Backyard Reflections

Anyone who has lived in the Twin Cities for at least a year knows it’s not the easiest climate for growing a garden. It’s simply too cold, so flowers and other plants that thrive in warmer climates are not likely to survive a winter in Minnesota.

You don’t have to worry too much about not being able to grow some great selections in your garden or your landscape design, though. There are some plants that can live through cold climates. Here are some of the best examples.

Snowdrop

Snowdrops (Galanthus elwesii) like the late winter for blooming. Like many plants that like the end of the cold season, they bloom in preparation for spring. Snowdrops have flowers that are as white as snow and you can grow healthy plants in your rock garden or under bigger plants.

Christmas Rose

Helleborus or Christmas Rose is not really a rose, but it does have beautiful white flowers. They start to bloom towards the end of December and the blooms last until the beginning of spring. A light snowfall doesn’t faze them, but if there’s heavy snow, you might have to remove some of it to uncover the pretty flowers.

Winterberry

The tough and easy-to-grow winterberry (Ilex verticillata) sheds leaves towards the end of the fall season to reveal bright, lipstick-red berries. The berries stay healthy all through winter and provide a startling and pretty contrast against the white snow, an added attraction for your outdoor living space. Plant one male around at least a single female so they can produce fruit. You’ll love how the winterberry doesn’t easily fall victim to pests or disease.

Red Twig Dogwood

Cornus sericea or red twig dogwood lives up to its name as having red branches. Like winterberries, the branches of this plant provide an attractive contrast against the white snow. Surround them with evergreens and you’ll appreciate them even more. During summer and springtime, the red twig dogwood is covered with leaves, but the stem stays red no matter what season. Plant them where they are exposed to sunlight to enjoy their healthy red color.

Witch Hazel

You’ll love the smell of witch hazel (Hamamelis) or winter bloom in the summer, but it’s during the wintertime that this plant earns its stripes with those lovely red and yellow blooms. Plant your witch hazel where they have room enough to grow, as they can reach up to 15 feet both in height and in width.

You don’t have to settle for just a plain, cold white all-around your property when the snowfalls. Try these flowering plants to liven up the winter season.

Get in touch with Backyard Reflections for a beautiful landscape. Call us today in Annandale (320) 274-6336, or in Nisswa (218) 454-1065. You can also fill out this form.