Evergreen plants for winter containers
Hellebore – The jewels of the winter garden, hellebores (aka “Lenten rose”) have both attractive leaves and flowers from winter to spring. These perennials are grown either in the ground or in pots. The jewel-toned colors are typically red, purple, pink, white or yellow.
Bergenia – Thick, glossy leaves that are sometimes tinged with red, make striking “filler” plants in pots. Small flowers, usually red or pink, appear in spring. Bergenia is a shade lover.
Liriope – Lily Turf, as it is commonly known, is a good groundcover and also an excellent choice for containers. Blue or white spikes of flowers appear in spring.
Lemon Cypress – This is a good choice for a vertical accent plant. The bright chartreuse color of the foliage provides an eye-catching pop of color. Although they grow to 10′ or more in the ground, they can be kept in a pot for several years.
Mugo Pine – Many different conifers can be used in containers. Mugo pine is a good choice with many smaller varieties. Their slow growth and architectural quality make them good choices for larger containers.
Boxwood makes a stately and elegant statement when used as a single specimen or surrounding by trailing plants. (Note: Boxwood is poisonous)
Pansies – To keep pansies looking good throughout winter, keep faded blooms pinched and feed with liquid fertilizer every two weeks.
Sedum ‘Angelina’ is an evergreen succulent with bright yellow / chartreuse foliage. This low-grower is a good choice for a trailing plant.
Heuchera (“Coral Bells”) – Colorful foliage and sprays of small bell-shaped flowers make huechera an excellent plant for containers. Lighter colored leaves do best with some shade but darker leaves, like the burgundy and purple varieties, can take full sun.
Carex – Grasses make excellent container plants because they provide contrast and texture. Carex, also referred to as “sedges” come in a wide variety of forms and colors.
Acorus (Ogon grass) – This low-growing grass loves moisture and makes a striking accent when paired with darker foliage.
Japanese Plum Yew – Another good vertical accent is the plum yew. This one is good for shady situations as well as full sun. (Note: The foliage and berries of the yew are poisonous)
Nandina – This is a popular landscape plant but it also will make a striking accent plant in a pot. Choose a dwarf variety like ‘Gulf Breeze’ or ‘Harbour Dwarf’. (Note: Parts of the nandina, in particular the berries, are poisonous)
Creeping Wire Vine (Muehlenbeckia axillaris) is a vigorous plant (we do not recommend planting it in the ground) but it gives a nice effect as a “spiller” plant in pots
Ornamental Cabbage & Kale – These colorful plants are popular and work well in mixed containers. For best results, plant them after temperatures have cooled down for good (50s and below).
English Ivy – This is another plant that is best grown in a pot. It can be used as a trailing plant or climbing up a tuteur.
