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In the winter
months, a landscape can be a very drab and uninteresting place. Careful plants selection
and some thought given to their siting is important. |
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Surprisingly
strong colors can appear in the winter landscape. Here are some examples: |
- A rim of frost on the evergreen leaves and red berries of a firethorn
(Pyrachantha).
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- Harry Lauder's walking stick (Corylus avellana 'Contorta') offers exotic
shapes of stems and branches and a gorgeous display of attractive catkins.
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- A striking contrast is created with a planting of red or yellow-barked
dogwood (Cornus spp.) in front of a grouping of Blue Colorado spruces (Picea pungens). As
bark is brightest on young growth, pruning of the dogwoods will ensure a supply of rich
color.
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- Plants with sculptural form include the spiky yucca filamentosa. 'Variegata'
is especially beautiful. It is well suited to grow in our Zone 5 and keeps its variegated
leaves throughout the winter.
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- Winter is the time for holly. The bright red berries and excellent foliage
of numerous cultivars provide color in early winter.
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- Ornamental grasses are plants with four-season interest. Their graceful
leaves sway in the slightest breeze. The most beautiful of all is Miscanthus sinensis
'Zebrinus' with its arching leaves and cross banding. Micanthus sinensis 'Variegatus'
(variegated Japanese silver grass) is another showy specimen with its white striped
foliage.
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- Evergreens offer beauty all year round. The varied
tones of conifers and broad-leafed evergreens are especially appreciated in the winter,
when the landscape might otherwise look bleak and uninviting.
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- Weeping Norway spruce (Picea abvies pendula), weeping larch (Larix decidua
'Pendula'), grafted Blue Spruces like the globe forms and grafted Junipers are often used
as specimen plants. A multitude of dwarf conifers are also available to enjoy in the
winter landscape.
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- Rock Cotoneaster's (Cotoneaster horizontalis) fishbone branching pattern
adds interest to the landscape. The main ornamental feature is the persistent red fruit.
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- Most of the Viburnums are known for their colorful berries. They remain on
the plants throughout the winter until eaten by wildlife. Many cultivars are available.
They are selected for their fruiting habit, growth rate, growing requirements and height.
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