Great plants for winter
By: Garden Gate staff
| 1 of 5
Winter aconite Eranthis hyemalis
In late winter, these yellow flowers hint that spring is on the way. Plant the tubers in early fall to give them time to establish and plant them in groups for the most impact.
Type Tuber
Best winter feature Yellow flowers in midwinter
Light Full to part sun
Size 2 to 3 in. tall and wide
Cold-hardy USDA zones 4 to 7
Heat-tolerant AHS zones 7 to 1
| 2 of 5
Witchhazel Hamamelis xintermedia ‘Diane’
Blooming on bare branches in mid- to late winter, ‘Diane’ witchhazel’s tiny red tassel-like blossoms open on warm days then curl up when the temperatures dip again.
Type Tree
Best winter feature Red tassel-like flowers in mid- to late winter
Light Part sun
Size 8 to 12 ft. tall, 10 to 15 ft. wide
Cold-hardy USDA zones 5 to 8
Heat-tolerant AHS zones 8 to 1
| 3 of 5
Yellow twig dogwood Cornus sericea ‘Flaviramea’
Small spring flowers are followed by white fruit that attracts birds, but in winter, bright yellow-green twigs make this dogwood stand out. Prune out one-third of the oldest wood each spring for best bark color.
Type Shrub
Best winter feature Bright yellow-green stems
Light Full sun to part shade
Size 5 to 8 ft. tall, 5 to 9 ft. wide
Cold-hardy USDA zones 2 to 8
Heat-tolerant AHS zones 8 to 1
| 4 of 5
Maiden grass Miscanthus sinensis ‘Huron Sunrise’
This beautiful grass is a bit more compact than most maiden grass cultivars, and its plumes hold up well through winter. Cut it back to a few inches tall in early spring.
Type Perennial grass
Best winter feature Sturdy flower plumes last through winter
Light Full sun
Size 4 to 6 ft. tall, 3 to 4 ft. wide
Cold-hardy USDA zones 4 to 9
Heat-tolerant AHS zones 9 to 1
| 5 of 5
Japanese skimmia Skimmia japonica
Small white flowers in spring are followed by bright-red fruit on the female plants (you’ll need a male plant for pollination). Even the pink flower buds are attractive in winter!
Type Broadleaf evergreen
Best winter feature Red berries and pink flower buds in winter
Light Part shade
Size 3 to 4 ft. tall and wide
Cold-hardy USDA zones 6 to 9
Heat-tolerant AHS zones 9 to 1
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
