The best evergreen trees & plants for the winter months
With winter just around the corner, it’s time to prepare gardens and outdoor spaces for the colder season. Evergreen plants provide the perfect solution for maintaining structure and colour throughout the winter months. Here is a selection of popular evergreen species along with tips on how to use them:
1. Evergreen espalier trees
Espalier trees not only provide privacy and wind protection, but also create an elegant structure in the garden that remains year-round. Here are some favourites:
- Photinia ‘Red Robin’ – Known for its striking red new growth.
- Espalier laurel (Prunus) – Perfect for a dense, evergreen hedge.
- Eleagnus ebbingei – Frost hardy with glossy silver-green foliage.
- Holm oak (Quercus ilex) – Hardy and gives a Mediterranean appearance.
- Portuguese laurel (Prunus lusitanica) – Compact growth and evergreen foliage.
2. Shrubs and multi-stem trees
For a natural look in the winter garden, evergreen shrubs and multi-stem trees are ideal. They add both height and depth:
- Holm oak (Quercus ilex) – Also available as multi-stem, perfect for a strong and natural look.
- Cork oak (Quercus suber) – Valued for its decorative bark and evergreen foliage.
3. Specimen trees
These trees create real focal points in gardens or on customer sites while maintaining their evergreen character:
- Magnolia grandiflora ‘Galissoniere’ – An evergreen magnolia with glossy green leaves.
- Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus) – Also available as a standard form and flowers in winter, adding a touch of colour.
- Japanese camellia (Camellia ‘Dr. King’) – Offers an elegant appearance with evergreen foliage and decorative flowers.
Tips for garden centres
Evergreen plants add structure and green accents to the garden, even in winter. Advise your customers to work with evergreen espalier trees and shrubs for a harmonious and low-maintenance garden design.
Tips for garden centres
Help your customers discover the benefits of evergreen plants. Make sure these species are clearly visible in-store and inform customers about their low maintenance needs and their structural value in winter.
These evergreen plants are a valuable addition to any garden design and an excellent choice for landscapers and garden centres looking to offer green gardens all year round.