The best evergreen trees and; plants for the winter months
With winter just around the corner, it’s time to winterize gardens and outdoor spaces. Evergreen plants offer the perfect answer for evergreen structure and color during the cold months. Here is a selection of popular evergreen varieties and tips for applying them:
1. Evergreen espalier trees
Slate trees provide not only privacy and wind shelter, but also a graceful structure in the garden that is maintained year-round. Here are some favorites:
- Glossy elm (Photinia red robin) – Known for its striking red shoots.
- Slate laurel (Prunus) – Perfect for a dense, evergreen hedge.
- Olive willow (Elaeagnus ebbingei) – Resistant to frost and offers glossy, silvery-green foliage.
- Stone oak (Quercus ilex) – Hardy and gives a Mediterranean look.
- Portuguese laurel (Prunus lusitanica) – Compact growth and evergreen foliage.
2. Shrubs and multi-stemmed trees
For a natural look in the winter garden, evergreen shrubs and multi-stemmed trees are ideal. They add both height and depth:
- Stone oak (Quercus ilex) – Also available multi-stemmed, perfect for a robust, natural look.
- Cork Oak (Quercus suber) – Special because of its decorative bark and evergreen leaves.
3. Specimen trees.
These trees provide an eye-catcher in clients’ gardens or yards and keep the evergreen character intact:
- Magnolia grandiflora ‘Galissoniere’ – An evergreen Magnolia that stands out for its glossy, green leaves.
- Snowball (Viburnum tinus) – A stem form that blooms in the winter months, adding a splash of color.
- Japanese rose (Camellia dr. King) – For a luxurious look with evergreen and dainty flowers.
Tips for gardeners
Evergreen plants give a garden structure and evergreen accents, even in winter. Advise your clients to work with evergreen espaliers and shrubs for a harmonious and low-maintenance garden design.
Tips for garden centers
Help your customers discover the benefits of evergreen plants. Make sure these varieties are highly visible in the store and inform customers about the low maintenance and structural nature of these plants in winter.
These evergreens are a valuable addition to any garden design and a wonderful option for gardeners and garden centers to offer customers a green garden all year round.