The advice given here may be too late for this year, but it is a useful reminder that you do not have to leave your pots empty through the winter. There are small evergreen shrubs and trees that can live happily at this time of year in containers. If you visit nurseries at the end of the season you will often find prices reduced which is an added bonus. I found an article by Abbi Hayes over at the Planters Place website in which she recommends the best five evergreens for your winter containers.

Now that Halloween has passed, pumpkins are starting to shrivel, and multiple frosts have taken their toll on Mums, it?s time to start thinking about changing out fall-themed containers for winter.
There is no reason you have to leave your pots empty in winter, as many evergreens can survive the winter in containers. Go ahead and store small containers away for winter, but keep a couple large containers by the front door planted with evergreens to keep your entryway looking cheerful and inviting. Keep an eye out at nurseries for the following small evergreen shrubs and trees, often greatly discounted this time of year.

Boxwood (Buxus)

Boxwood comes in rounded and pyramidal forms and are a great shrub to use if you live in an area where deer frequently munch on your plants.? They look great all year and can be left in containers for many seasons until they need to be planted in the ground. Keep an eye out for the variegated variety for a different take on this traditional shrub.

Spruce (Picea)

Spruce trees come in many varieties and are well suited to winter containers as long as they are available in small sizes. Look for any small Spruce trees (Blue, White, Black, to name a few), Dwarf Alberta Spruce, Globe Spruce, and Birdsnest Spruce. Keep in mind that most of these will need a spot in your yard sooner rather than later, and plan accordingly. Due to their slow growth habit, Dwarf Alberta Spruce can live in a container longer than the other Spruces mentioned. Spruces are also a good choice for areas prone to deer browsing.

See more at: Planters Place
Image source: Jack Berry