Winter Plants for Wisconsin Gardens
Evergreens are an easy choice for winter plants. Not so obvious are the plants which aren't evergreen but still have a lot to give. Choose a mixture of evergreens and plants with fruit, interesting twigs and bark.
Cardinal Redosier Dogwood / Cornus sericea 'Cardinal'
10' high x 10' wide, Full - Part Sun
Red twigs are a great winter surprise. Some dogwoods also come with variegated foliage or yellow twigs.
"Courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden PlantFinder"
Harry Lauder's Walkingstick / Corylus avellana 'Contorta'
10' high x 8' wide, Full - Part Sun
This shrub isn't very remarkable until winter. Then it's twisted branches will amaze you. It's been reported as both Zone 4 and Zone 5. Produces suckers which have to be cut back.
Crimson Cloud Hawthorn / Crataegus laevigata 'Supurba'
15' high x 15' wide, Full Sun
Berries add color to the winter landscape. This tree is also a spring bloomer.
Dwarf Burning Bush / Euonymus alatus 'Compacta'
6' high x 5' wide, Full - Part Sun
Has interesting twigs. In full sun, this shrub is amazing in fall and winter.
Princess Kay Plum / Prunus nigra 'Princess Kay'
15' high x 10' wide, Full Sun
A beautiful tree in the spring with the added bonus of unusually dark bark.
Corkscrew Willow / Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa'
25' high x 15' wide, Full - Part Sun
Twisted branches are a standout in the winter and year round.
Taunton Yew / Taxus x media 'Taunton'
4' high x 6' wide, Part-Full Shade
The yews tend to have deep green needles that are a great backdrop all year. They need good drainage. Give them a protected site so they don't get winter burn.
Many of the taller decorative grasses are also beautiful in the winter. Try planting three or more in a group for maximum effect. They should be cut down in early spring for new growth.
Interesting winter plants are out there. Good planning pays off in this difficult season.
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