Winter's Blush
Sometimes it's the flowers that blush - 'Edward Goucher' abelia
Rosy cheeks (and noses) are as much a part of winter as woolly scarves and mittens, but do you realize how many shrubs also take on a winter blush?
A stroll around my garden this morning made me appreciate anew that the garden is never really dormant – there is always something new to discover.
Here are just a few of the broadleaf shrubs showing their softer side this season.
Leucothoe 'Rainbow' turns a vibrant scarlet in winter
Leucothoe 'Rainbow' is a colorful shrub at any time of year. The arching evergreen foliage is splashed haphazardly with shades of yellow, red and green but in winter deep scarlet is dominant. This is a show stopper for the shade garden, looking equally impressive tumbling over the side of a container. This shrub will form a mound 3-5' tall and wide but can be trimmed as needed. Hardy in zones 5-9
'Little Heath' andromeda adds pink tints to its pretty variegated foliage as the temperatures drop
Lily of the valley shrub, also known as andromeda (Pieris japonica) is a popular evergreen shrub for a woodland garden. The variegated forms are especially attractive and all are known for their fragrant spring flowers and new growth which is typically a bright salmon pink. One of my favorites is the dwarf 'Little Heath' which I use in both landscape and container garden design. These eventually reach 3' x 3'. In colder weather it blushes like a little schoolgirl! Hardy in zones 5-9
Warm russet shades on this 'Hino Crimson' azalea add color to the winter garden
Evergreen Azaleas. Oh what plant snobs we can be! Certainly the cultivar 'Hino Crimson' is a landscapers standby, seen in almost every commercial and residential planting and bringing a blast of shocking hot pink to spring gardens everywhere. Yet that doesn't mean it is boring – far from it! At this time of year the foliage has turned from deep green to rich rust tones. This foliage makes a colorful addition to flower arrangements and holiday wreaths. 'Hino Crimson' grows slowly to 3' x 3' and is hardy in zones 6-9
The normally pristine white variegation of weigela 'Magical Fantasy' is edged with a soft pink glow
Weigela 'Magical Fantasy' is in seasonal denial! All the other cultivars have long since dropped their leaves, standing naked amid a carpet of soggy foliage. Yet 'Magical Fantasy' is not only still partially clothed, it has taken on this glorious rosy hue, transforming the pure white variegation into something altogether – well magical! A recent introduction from Monrovia, this selection is said to grow to 3-4' tall and wide and be hardy in zones 4-8. Click here to see how it looked in summer – breathtaking.
Several perennials and conifers in my garden have also changed color as the days have got shorter and the temperatures colder. A stroll for another day perhaps.
A brilliant post topic. Kicking myself for not thinking of it. Great work!
Too funny Christina! I'm happy to share 🙂
Great post. I always especially notice 'Wolf's Eye' kousa dogwood and 'Briggadoon' St. john's wort.
That's a beautiful dogwood Carolyn – such pretty variegation.
Such beautiful photography….and I love that term winter blush:~)
A huge compliment from such an outstanding photographer – thank you!
All are gorgeous! The Andromeda and Leucothoe would make great additions to my own garden. In fact, I already have several andromedas, but none with the fall coloration of yours. And I did plant three Leucothoe Rainbow, which then died over the summer! Should I try again? It's a native and I would have expected better!
Deb, I think this Pieris has the best winter color I've seen – SO pretty.
I would definitely try the Leucothoe again. It should be fine in your woodland garden. I have it in some pretty inhospitable areas and although there is often a little winter damage it soon picks up again. Great for containers too.
How I wish these were hardy here Karen- your suggestions are all wonderful.
Thanks Jennifer!