Perennials That Hold Shape, Texture, or Foliage in Winter
1. Bergenia
Zones 4–8 | Part shade to shade
Glossy, thick leaves hold their form through winter, often turning bronze or red in colder months. Early spring blooms provide a jumpstart for your garden.
2. Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Zones 4–9 | Sun or shade (depending on variety)
Foliage stays vibrant through winter in shades of purple, silver, lime, and burgundy. Perfect for containers or garden beds.
3. Switch Grass (Panicum)
Zones 4–9 | Full sun
Adds upright form and airy seed heads, creating movement and texture under frost or snow.
4. Hellebores
Zones 4–9 | Part shade
Evergreen foliage and late-winter blooms make hellebores a standout when almost nothing else is flowering.
5. Liriope
Zones 5–10 | Sun to shade
Keeps beds tidy with upright growth and evergreen-like texture, even in winter.
Shrubs & Small Trees with Winter Color or Structure
6. Red Twig Dogwood
Zones 2–7 | Sun or shade
Bright red stems provide bold winter color and contrast beautifully with snow and evergreens.
7. Panicle Hydrangea
Zones 3–8 | Part sun to sun
Leave dried blooms standing for winter texture; looks beautiful with snow or frost.
8. Inkberry Holly
Zones 5–9 | Part sun to sun
A native alternative to boxwood that resists winter burn and disease while keeping mounded form.
9. Blue Holly
Zones 5–7 | Part sun to sun
Evergreen leaves provide classic holiday appeal, and berries attract birds when near a pollinator.
10. Winterberry Holly
Zones 3–9 | Part sun to sun
Deciduous in winter, but bright red berries provide long-lasting color. Dwarf varieties fit smaller spaces.
Evergreens & Groundcovers for Winter Structure
11. Boxwood
Zones 5–9 | Sun or shade
Keeps form and color in winter; ideal for hedges and foundation planting.
12. False Cypress (Chamaecyparis)
Zones 4–8 | Part sun to sun
Adds bold color and texture year-round; striking after snow.
12. Juniper
Zones 4–8 | Full sun
Evergreen foliage and blue berries add color and texture through winter.
14. Siberian Cypress (Microbiota)
Zones 2–7 | Part sun to sun
Hardy, low-growing evergreen groundcover; turns bronze-purple in winter.
15. Yew
Zones 4–7 | Sun or shade
Formal evergreen structure that holds up in shade and adds classic winter appeal.
16. Arborvitae (Thuja)
Zones 3–8 | Part sun to sun
Upright evergreens that resist winter burn while maintaining deep green color.
Winter Garden Design Tips
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Leave these perennials and grasses standing through winter to show texture and seed heads.
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Mix berries, grasses, colorful stems, and evergreen foliage for layered winter interest.
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Avoid heavy fall pruning; clean beds in early spring.
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Winter gardens should feel intentional, natural, and polished, not empty.
Ready to Build Your Winter-Interest Garden?
See exactly what we carry in store with our Plant Finder. Add your favorites to your wish list and come back when they’re in stock!
Or, reserve your plants early with our Spring Pre-Book. New releases are added every few weeks, and pre-booking is open until March 1. Get 10% off all pre-books and guarantee first dibs on the perennials you want, arriving just in time for planting season!
Don’t miss your chance to create a low-maintenance, four-season garden with your favorite Bast Brothers plants. 🌿
FAQ:
What plants provide winter interest in Zone 7b?
Evergreens like Boxwood, Arborvitae, and Juniper, shrubs like Red Twig Dogwood, and perennials like Hellebores, Heuchera, and Liriope offer winter color, texture, and structure.
Can perennials survive New Jersey winters?
Many Zone 7b perennials, including Coral Bells, Bergenia, and Switch Grass, are hardy and maintain foliage or seed heads through winter.
When should I cut back winter-interest plants?
Leave most perennials standing through winter to preserve structure and wildlife benefits; prune or clean beds in early spring before new growth begins.
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