add Contrast: Use variegated foliage (like hostas or heuchera) to lighten dark corners.
    • Layer Plants: Combine groundcovers, mid-sized perennials, and taller shrubs for depth.
    • Mind Moisture: Many shade plants prefer evenly moist soil—mulch helps retain it.

Final Thoughts

Shade gardens don’t have to be dark or dull. With plants like hellebores, Japanese forest grass, coral bells, and witch hazel, you can create lush, vibrant spaces full of year-round interest. The right mix of textures and colors will transform low-light areas into some of the most inviting spots of your landscape projects.

Landscape Privacy Screening: The Ultimate Guide

Landscape Privacy Screening

Landscape Privacy ScreeningCreating a natural landscape privacy screening in your landscape is one of the best ways to add privacy, reduce noise, and define outdoor spaces. Whether you’re barring the neighbor’s view of your outdoor space, softening a property line, or enclosing a patio, plants offer a living, green solution that improves with time. The right choice depends on your space, climate, and design goals.

Why Choose Plants for Privacy Screening?

Beauty: Screens provide year-round greenery and seasonal interest.

Eco-Friendly: Living walls support wildlife, absorb carbon, and cool surrounding areas.

Flexibility: Options range from tall, fast-growing evergreens to layered shrub borders.

Top Choices for Landscape Privacy Screening

Plant Growth Rate Sun & Soil Best Use Why it Stands Out
Thuja ‘Green Giant’ (Arborvitae) Fast — 3–5 ft/year Full sun to part shade; wide soil tolerance; prefers moist, well-drained Rapid privacy screen, windbreak, hedge Quick, dense growth with few pest issues; evergreen cover year-round
Leyland Cypress Very fast — 3–4+ ft/year Full sun; adapts to many soils; prefers well-drained, slightly acidic Tall, fast screens and windbreaks Extremely fast growth and height; instant screening effect
American Holly (Ilex opaca) Slow to moderate — 6–18 in/year Full sun to part shade; prefers acidic, moist, well-drained soils Specimen tree, formal hedge, wildlife habitat Evergreen with glossy leaves and bright red berries; high wildlife and ornamental value
Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’) Moderate — 1–2 ft/year Full sun to part shade; tolerates clay and urban soils if well-drained Columnar screen, street tree, narrow-site planting Slim, upright form fits tight spaces; smooth bark and good fall color
Bamboo (Clumping varieties) Fast in season — new canes reach full height each year; clump expands 1–2+ ft/year Full sun to part shade; moist, fertile, well-drained soils Living fence, fast screen, tropical accent, erosion control Rapid vertical growth, dense foliage; clumping types are non-invasive and manageable

Tips for Planting Landscape Privacy Screening

When planning a landscape for privacy, thoughtful design and care make all the difference. Spacing is key: plant Green Giants about 6–8 feet apart to create a seamless, dense hedge without overcrowding. For added beauty and depth, try layering—combine evergreens with shrubs and perennials to soften the look and give your screen a more natural, varied appearance. Maintenance also plays a role in long-term success; light pruning will keep plants dense and shapely, while consistent watering during the establishment phase helps them root deeply and grow strong. Finally, keep design considerations in mind—choose plants not just for their mature height and width, but also for how they look through the seasons, ensuring your screen provides privacy and visual interest all year long.

Final Thoughts

For most homeowners, Thuja ‘Green Giant’ is the ultimate go-to for privacy: fast, reliable, and attractive year-round. But combining evergreens, shrubs, and ornamental trees can create a screen that’s both functional and beautiful, tailored to your property’s unique needs.

Boxwood Basics: Which Variety Should You Choose?

Boxwood Basics Variety

Boxwood Basics

Boxwoods are a cornerstone of American landscapes, prized for their evergreen foliage, adaptability, and timeless appeal. Whether you’re designing a formal hedge, adding structure to a mixed border, or creating a classic foundation planting, choosing the right boxwood variety is key to long-term success. With dozens of cultivars available, it’s important to understand the differences in size, shape, and hardiness so you can match the right plant to your landscape needs.

Why Choose Boxwoods?

Boxwoods offer year-round greenery, respond well to pruning, and can be shaped into hedges, spheres, or left natural for a softer look. Their dense foliage makes them ideal for creating structure and contrast in the garden.

Popular Boxwood Varieties

Boxwood Basics Usage Chart

Tips for Success

Site Selection: Plant in well-drained soil; avoid waterlogged areas.Boxwood Basics Variety

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade, depending on the variety.

Pruning: Light, regular pruning keeps shape without stressing the plant.

Winter Care: Mulch roots and shield from harsh winds to prevent bronzing.

Boxwood Basics: Final Notes

The best boxwood for your project depends on your design goals. For formal hedging, ‘Suffruticosa’ or ‘Green Velvet’ are excellent. If you need an upright structure, go with ‘Green Mountain.’ For compact accents, ‘Green Gem’ is ideal. And for durability with faster growth, ‘Wintergreen’ stands out.

No matter which you choose, boxwoods provide year-round structure and elegance, making them one of the most dependable shrubs in the landscape trade. Boxwoods also provide elegant foliage that helps to increase property value.

Contact our knowledgeable team at Country Springs Wholesale Nursery and schedule a visit to see our huge selection in person.

 

Native Trees for Busy Landscapes: Why They Matter

Native Trees on our yard

Native Trees in the Mid Atlantic

Native Trees grow naturally in a certain regions or ecosystems without beingNative Trees on our yard brought there by people. They are species that have adapted over time to the local climate, soil, and wildlife. These trees play an important role in supporting the natural balance of that area.

It is easy to be drawn to exotic or unusual trees when planning a landscape project. Uncommon tress have their place but native trees are often the best choice for homeowners. Additionally, beauty, resilience, and low-maintenance care. make Native Trees ideal for today’s busy lifestyles.

Native Tree Benefits

Low Maintenance
A native tree is already suited to our region’s rainfall, temperature swings, and soil conditions. This means they require less watering, fertilization, and long-term upkeep compared to many non-native options.

Support for Wildlife
From songbirds to pollinators, native trees provide food and shelter for local wildlife. Planting them helps restore natural habitats right in your own backyard.

Seasonal Beauty
Far from being ordinary, many of these trees offer spectacular seasonal displays. Spring blooms, rich fall colors, and striking winter silhouettes add year-round appeal.

Resilience
Another reason to consider, native trees are more resistant to local pests and diseases. This reduces the need for chemical treatments because these trees are also more tolerant of weather extremes, from summer heat to winter cold.

Recommended Native Trees for Landscape Projects

In the Mid-Atlantic (Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, New Jersey, and surrounding areas), native trees represent the smart choice for landscaping because they’re already adapted to local weather, soils, and pests. That means they require less maintenance and provide better habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. Here are some top recommendations and why they’re most often used:

Redbud (Cercis canadensis) – Beautiful pink spring flowers, heart-shaped leaves, and excellent for small yards.
Redbud Native Trees

White Oak (Quercus alba) – A classic shade tree with strong wildlife value and stunning fall foliage.
White Oak Native Trees

Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) – Multi-season interest with spring blooms, edible summer berries, and fiery fall color.
Serviceberry Native trees

River Birch (Betula nigra) – Distinctive peeling bark, fast-growing, and adaptable to wet soils.
River Birch Native trees

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) – Evergreen privacy tree that provides food and cover for birds.
Eastern Red Cedar Native Trees

Choosing local trees is not just good for the environment — it’s good for you too. They save time, reduce maintenance headaches, and ensure your landscape thrives for years to come.

If you’re ready to bring the beauty and resilience of native trees into your yard then stop by Country Springs Wholesale Nursery. Our team can help match you with the right tree for your space and lifestyle.