As winter arrives and plants start to deteriorate, our gardens often feel empty and sad. But did you know that there are still some plants that can thrive even in colder weather, thus giving you the privacy you need during every season?
That’s right, these plants can turn your garden into a peaceful sanctuary even when covered with shimmery snow!
So, if you are interested in having a winter wonderland in your backyard, make sure to check out these winter plants and learn how to grow them.
1. Southern Magnolia
If you are looking for zone 7 trees, you can’t skip Magnolias!
The Southern Magnolia is a beautiful evergreen that produces glossy, leathery leaves along with fragrant, white flowers. This tree grows quite tall and wide, giving your backyard the ultimate privacy.
However, please note that they need plenty of space for their enormous roots. If you do have enough space, make sure to grow your Southern Magnolia in full sun and well-draining soil that is also slightly acidic. Water these trees regularly until they are well-established.
You might also like: The Best Trees To Plant Near Houses & Which To Avoid
2. Boxwood
Boxwood is a classic choice for creating privacy hedges and garden borders. These compact, evergreen shrubs feature small, rounded, dark green leaves and can be pruned into various shapes. They can be grown in containers and are great balcony privacy plants as well!
It’s also quite easy to take care of – make sure that your boxwood grows in partial to full sun and well-draining, fertile soil. It might need some protection from heavy snowfall (you can add netting).
3. Winter Jasmine
Now we are getting serious with Winter jasmine!
This is a deciduous, winter-flowering shrub that not only provides privacy with its arching branches, but it also makes your garden more charming and warm with its lovely yellow flowers that bloom during fall!
It’s important to prune your Winter jasmine to control its growth. I would recommend you do spring pruning right after flowering. Otherwise, keep the plant in full sun and well-draining soil.
4. Evergreen Holly
Is there any better way to decorate your winter landscape than with vibrant red berries all over the garden?
These evergreen shrubs produce glossy green leaves along with bright red berries that often persist through the winter. They truly add charm to the garden, especially during the holiday season. Plus, these berries will attract lots of birds to your winter wonderland!
There are also tall varieties that can give you the privacy you need, even during the colder season. To keep Hollies healthy, make sure to grow them in a slightly acidic soil that also drains well. Add mulch and prune them to shape them and control their size.
Please note that both male and female Holly are often needed for berry production. An expectation of this is a variety called “Needlepoint”.
Also read: 15 Shade Tolerant Evergreen Trees And Shrubs + Care Guides
5. Juniper
Junipers are versatile evergreen shrubs or trees known for their needle-like foliage and high resistance to drought. They come in various shapes and sizes, from low-spreading ground covers to towering trees, and provide excellent year-round privacy with their dense growth.
Opt for the ‘Blue Arrow’ variety if you are looking for taller and wider junipers. But, if you are into lower ones, then the ‘Gold Lace’ variety is the perfect choice for you.
These trees grow best in full sun and well-draining soils, although they can tolerate different soil types. You can prune junipers to shape them and manage their growth.
6. Olive
The olive tree, otherwise known as Olea europaea, is an iconic evergreen with silvery-green leaves and small, fragrant flowers. Its lovely foliage and unique appearance offer both aesthetics and privacy.
Olive trees can be easily grown in pots, so you can put them on patios, driveways, balconies, or along pathways. Just make sure that they are in full sun and well-draining soil.
You might find this interesting: Cleaning Plant Leaves With Olive Oil: Is It A Good Idea?
7. Bamboo
If you are looking for a fast-growing plant that will provide you with superb privacy in no time, then bamboo is the ideal choice!
Opt for evergreen varieties like ‘Sunset glow’ – this bamboo will keep your garden nice and private for the entire year. Just make sure to prune it regularly as bamboos tend to get invasive.
You don’t have to worry about watering bamboos because most of them are drought tolerant. Just make sure that it receives plenty of sunshine!
8. Winter-flowering Clematis
The winter-flowering variety of clematis is a beautiful evergreen vine that exhibits glossy leaves and bell-shaped, creamy-white flowers during the colder months. Its climbing nature makes it an ideal choice for covering walls, trellises, or arbors.
These little climbers are relatively drought tolerant, although they might benefit from some watering every now and then. Pruning is generally minimal, with some light trimming for shape and to remove any dead or diseased growth.
Also read: How To Grow An Indoor Garden During Winter
9. Camellia
Camellias are winter-flowering plants that can be used as a centerpiece in the garden, or can be combined with other winter plants. These evergreen shrubs offer lush, green leaves along with peony-like, fragrant flowers.
Keep your Camellia in shadier spots and slightly acidic soil. They grow best when watered with harvested rainwater and pruned regularly. Popular varieties include ‘Spellbound’ and ‘Yuletide’.
10. Japanese Laurel
Japanese laurel, or Aucuba japonica, is an evergreen shrub known for its striking variegated leaves with green and gold patterns.
It produces red berries and offers a dense screen that provides year-round privacy. However, just like Hollies, you will need both female and male plants in order for red berries to be produced.
Japanese laurel can tolerate both sun and partial shade, but also poor soil types (as long as they are well-draining). Some low-growing, compact varieties can be kept in pots.
You might also be interested in: 14 Japanese Indoor Plants That Portray Japanese Aesthetic