Smart plant choices keep a garden beautiful all winter long
Winter. It is long. And, for a gardener, often boring and painful. But it can also be a wonderful season in the garden. There are a lot of plants that look their best in the winter months, and with the ground frozen solid, you can actually enjoy them because there aren’t weeds to pull or vegetables to harvest or aphids to remove. If your winter view of the garden is drab and ugly, consider adding a few of these plants to make the long, cold months more enjoyable.
Ivy leaved cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium, Zones 4 – 8) is one of my all-time favorite plants, and mostly because those incredible leaves look terrific all winter long. Come spring, it goes completely dormant, with leaves dying back until the next fall, so it can share space with summer growing perennials with grace and ease. Petra Williams sent in this picture of her weeping copper beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Puple Fountain’, Zones 4 – 7) which shows beautifully how some trees really are their best in the winter when their complex branching structure is visible and shows up bright and clear against a backdrop of snow. Great bark is an asset all year, but the intricate patterns of lacebark pine (Pinus bungeana, zones 5 – 8) are perhaps best appreciated in the winter months. Angelina sedum (Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’) is a pretty yellow-green in the summer, but it is in the cold months that it really looks its best. Cold temperatures cause the leaves to blush copper and red, lighting up a winter landscape. Autumn joy sedum (Hylotelephium ‘Autumn Joy’ zones 3 – 9) behind english lavender (Lavandula angustifolia, zones 5 – 8) growing here in the Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden make an elegant design of brown and silver that keeps looking good from fall to spring.
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Hey Joseph - Here is some red colouration from Down Under to add to your mix and hopefully help GPOD'ers overcome any winter blues. Pic. (1) Flowering gum (2) NSW Christmas bush (tall bush with red sepals) (3) Fuschia heath (4) Common heath (5) Red Five-corners (6) Sturt's desert pea (7) NSW Christmas bells (OK there is some yellow in there to add to the effect, and it may be closer to orange than red, but let's not let the facts get in the way of a good flower!). Cheers from the Wiz of Oz
PS. Where are you Lilian?
Heading for bed now though, Rhonda. Do you think there would be any interest in a white theme on Monday - or too close to snow? Cheers from this tired Aussie.
Hi - It is Corymbia ficifolia - been reclassified from Eucalyptus ficifolia. There is a wide range of natural flower colours. We can buy grafted plants with selected flower colours, including orange. Cheers, Frank
Frank, with all those long, tubular flowers, I sure hope Australia has an army of able bodied hummingbirds. Your pictures this week have been real spirit boosters! Hope you will post 'white' on Monday - or cream/ivory?
Hi Cheryl - no hummingbirds in Oz, but plenty of birds with the correctly shaped beaks to get the nectar out of the tubular shaped flowers. White with a touch of ivory (just for you) coming up next week. This pic. was taken near our property. Cheers, Frank
Thanks Sonya - still waiting for the pics you submitted to GPOD admin. to see the light of day (hint, hint, Joseph - and we don't want any editing, old son!). Cheers from the Wizard of Oz
I don't have much hopes of that occurring. My submissions only showed before and after pics of my new landscape - much to new and raw to be really interesting and not colorful at all - trees & shrubs to create the backbone - adding color with perennials are for the future (5 year plan). However, I suspect that our new blog master picks what he deems worthy of posting or wants to post. I hate it that worthy submissions from other GPODers are not getting posted. Still not getting the 8 or 10 pics asked for by you and others; so glad you are posting your additional colorful photos. You so absolutely make everyone's day.
Hey Sonya. - Here is what I like about GPOD i.e. from the perspective of somebody from another part of the world. 1. Reading narratives/stories of gardeners etc written in their own words. It doesn't matter about the grammar or expression - it just needs to be natural. 2. Seeing photos of readers. There needs to be 10 pics., and it doesn't matter about the quality of the pics. 3. Interacting with fellow GPODers via informed comments, and some banter and good humour. 4. The almost instantaneous communication via the net.
There is real danger that new administrative changes to GPOD will make the blog less appealing than previously. I would have thought that the blog needs to be market driven (ie demand driven, not editor push). It is very clear that GPOD'ers want 10 pics per post.
If you read this Joseph - my question is - does the management of FG want the blog to be market orientated? If so why not do some market research to see what contributors and readers of the blog want from it etc. A perfectly reasonable and professional approach to the communication business of FG.
Here endeth the sermon!
Cheers, Frank
Thank you for this sermon, Frank. I agree with each of your points, and it seems to me that we are more of a collaborative matrix of gardeners, appreciating lots of new inputs, and, speaking for myself, I prefer that to being a fan club.
Hot and wonderful! Love the Christmas bells; give me yellow fading through orange to red and I swoon. Just skimmed an interesting article on them and their protected status, but great cut flower potential. Blandfordia is an unfortunate genus name for a flower that is anything but bland!
From its flower shape, I would have thought the Christmas bells plant was a vine (reminding me a bit of honeysuckle) but I read that it's more a ground clumping plant. And, maybe I missed when you explained that NSW stands for New South Wales...right? You inspire us to do some homework , Frank, which is a good thing. I love all your pictures and I'm sure you'll make white fascinating and not at all similar to cold snow.
Good morning Frank! I am bounce and alive! Impressive floras of Australia again! This certainly brighten my day (my day was brighten enough but this takes it to a new level!) Thanks for sharing! Are these plants in your garden?
Here is some red from British Columbia of Canada for you from top down and all zone 2-3 growing conditions
1. Very low grow Bearberry, Arctostaphylos rubra on the trail of Shipyard & Titanic Trail in Monkman Provincial Park, Tumbler Ridge.
2. Could not identify the plant but it was at Fraser Between Yukon, BC and Alaska boarders. May be Lorraine Robson and Cherry Eng could help identify it.
3. September rose blooming at the W. A. C. Bennett Dam which generates 1/3 of B.C.'s electricity. We joint a bus tour went underground of the dam. I asked several people at Dam but no one knew the name of the rose. I would guess it could be a Canadian bred either from the Explorer and Artists series.
Hi Lilian, Your middle photo of the red berries is red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa). Those red berries are enjoyed by birds but toxic to people. Our other native elderberry is S. cerulean which has glossy, bluish gray fruit clusters. The blue one is edible but not very tasty.
You are most welcome, Lilian. We're more likely to see the red version on our side of the Cascade Range; S. cerulea is more common on the eastern side of the mountains.
Thanks for your comments and lovely pics., Lilian - and I'm super glad you are still with us. These plants are endemic to locations with different climates and soils. The only one in our garden is the flowering gum. I just have to get over to BC - all my Aussie friends who have visited there absolutely loved it and the people. Get your white flowers ready for Monday! Cheers, Frank
BC and Rocky Mountains by far are the most beautiful place on earth. You need to rent a car and do a road trip to take it all in. Will try to host you as much as I could when you come. (I still work full time.)
Wow! These are gorgeous, Frank! The tube-shaped flowers of both the heaths remind me of Phygelius capensis (South African cape fuchsia), but they aren't even in the same family. The colouration of the Christmas bells against the dark stems is pure artistry.
The lacebark pine stopped me dead in my tracks - I also have never met one yet, but sure hope to soon. And the sedum with lavender = Wow - I'm imagining how that looks in August! I would add to your list contorted quince and add my own shot of sedum Autumn Joy
That is one beautiful pine! These are all great shots of winter fun. I find small evergreens bring such balance to deciduous trees and shrubs during the winter.
Thanks for brightening our day. The lacebark pine is gorgeous. Haven't encountered it either. And that stand of sedum Autumn Joy illustrates how valuable it is in all seasons. I've tried other sedums but keep coming back to it. haven't had much luck with hardy cyclamen. Has anyone in zone 7 had any luck with it?
The patterns or pictures each person discovers in staring at the lacebark pine is kind of like a Rorschach inkblot test...compliments of Mother Nature. I see all kinds and sizes of bird silhouettes. I love the warm fiery glow of the winter 'Angelina' sedum...like burning embers lit up by a gentle breeze.
Nice. Love that Cyclamen but have had a hard time placing it where it doesn't rot in summer. Angelina is a gorgeous thug. I rip her out by the basket, but wouldn't want to be without her.
I don't think I've seen a lacebark pine in the past because I'm pretty sure I would have remembered those mesmerizing splotches of color. Very cool! I also agree with Tim, Angelina is a gorgeous thug with the winter colors of a beautiful sunset! Thanks Joseph!
These set of photos certainly changed my perspective on winter garden beauties. Never think that a bunch of trig and dead flower head could be this beautiful. This promotes me to view the plants and garden from a new angle. I especially like the last photo! Thanks for sharing Joseph!
The following is today's photo of my 5 year old patch of Cyclamen hederifolium & Cyclamen coum growing from seeds (directly sown). It is under a maple tree and growing under shade. On the right side of the tree trunk is mostly Cyclamen hederifolium and left was Cyclamen coum.
I love your photo of the warm rusty-brown 'Autumn Joy' with the silvery lavender and the tawny taller plant behind, Joseph. They are gorgeous contrasted with the cooler flat expanse of snow. I also love close-up's of tree bark and that lacebark pine is a beauty!
All beautiful but I will admit I am yearning for spring. Lacebark pines are one of my favorites and mine has FINALLY started showing that beautiful bark texture and color. Tim is spot on about Angelina,,,,,,,,,,,beautiful but aggressive
Comments
Hey Joseph - Here is some red colouration from Down Under to add to your mix and hopefully help GPOD'ers overcome any winter blues. Pic. (1) Flowering gum (2) NSW Christmas bush (tall bush with red sepals) (3) Fuschia heath (4) Common heath (5) Red Five-corners (6) Sturt's desert pea (7) NSW Christmas bells (OK there is some yellow in there to add to the effect, and it may be closer to orange than red, but let's not let the facts get in the way of a good flower!). Cheers from the Wiz of Oz
PS. Where are you Lilian?
These are all awesome, especially the last one. Thank you for sharing. Do you post photos on Instagram?
Thanks Cherie - glad you liked them. I'm on FB, but not Instagram. Cheers, Frank
No wonder you don’t get anything done all day, you entertain us on the FG blog and then wander over to Facebook! ?
Heading for bed now though, Rhonda. Do you think there would be any interest in a white theme on Monday - or too close to snow? Cheers from this tired Aussie.
We are interested in everything you post! Sleep well my friend!
Such a diplomat!
White would be a good choice for Monday. Show us that you could make Monday great again! I love the color of the snow as well.
You are on for Monday, Lilian!
Frank, do you know the botanical name of the flowering gum?
Hi - It is Corymbia ficifolia - been reclassified from Eucalyptus ficifolia. There is a wide range of natural flower colours. We can buy grafted plants with selected flower colours, including orange. Cheers, Frank
Frank, with all those long, tubular flowers, I sure hope Australia has an army of able bodied hummingbirds. Your pictures this week have been real spirit boosters! Hope you will post 'white' on Monday - or cream/ivory?
Hi Cheryl - no hummingbirds in Oz, but plenty of birds with the correctly shaped beaks to get the nectar out of the tubular shaped flowers. White with a touch of ivory (just for you) coming up next week. This pic. was taken near our property. Cheers, Frank
Top notch photo, birds and flowers. Thanks for sharing.
Gorgeous!- which bird is this one?
Eastern spinebill (male), Cheryl.
That is a stunning shot!
Once again, some really great flowers from the land down under. So many pretty shades of red with complimentary colors added in.
Thanks Sonya - still waiting for the pics you submitted to GPOD admin. to see the light of day (hint, hint, Joseph - and we don't want any editing, old son!). Cheers from the Wizard of Oz
I don't have much hopes of that occurring. My submissions only showed before and after pics of my new landscape - much to new and raw to be really interesting and not colorful at all - trees & shrubs to create the backbone - adding color with perennials are for the future (5 year plan). However, I suspect that our new blog master picks what he deems worthy of posting or wants to post. I hate it that worthy submissions from other GPODers are not getting posted. Still not getting the 8 or 10 pics asked for by you and others; so glad you are posting your additional colorful photos. You so absolutely make everyone's day.
Hey Sonya. - Here is what I like about GPOD i.e. from the perspective of somebody from another part of the world. 1. Reading narratives/stories of gardeners etc written in their own words. It doesn't matter about the grammar or expression - it just needs to be natural. 2. Seeing photos of readers. There needs to be 10 pics., and it doesn't matter about the quality of the pics. 3. Interacting with fellow GPODers via informed comments, and some banter and good humour. 4. The almost instantaneous communication via the net.
There is real danger that new administrative changes to GPOD will make the blog less appealing than previously. I would have thought that the blog needs to be market driven (ie demand driven, not editor push). It is very clear that GPOD'ers want 10 pics per post.
If you read this Joseph - my question is - does the management of FG want the blog to be market orientated? If so why not do some market research to see what contributors and readers of the blog want from it etc. A perfectly reasonable and professional approach to the communication business of FG.
Here endeth the sermon!
Cheers, Frank
Thank you for this sermon, Frank. I agree with each of your points, and it seems to me that we are more of a collaborative matrix of gardeners, appreciating lots of new inputs, and, speaking for myself, I prefer that to being a fan club.
Hot and wonderful! Love the Christmas bells; give me yellow fading through orange to red and I swoon. Just skimmed an interesting article on them and their protected status, but great cut flower potential. Blandfordia is an unfortunate genus name for a flower that is anything but bland!
Yes you are right as usual, Tim - unfortunate genus name. Cheers mate
From its flower shape, I would have thought the Christmas bells plant was a vine (reminding me a bit of honeysuckle) but I read that it's more a ground clumping plant. And, maybe I missed when you explained that NSW stands for New South Wales...right? You inspire us to do some homework , Frank, which is a good thing. I love all your pictures and I'm sure you'll make white fascinating and not at all similar to cold snow.
Nice work with Dr Google, Michaele. Snow white and 7 pics. is on Monday! Cheers, Frank
Love these blooms Frank! Have a fun weekend!
Thanks Sheila - your friend Wiz
White post, please. All your posts are lovely
1 Thanks.
OK - Snow white on Monday, Edith.
Gorgeous pics again, Frank. Or should I say, as usual? Australia is a botanical wonderland. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you liked them, Shirley.
Good morning Frank! I am bounce and alive! Impressive floras of Australia again! This certainly brighten my day (my day was brighten enough but this takes it to a new level!) Thanks for sharing! Are these plants in your garden?
Here is some red from British Columbia of Canada for you from top down and all zone 2-3 growing conditions
1. Very low grow Bearberry, Arctostaphylos rubra on the trail of Shipyard & Titanic Trail in Monkman Provincial Park, Tumbler Ridge.
2. Could not identify the plant but it was at Fraser Between Yukon, BC and Alaska boarders. May be Lorraine Robson and Cherry Eng could help identify it.
3. September rose blooming at the W. A. C. Bennett Dam which generates 1/3 of B.C.'s electricity. We joint a bus tour went underground of the dam. I asked several people at Dam but no one knew the name of the rose. I would guess it could be a Canadian bred either from the Explorer and Artists series.
Hi Lilian, Your middle photo of the red berries is red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa). Those red berries are enjoyed by birds but toxic to people. Our other native elderberry is S. cerulean which has glossy, bluish gray fruit clusters. The blue one is edible but not very tasty.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ddf3358e8eec4264a5e64e16c6bcfa04f24d1a8bdd112a561977b741df9624c8.png
Thanks for the ID Lorraine. Just Googled Sambucus cerulean and equally as beautiful.
You are most welcome, Lilian. We're more likely to see the red version on our side of the Cascade Range; S. cerulea is more common on the eastern side of the mountains.
Thanks for your comments and lovely pics., Lilian - and I'm super glad you are still with us. These plants are endemic to locations with different climates and soils. The only one in our garden is the flowering gum. I just have to get over to BC - all my Aussie friends who have visited there absolutely loved it and the people. Get your white flowers ready for Monday! Cheers, Frank
BC and Rocky Mountains by far are the most beautiful place on earth. You need to rent a car and do a road trip to take it all in. Will try to host you as much as I could when you come. (I still work full time.)
Thanks for your lovely and generous offer. I would also like to catch up with Cherry and Lorraine.
Wow! These are gorgeous, Frank! The tube-shaped flowers of both the heaths remind me of Phygelius capensis (South African cape fuchsia), but they aren't even in the same family. The colouration of the Christmas bells against the dark stems is pure artistry.
Thanks a lot for the feed-back, Lorraine. Cheers, Frank
Love beech. We have an area of forest nearby that has many beech in it. We drive through that area in the winter so we can enjoy seeing them.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a lacebark pine in person before. That is some cool camo bark!
The lacebark pine stopped me dead in my tracks - I also have never met one yet, but sure hope to soon. And the sedum with lavender = Wow - I'm imagining how that looks in August! I would add to your list contorted quince
and add my own shot of sedum Autumn Joy 
That is one beautiful pine! These are all great shots of winter fun. I find small evergreens bring such balance to deciduous trees and shrubs during the winter.
Thanks for brightening our day. The lacebark pine is gorgeous. Haven't encountered it either. And that stand of sedum Autumn Joy illustrates how valuable it is in all seasons. I've tried other sedums but keep coming back to it. haven't had much luck with hardy cyclamen. Has anyone in zone 7 had any luck with it?
The patterns or pictures each person discovers in staring at the lacebark pine is kind of like a Rorschach inkblot test...compliments of Mother Nature. I see all kinds and sizes of bird silhouettes. I love the warm fiery glow of the winter 'Angelina' sedum...like burning embers lit up by a gentle breeze.
Nice. Love that Cyclamen but have had a hard time placing it where it doesn't rot in summer. Angelina is a gorgeous thug. I rip her out by the basket, but wouldn't want to be without her.
I don't think I've seen a lacebark pine in the past because I'm pretty sure I would have remembered those mesmerizing splotches of color. Very cool! I also agree with Tim, Angelina is a gorgeous thug with the winter colors of a beautiful sunset! Thanks Joseph!
Wish I could find that cyclamen, but will keep an eye out for it. Have got the autumn joy covered though!
These set of photos certainly changed my perspective on winter garden beauties. Never think that a bunch of trig and dead flower head could be this beautiful. This promotes me to view the plants and garden from a new angle. I especially like the last photo! Thanks for sharing Joseph!
The following is today's photo of my 5 year old patch of Cyclamen hederifolium & Cyclamen coum growing from seeds (directly sown). It is under a maple tree and growing under shade. On the right side of the tree trunk is mostly Cyclamen hederifolium and left was Cyclamen coum.
They look happy, Lilian. What are the two black knobby things?
Two back knobby things are two cast iron ants.
I can see it now! That's great, Lilian.
Had me intrigued as well, Lorrraine.
I love your photo of the warm rusty-brown 'Autumn Joy' with the silvery lavender and the tawny taller plant behind, Joseph. They are gorgeous contrasted with the cooler flat expanse of snow. I also love close-up's of tree bark and that lacebark pine is a beauty!
All beautiful but I will admit I am yearning for spring. Lacebark pines are one of my favorites and mine has FINALLY started showing that beautiful bark texture and color. Tim is spot on about Angelina,,,,,,,,,,,beautiful but aggressive
Swooning over these choices.
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