As the temperatures dip, you are probably tabling some of your ideas for future landscape projects, but this can be a good time of year to consider what looks good in outdoor spaces during the winter. There are many plants native to Pennsylvania that can be planted in the cold season and thrive. For some fresh ideas that will add beauty and color to drive away the winter blahs, here are five winter landscape ideas from a plant nursery in the Harrisburg and York, PA, areas.
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American Witchhazel
The enigmatic American Witchhazel is a deciduous tree that defies the expectations of typical cold-weather trees. This tree loses its green leaves after they turn into beautiful reds, oranges, and browns. Then in late fall, the tree sprouts tiny yellow flowers, which protrude in a cluster of bright yellow sprigs, growing in many places throughout the branches. This unexpected pop of color contrasts with the natural winter colors and makes for a memorable addition to any Pennsylvania landscape. It’s especially stunning when planted against a backdrop of darker evergreen trees.
Blackhaw
A hardy and resilient deciduous tree perfect for a landscape is the Blackhaw, which provides a stunning display of color throughout the year. In spring, the tree grows tiny bunches of white flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. This spring show gives way, by the end of summer, to newer and larger pink flowers, which will gradually turn into a striking black fruit. Finally, the dusty green leaves will turn into a vibrant purple as they dry out and fall off with the end of the growing season. This tree can easily grow in any Pennsylvania landscape; for example, it could be installed as a focal point tree in the front yard.
American Holly
This tree is truly amazing in its ability to withstand the harshest of winters and even thrive. The American Holly is an evergreen tree that retains its sharp-edged leaves throughout the year and also produces bright red berries that attract many species of migratory birds. It’s an extremely tolerant tree that can grow upward of 40 feet both tall and wide. It easily grows in different types of soil, moisture levels, and sunlight levels, though it shouldn’t go in the windiest parts of your landscape. It’s a classic feature of American homes, and for good reason!
Winterberry
Similar to the American Holly in that it grows bright red berries, this deciduous tree has a few characteristics that make it extremely attractive for homeowners. Instead of remaining green year-round, the leaves turn to a lavish golden-red in the fall. This dramatic change in color indicates the tree’s preference for relatively sunny and moist areas. Once the leaves fall off, the tree will retain its incredible red berries, which also attract migratory birds. This is another showy tree that could be used as an entryway focal point (as long as conditions allow).
Virginia Rose
This hardy shrub is one of the more famous shrubs in American gardens. Its dark brown branches grow vibrant and deep green spiky leaves for the growing season. In the spring and early summer, beautiful pink flowers will attract many pollinators and birds. This attraction will help improve the surrounding plants through cross-pollination. Toward the fall, the flowers will turn into brilliant red rose hips, a type of berry that birds and other creatures love. Although a very bitter and sour taste for humans when fresh, these rose hips can be dried and turned into a delicious and healthy tea. Plant the rose in the front yard for a show of color.
Related: A PLANT NURSERY SUGGESTS THESE PLANTS TO REALLY MAKE A LANDSCAPE POP IN THE LANCASTER, PA AREA
Photo courtesy of Unilock
