BEST 12 PERENNIALS FOR THE WINTER GARDEN

While we cannot expect to enjoy the color and fragrance of the summer flowers during the winter season this does not mean that the garden has to look brown and lifeless through this cold period. In fact many of the plants that are evergreen can provide interest during the winter months. This article by?Hilary Rinaldi which I found on the Weekend Gardener website recommends twelve of the best.

Just because it is going to turn cold in a few months, doesn’t mean your yard has to look dull or lifeless. Believe it or not, there are other plant options that you can use to make your yard and garden look great year round.
So instead of thinking about plants going dormant, it’s time to start planning and planting a few things that will stay colorful and look good while everything else is brown and leafless. Actually, anything that remains evergreen throughout the winter months may be considered a candidate for winter interest, but I chose some plants that flower, have great structure, or produce berries.
Now’s the time to add some strong interest and color to your yard while there is still time to get everything planted, and established, before the really cold weather sets in.
I have included each plant’s ideal climate zone so you can get an idea of what will do well for you in your area. A brief list of zones is at the end of this article, or you can use our zone map.
Many more than 12 perennials could have been listed here, but I wanted to touch on some that are not as widely used, so you can really liven up your garden!
1. Viola tricolor – Johnny Jump Up – Zones 4 to 10

Produces neat flowers with faces in shades of yellow, blue, violet, and white. Flowers in fall and often in winter. Self-seeds readily.
2. Rosa rugosa – Rugosa Rose – Zones 2 to 10

This is a large shrub that grows to 8 feet. Has good fall color. What makes this plant appealing for winter are the large tomato-like hips that are produced after it flowers. The hips are quite a feature and last all winter long.