Color-Changing Evergreens
Karen Chapman | Uncategorized | birds, books, combinations, conifers, deer, design, drought tolerant, fall, First Editions, foliage, Monrovia, Proven Winners, shrubs, spring, trees, winter | 4 Comments
| ByBroadleaf evergreens
Broadleaf evergreens are those plants which have broad surface areas (as opposed to needles) and keep their leaves year round e.g. camellia. Many broadleaf evergreens do provide year round interest by virtue of their flower or fruit production and so earn their place in the garden. But there are several candidates which also change color, a feature I like to look for when designing landscapes or easy care, eye-catching container gardens. Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica) is popular here in the Pacific Northwest but be aware that this plant is invasive in some parts of the United States so check with a local horticultural professional before planting. Typically the fern-like, soft leaves are in shades of green, chartreuse, burgundy and purple, deepening to rich red in winter, especially if planted in full sun. Older varieties and the species also have clusters of white spring time flowers followed by bright red berries in fall. Thanks to their drought tolerance (once established) and fabulous adaptability for cut flower arrangements these really do earn a 5 star rating in my design book. I personally prefer the newer, mounding varieties such as Gulf Stream and Obsession which offer little in the way of flowers or berries (which also reduces their invasive tendencies). The new First Editions variety Cool Glow Pomegranate looks exciting too – I need to try that one! I have valued Kaleidoscope abelia (Abelia x grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope') for its bright variegated foliage for many years and it’s a popular addition to my evergreen container and landscape combinations, enjoying the hummingbird attracting tubular white flowers and orange tints to the foliage in fall. However, I also grow several of the larger, non-variegated glossy abelia and I must say I am enjoying these in my garden even more. This is reliably deer resistant, drought tolerant, and its glossy, deep green leaves turn a rich shade of mahogany with bright red highlights as the temperatures drop. Tubular white flowers adorn these bushes for many months and are highly visible against the dark leaves. This quiet beauty provides an understated foil for showier winter specimens such as nearby golden Skylands spruce (Picea orientalis 'Skylands') and Louie pine (Pinus strobus 'Louie')
Rainbow leucothoe is a true chameleon; these summer shades of green and cream are transformed into deep burgundy in winter

Celebrate the colder months with Rainbow drooping fetterbush, Bressingham Ruby elephant ears and hardy cyclamen
Conifers
It is only in the past 20 or so years that I have gained a better appreciation for conifers in the garden. Thankfully, long gone are the days when we were limited to choosing between a monster juniper that threatened to swallow the entire garden or a pine tree which towered over the house. Today we are tempted by beauties in shades of green, blue and gold from the petite to the giant. Still not enough choice for you? Well there are many fabulous conifers which even change color during the winter, some of which actually look their best in colder months! The dwarf mugo pine Winter Gold (Pinus mugo 'Winter Gold') is one that conifer expert Adrian Bloom expounds the beauty of this in his book ‘Gardening with Conifers’. The long, dark green summer needles transition to golden hues in late autumn. Chief Joseph would be a wonderful alternative albeit with a different habit. What a perfect contrast to black mondo grass or another great winter conifer; Siberian cypress (Microbiota decussata). The prostrate form and lacy texture of this Siberian cypress contrasts well with the fluffy pine but the winter color combination is exceptionally striking as the Siberian cypress turns dusky purple just as the pine reaches its golden peak. This tough conifer just asks for full sun and good drainage. Its mature size is just 12-18” wide and 10-16’ wide but can be trimmed for size. Too big? Check out the new, more compact variety Celtic Pride from Proven Winners – I'm trialing this in my garden right now and have been very impressed so far.
The flowers on Crimson Velvet barberry echo the warm tones of Rheingold arborvitae. Plum Pudding heuchera completes the scene. Design by Daniel Mount

Trumpets of glass echo the colors of the surrounding plants. The summer border includes Forever Goldie arborvitae, Flasher daylily and Fireglow Japanese maple. Design by Le jardinet
More inspiration

Bellevue Botanical Garden, WA is filled with so many wonderful ideas. This vignette is included in my book Gardening with Foliage First (Timber Press)
Updated from my original 2012 post
Contains some affiliate links
Design Evolution: doing it your way
New Year, New Vintage(s)
From My Garden to Yours
Gifts for Adventurous Gardeners (& More)
Reflections on Thankfulness
Layers in the Winter Garden
The Role of a Garden Designer Part 2: Deck Design
Planning Fabulous Fall Combinations
Fall Clean Up for Lazy Gardeners
September Successes: planned and serendipitous
Welcome to My Garden Adventures

I'm a serious plant-aholic. In other words I'm usually covered in a layer or two of soil, I drive everywhere with a large tarp for impromptu plant purchases and I'm truly passionate about sharing the joys of gardening.