Hello, Hampton Nursery friends! Just because the chill of winter is rolling in doesn’t mean your containers have to go bare. With the right evergreen plants and winter-interest shrubs, you can keep your pots looking vibrant and fresh no matter the season. Plus, many of these plants are perfect for snipping and using as cut greens for holiday décor. Ready to create stunning, four-season containers? Here are some of our favorite picks that will give your patio beauty all year round.
1. Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’)
This compact evergreen has a neat, conical shape, making it a perfect choice for winter pots. It looks like a miniature Christmas tree, adding a touch of festive charm. Plus, you can clip a few branches for wreaths or centerpieces to bring the outdoors inside.
Hampton Tip: Plant in a container with good drainage and remember to water during dry spells, even when it’s cold.
2. Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)
Winterberry Holly is a standout for winter containers with its vibrant red berries that add a burst of color. These berries are fantastic for cutting and using in holiday arrangements, giving your décor a cheerful, festive feel.
Bonus: The berries attract birds like cardinals and robins, adding life and color to your winter garden.
3. Variegated Boxwood (Buxus ‘Elegantissima’)
Boxwood is a versatile evergreen that holds up well in containers. The variegated variety features creamy white edges that brighten up any space, even in winter. You can easily clip sprigs for holiday garlands, wreaths, or simple vases.
Hampton Tip: Protect boxwood from strong winds by placing it in a sheltered spot or wrapping it lightly with burlap for the winter.
4. Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
While not an evergreen, Red Twig Dogwood offers incredible winter interest with its vivid red branches. These bright stems stand out beautifully against a snowy background and look fantastic in mixed containers. Snip a few branches to add a splash of color to your holiday décor.
Did You Know? The red color intensifies after a frost, making it even more striking during the winter months.
5. Blue Star Juniper (Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’)
This low-growing juniper has stunning blue-silver foliage that adds a cool, icy touch to your containers. It’s low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and perfect for clipping and using in winter arrangements. Pair it with pinecones for a festive look.
Hampton Tip: Combine Blue Star Juniper with trailing ivy or winter pansies for added color and texture.
6. Cedar Branches (Thuja occidentalis)
Cedar is a classic choice for winter containers. Its soft, fragrant branches add a beautiful natural look to any display. Plant a small cedar in your pot, and you’ll have plenty of greens to use for holiday wreaths, garlands, or simply tucked into your containers for a festive touch.
How to Use: Clip a few sprigs and add them to your outdoor arrangements, or bring them indoors for a fragrant addition to your holiday décor.
Four-Season Container Tips:
- Spring: Start with your evergreen base and add early-blooming bulbs like daffodils and hyacinths for a fresh, cheerful look.
- Summer: Mix in vibrant annuals like petunias or sweet potato vine to create a lush, full display.
- Fall: Add mums, ornamental kale, and mini pumpkins for a cozy autumn vibe.
- Winter: Let your evergreens shine! Use cut branches, berries, and pinecones for a festive, wintry look.
Stop by Hampton Nursery & Landscape to find everything you need for four-season containers, including our top evergreen picks and winter-interest plants. We’re here to help you create beautiful displays that will brighten up your patio in every season.
Happy planting from all of us at Hampton Nursery & Landscape! 🌲
