Conifer trees, evergreen shrubs, and bark textures can add visual interest to winter scenes. An important factor to consider is height: The best plants for winter will be tall enough to stay visible during the average snowfall in your region. It’s also helpful to pick species that attract wildlife like birds to admire during winter and bring a lively feeling to your home when it’s cold outside. Here are our 10 favorite plants for landscaping in winter to make your yard feel lush and vibrant no matter the temperature.
Characteristics for Winter Interest
The best plants for your winter landscape depend on your hardiness zone and personal preferences. Choose species that are hardy to your region and have visually appealing features. Here are a few characteristics to consider when deciding which varieties to plant:
Berries that attract birdsSturdy branches to withstand snowAttractive barkEvergreen foliage
While conifer species are always an excellent choice, there are plenty of lesser-known plants for landscaping in cold weather. Browse our list of attractive winter plants to choose the best options for your home. China holly is a rounded holly that can reach eight feet high and equally wide. This drought-tolerant variety is a great pick for regions with dry winters. Compact inkberry holly has dark green foliage resembling boxwood shrubs. Its berries are black rather than red, and it reaches a height of four to eight feet; its width is a bit less. You can also grow the similar Ilex glabra ‘Densa’.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9Color Varieties: Dark green, yellow-greenSun Exposure: Full sun, part shadeSoil Needs: Acidic, moist but well-drainingMature Size: 4 to 8 ft. tall, 15 to 30 ft. tall (depends on variety)Deer Resistant: Yes
Red osier dogwoods typically reach heights of six to 10 feet with a similar spread, and they may grow more than two feet per year. A patch of fiery red osier dogwood against a backdrop of fresh snow makes for an unforgettable winter scene.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 2a to 7aColor Varieties: Red, burgundySun Exposure: Full sun, tolerates part shadeSoil Needs: Acidic, moistMature Size: 6 to 10 ft. tall and wideDeer Resistant: Yes
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5b to 9aColor Varieties: Beige, white, purple, orangeSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Rich, moist but well-drainingMature Size: 11 ft. tall, 4 ft. wideDeer Resistant: Yes
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3a to 7aColor Varieties: GreenSun Exposure: Full sun, part shadeSoil Needs: Slightly acidic, moist but well-drainingMature Size: 4 to 6 ft. tall and wideDeer Resistant: Yes
American cranberry bush viburnum is hardy to zone 2b, and it reaches four to five feet high with a slightly smaller spread. This species typically grows between one and two feet per year.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 2b to 8aColor Varieties: Green, red, purpleSun Exposure: Full sun, part shadeSoil Needs: Acidic to neutral, moist but well-drainingMature Size: 4 to 5 ft. tall and wideDeer Resistant: No
As a deciduous shrub similar to bayberry and evergreen holly, it’s best to plant winterberry holly close to several other shrubs to increase the likelihood of pollination between plants.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3a to 9aColor Varieties: Dark greenSun Exposure: Full sun, part shadeSoil Needs: Acidic, moistMature Size: 3 to 5 ft. tall and wideDeer Resistant: No
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4a to 8aColor Varieties: Dark green, blue, goldSun Exposure: Full sun, part shade, shadeSoil Needs: Slightly acidic to neutral, moist but well-drainingMature Size: 4 to 60 ft. tall, 4 to 20 ft. wide (depends on variety)Deer Resistant: No
Shear this species to your desired height during their medium growth of one to two feet per year. Whether used in hedges or as standalone specimens in your yard, these evergreen conifers will help give your winter landscape some much-needed visual interest.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3a to 7aColor Varieties: Brown, redSun Exposure: Full sun, partial shadeSoil Needs: Acidic, moistMature Size: 70 ft. tall, 25 to 35 ft. wideDeer Resistant: No
Viking black chokeberry grows to maturity within five years and produces white flowers in May that yield purplish-black berry clusters. Like winterberry holly, this species tolerates poorly-drained soils, and it grows from three to five feet tall with a similar spread.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3a to 8aColor Varieties: Dark green, red, purpleSun Exposure: Full sun, part shadeSoil Needs: Acidic, well-drainingMature Size: 3 to 5 ft. tall and wideDeer Resistant: Yes
Paper birch (Betula papyrifera) is known for its pale white bark that peels back to reveal darker sections underneath. It typically grows up to two feet per year and can reach 60 feet tall at maturity. Another popular pick, Yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) has golden bark that offers a pop of color in the winter months and can reach a height of 75 feet.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 2 to 7Color Varieties: White, yellow, silver, black, reddish-brownSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Acidic, medium to moist, well-drainingMature Size: 10 to 15 ft. tall and wide, 40 to 70 ft. tall, and 35 to 60 ft. wide (depends on variety)Deer Resistant: No
