When the trees have shed their leaves and perennial plants have been cut back it is time for the evergreens to take center stage. Because they do not shed their leaves evergreen shrubs can provide color in the garden through the winter. Many evergreens also produce berries which provide food for the birds as well as a splash of color. These ten shrubs are described in an article by Anne Balogh which I found on the Garden Design Magazine website.
Broadleaf evergreen shrubs enliven the dreary winter landscape with their lush greenery. Like coniferous evergreens, they create an everlasting framework for seasonal garden plantings. Some varieties produce attractive flowers in the spring and colorful berries in the fall, broadening their year-round appeal. However, most of the shrubs featured here are valued for their resilient foliage and ability to flourish in cold climates, where their display of winter greenery is most welcome.
COMPACTA INKBERRY HOLLY
(Ilex glabra ?Compacta?)
Photo: Pleasant Run Nursery, Allentown, NJ.
Why we love it: True to its name, inkberry produces an abundance of showy ink-black berries that emerge in late summer and last throughout winter (this is a female plant, if you want berries, you’ll also need a male plant for pollination to occur). Glossy dark green leaves that fade to olive green in winter contrast beautifully with the dark berries.EVERGREEN AZALEA
(Rhododendron ?Girard’s Rose?)
Photo: Garden World Images Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo.
Why we love it: This compact evergreen azalea is laden with clusters of vibrant rose-colored flowers in spring that give way to glossy green foliage. In winter, the foliage acquires attractive tinges of deep redMOUNTAIN LAUREL
(Kalmia latifolia)
Photo: Graham Prentice / Alamy Stock Photo.
Why we love it: This native southern New England evergreen is often grown for its exceptional flowers in spring, but the leathery, glossy evergreen leaves extend its ornamental value in the garden. The striking cup-shaped flowers (the official state flower of Connecticut) range in color from rose to white with purple markings and last from May through June.
See more at Garden Design Magazine
Feature photo: Maria D / Shutterstock.com.
