As the weather cools down and the warm foliage of leaves begin to fall and fade from the trees, this doesn’t mean that your yard has to fall short. Whether you live in an environment with longer and much colder winters or simply revamping your outdoor space for the chillier months of the year, there are plenty of landscaping ideas to keep your home looking great.

An important factor to consider is height. You’re going to want to choose varieties that are tall enough to stay visible throughout average snowfall in your region. Another great tip is to choose species that will attract wildlife like birds to admire during winter and liven up your home when it’s cold outside. Some characteristics to look for are berries that attract birds, sturdy branches to catch snow, attractive bark, evergreen foliage and branch patterns.

Keep reading for our list of beautiful winter plants that can give your home that extra sparkle this winter!

 

- Christmas Holly Shrub (Ilex opaca): is popular due to its striking, year-round foliage that attract many birds. China holly is a rounded holly that grows eight feet high and equally wide. This is a drought-tolerant plant and is a great pick for region with dry winters. Another great attribute to this holly is that sprigs can be cut and used in winter holiday decorations!

- Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea allemans): another hardy plant that is uniquely great with its bark, which ranges in color from red to burgundy. This reaches height of six to 10 feet with a similar spread. This sets the backdrop of fresh snow making it an unforgettable winter scene.

- Plume Grass (Erianthus ravennae): this plant can create depth and visual interest among other plants. This plant grows up to 11 feet tall and four feet wide. This will also thrive in warmer temperatures.

- Cranberry Bush Viburnum (Viburnum trilobum ‘Compactum’): This plant carries large amounts of red berries that serve as a food source for birds in winter landscapes. This plant grows between four and five feet high with a slightly smaller spread and as a bonus, the shrub offers foliage ranging from red to purple in the fall!

- Yew Shrub (Taxus spp): these shrubs are commonly included in holiday traditions! This will most definitely bring liveliness to your home’s outdoor space. Just make sure you keep both your children and pets away from both the foliage and the berries on these plants as the seeds and needles are toxic when digested.

- Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica): this shrub has a spreading growth that reaches four to six feet tall and equally wide. It’s glossy, aromatic foliage compliments the gray fruit and these unusual berries are used to scent candles! While birds are drawn to bayberry, this species is also a deer-resistant plant.

Not only does planting in the winter months keep your house looking alive and helping our forest creatures nurture, it gives plants a chance to acclimate to their new homes and start early root growth in the spring before that summer heat arrives!