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    • Winter Interest with Evergreen Perennials

    When selecting “evergreen” ground covers, consider choosing plants rated for a hardiness zone at least one colder than your own. This increases the chances they will remain evergreen throughout the year, even during harsher winters.

    • Acorus gramineus Ogon 18ct Flat Acorus gramineus Ogon 18ct Flat

      Acorus

      Acorus g. 'Ogon' (18)ct Flat

      Acorus gramineus 'Ogon' (18)ct Flat Common name: Golden sweet flag, golden Japanese sweet flag, or Japanese rush (a.k.a. 'Wogon'). Zone: (5) 6 to 10, evergreen in warm zones. Sun to part shade, aquatic or wetland perennial.Mature size: 6 to 12...

      $127.64
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    • Acorus g. 'Ogon' (3.5 inch pot) Acorus g. 'Ogon' (3.5 inch pot)

      Acorus

      Acorus g. 'Ogon' (3.5 inch pot)

      Acorus gramineus 'Ogon' (3.5-inch pot)Common name: Golden Variegated Sweet Flag Height: 8-12 Inches Spread: 6-12 Inches Hardiness Zone: 5/6-10 Sun to Part-Shade Prefers afternoon shade in Southern zones Bright golden and green striped grass-like...

      $6.67
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    • Ajuga r Catlins Giant 3.5 inch pot Ajuga r Catlins Giant 3.5 inch pot

      Ajuga

      Ajuga r 'Catlin's Giant' (3.5 inch pot)

      Ajuga reptans 'Catlin's Giant' (3.5-inch pot)Common Name: 'Catlin's Giant' Bugleweed Height: 5-7 Inches Spread: 18-24 Inches Hardiness Zone: 4-8 Sun to Shade Part Shade is preferred in Hot Summer Zones Evergreen to Semi-evergreen Large, Bronze Purple...

      $4.57
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    • Ajuga reptans Black Scallop PP15815 10ct Flat Ajuga reptans Black Scallop PP15815 10ct Flat

      Ajuga

      Ajuga r. 'Black Scallop' PP15815 (10)ct Flat

      Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' PP15815 Ten (10) 4.5-inch containersCommon Name: Bugleweed, Carpet Bugleweed This attractive small-scale groundcover has glossy, near-black, scalloped leaves and a dense habit. The deepest foliage color is achieved when...

      $85.05
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    • Ajuga reptans Bronze Beauty 3.5 inch pot Ajuga reptans 'Bronze Beauty' (3.5 inch pot)

      Ajuga

      Ajuga r. 'Bronze Beauty' (3.5 inch pot)

      Ajuga reptans 'Bronze Beauty' (3.5-inch pot)Common Name: Bronze Beauty Bugleweed Height: 3-4 Inches Spread: 12-36 Inches Hardiness Zone: 3-9 Sun to Shade Part Shade is preferred in Hot Summer Zones Evergreen - semi-evergreen Bronze purple leaves Blue...

      $4.57
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    • Ajuga r Burgundy Glow 3.5 inch pot Ajuga r Burgundy Glow 3.5 inch pot

      Ajuga

      Ajuga r. 'Burgundy Glow' (3.5 inch pot)

      Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow' (3.5-inch pot)Common Name: Burgundy Glow Bugleweed Height: 3-4 Inches Spread: 18-24 Inches Hardiness Zone: 3-9 Sun to Shade Part Shade is preferred in Hot Summer Zones Evergreen to Semi-evergreen Tri-color foliage - green,...

      $4.57
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    • Ajuga Chocolate Chip 3.5 inch pot Ajuga Chocolate Chip 3.5 inch pot

      Ajuga

      Ajuga r. 'Chocolate Chip' (3.5 inch pot)

      Ajuga reptans 'Chocolate Chip' (3.5-inch pot)Common Name: 'Chocolate Chip' Bugleweed Height: 2 Inches Spread: 6-8 Inches Hardiness Zone: 4-9 Sun to Shade Part Shade is preferred in Hot Summer Zones Evergreen to Semi-evergreen Small and elongated,...

      $4.57
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    • Alchemilla mollis (30)ct Flat Alchemilla mollis 30ct Flat

      Alchemilla

      Alchemilla mollis (30)ct Flat

      Alchemilla mollis (30)ct FlatCommon Name: Lady's Mantle Foliage is a soft grey-green and nearly round with deep lobes. Soft, velvety leaves are up to 6-inches across with serrated edges, giving a scalloped look. From late spring to early summer,...

      $179.77
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    • Carex comans Amazon Mist 10ct Quarts Carex comans Amazon Mist 10ct Quarts

      Carex

      Carex comans 'Amazon Mist' (10)ct Quarts

      Carex comans 'Amazon Mist': An Ethereal Addition to Your Garden Discover the Enchantment of New Zealand Hair Sedge Bring a touch of ethereal beauty to your garden with the captivating Carex comans 'Amazon Mist'! Also known as New Zealand Hair Sedge, this...

      $99.89
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    • Carex flacca aka glauca 3.5 inch pot

      Carex

      Carex flacca [a.k.a. glauca] (3.5 inch pot)

      Carex flacca (a.k.a glauca) (3.5-inch pot)Common name: Sedge - Blue Sedge Height: 8-10 Inches Spread: 12-18 Inches Hardiness Zone: 4-9 Full Sun to Part Shade Evergreen in warmer climates Blue-Green to blue-gray foliage Clumping but spreads slowly by...

      $7.21
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    • Carex hachijoensis Evergold 10ct Quarts Carex hachijoensis Evergold 10ct Quarts

      Carex

      Carex hachijoensis 'Evergold' (10)ct Quarts

      Carex hachijoensis 'Evergold' (10)ct Quarts a/k/a Evergold Sedge, Sedge Grass, Variegated Japanese Sedge, Carex oshimensis 'Evergold' Carex hachijoensis 'Evergold', also known as Evergold Sedge or Variegated Japanese Sedge, is a captivating...

      $117.27
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    • Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance' (3.5 inch pot) Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance' (3.5 inch pot)

      Carex

      Carex m. 'Ice Dance' (3.5 inch pot)

      Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance' (3.5-inch pot)Common name: Variegated Sedge, Ornamental Grass With its wide, strappy leaves measuring ¼-½" across, this carex makes a bold statement in the shade garden. The leaves are dark green with bright white...

      $7.21
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    • Carex oshimensis Evergold 3.5 inch pot Carex oshimensis Evergold 3.5 inch pot

      Carex

      Carex o. 'Evergold' (3.5 inch pot)

      Carex oshimensis 'Evergold' (3.5-inch plant)a/k/a Evergold Sedge, Sedge Grass, Variegated Japanese Sedge, Carex hachijoensis 'Evergold' One of the most popular variegated sedges, this selection has creamy yellow leaves with dark green edges...

      $8.19
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    • Carex pensylvanica 3.5 inch pot Carex pensylvanica 3.5 inch pot

      Carex

      Carex pensylvanica (3.5 inch pot)

      Carex pensylvanica (3.5-inch pot)Common Name: Pennsylvania Sedge, Oak Sedge Height: 8-10 InchesSpread: 6-8 InchesHardiness Zone: 4 - 8Shade to Part ShadeEvergreen in warm climatesNative to Central and Eastern U.S.Spreads slow by rhizomes to form dense...

      $7.73
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    • Carex testacea Prairie Fire 10ct Quarts

      Carex

      Carex t. 'Prairie Fire' (10)ct Quarts

      Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire' (10)ct Quarts Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire', commonly known as New Zealand Hair Sedge, is a captivating ornamental grass that brings a vibrant touch to any garden. Known for its colorful foliage and graceful arching habit,...

      $99.89
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    • Dianthus FRUIT PUNCH Maraschino PPAF 30ct Flat Dianthus FRUIT PUNCH Maraschino PPAF 30ct Flat

      Dianthus

      Dianthus 'Maraschino' PP27882 (30)ct Flat

      Dianthus 'Maraschino' PP27882 (30)ct FlatFRUIT PUNCH® SeriesCommon Name: Pinks Red flowers are a hot color for a garden, and ‘Maraschino’ delivers with 1¼-1½” wide cherry red flowers and dark burgundy eye. Fluffy,...

      $234.02
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    • Dianthus Neon Star PP14549 Dianthus Neon Star PP14549

      Dianthus

      Dianthus 'Neon Star' PP14549 (4) 1-gallons

      Dianthus 'Neon Star' PP14549 CPBR2751 (4) 1-gallonsIncredibly vibrant pink flowers cover the evergreen, glaucous blue-grey foliage. The habit is compact and mounding to a height of about 7" tall and wide. Even more wonderful, the flowers exude the...

      $114.61
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    • Dianthus Spiked Punch PPAF 30ct Flat Dianthus Spiked Punch PPAF 30ct Flat

      Dianthus

      Dianthus 'Spiked Punch' PP28635 (30)ct Flat

      Dianthus 'Spiked Punch' PP28635 CPBR5817 (30)ct FlatFRUIT PUNCH® SeriesCommon Name: Pinks Incredibly vibrant fuchsia pink, double flowers have deep red eyes and heavily serrated petals. The flowers are a little larger than most of the other members...

      $234.02
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    • Dianthus 'Sweetie Pie' PP27989 (30)ct Flat Dianthus 'Sweetie Pie' PP27989 (30)ct Flat

      Dianthus

      Dianthus 'Sweetie Pie' PP27989 (30)ct Flat

      Dianthus 'Sweetie Pie' PP27989 CPBR6732 (30)ct FlatFRUIT PUNCH® SeriesCommon Name: Pinks ‘Sweetie Pie’ is the perfect choice if you tend to gravitate toward pastel colors for your garden. The true pink, semi-double flowers are...

      $234.02
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    • Dianthus g Baths Pink 3.5 inch pot Dianthus g. 'Bath's Pink' (3.5 inch pot)

      Dianthus

      Dianthus g. 'Bath's Pink' (3.5 inch pot)

      Dianthus gratianoapolitanus 'Baths Pink' (3.5-inch pot)Common Name: Cheddar Pinks Height: 6-12 InchesSpread: 12-18 InchesHardiness Zone: 3-8Full SunEvergreenSoft pink blooms - Spring/early SummerGray-green, grass-like foliageHeat and humidity tolerant...

      $5.85
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    • Dianthus g. 'Firewitch' (3.5 inch pot) Dianthus g Firewitch 3.5 inch pot

      Dianthus

      Dianthus g. 'Firewitch' (3.5 inch pot)

      Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Firewitch' (3.5-inch pot)Common Name: Cheddar Pinks Shocking magenta-pink, upward-facing blooms which exude the scent of cloves appear in masses above silvery-blue mats of evergreen foliage. Each of the 5 petals have serrated...

      $5.85
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    • Dianthus gratianopolitanus Firewitch Dianthus gratianopolitanus Firewitch

      Dianthus

      Dianthus g. 'Firewitch' (4) 1-gallons

      Dianthus 'Fire Star' (4) 1-gallons CHEDDAR PINK Zones 3 to 8. Full sunMature size: 6 to 8 inches tall, spreads to 12 inches wide. Low-growing, compact ground cover. Magenta pink, serrated edged petals appear in mass above silvery-blue evergreen...

      $114.61
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    • Dicentra 'Passion Hearts' (25) BR Plants Dicentra 'Passion Hearts' (25) BR Plants

      Dicentra

      Dicentra 'Passion Hearts' (25) BR Plants

      Dicentra 'Passion Hearts' PPAF (25) Bare Root Plants 'Passion Hearts' (scientific name: Dicentra formosa 'Passion Hearts' or a related hybrid) is a truly captivating perennial, distinguished by its unique bicolor flowers. These delightful blooms display...

      $328.80
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    • Dicentra spectabilis Alba 25 BR Plants Photos courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc Dicentra spectabilis Alba 25 BR Plants Photos courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc

      Dicentra

      Dicentra s. 'Alba' (25) BR Plants

      Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' (25) Bare Root PlantsCommon Name: Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart, Common Bleeding Heart Every bit as charming as the pink form, 'Alba' forms large, bushy clumps of powdery-light green foliage comprised of cut or lobed...

      $284.90
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    • Dicentra spectabilis Gold Heart Photos courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc Dicentra spectabilis Gold Heart Photos courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc

      Dicentra

      Dicentra s. 'Gold Heart' (20)ct Flats

      Dicentra spectabilis 'Gold Heart' (20)ct FlatCommon Name: Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart A bright twist on a classic perennial! Radiant yellow foliage absolutely glows in spring, creating a brilliant focal point in the shade garden. Arching sprays of...

      $214.62
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    • Dicentra spectabilis 25 BR Plants Photos courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc Dicentra spectabilis (25) BR Plants

      Dicentra

      Dicentra spectabilis (25) BR Plants

      Dicentra spectabilis (25) Bare Root PlantsCommon Name: Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart, Common Bleeding Heart A classic charmer! One of the oldest but still irreplaceable perennials in cultivation. Old-fashioned Bleeding Hearts form large, bushy clumps of...

      $278.03
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    • Euonymus f Acutus 3.5 inch pot

      Euonymus

      Euonymus f. 'Acutus' (3.5 inch pot)

      Euonymus fortunei 'Acutus' (3.5-inch pot)Common Name: Wintercreeper Height: 12-24 Inches Spread: 2-3 Feet Space 12-18 inches apart. Hardiness Zone: 5-8 Full Sun to Shade Tough Ground Cover Only newer growth turn Burgundy in Winter Best used in areas...

      $4.22
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    • Euonymus f Acutus bare root plant

      Euonymus

      Euonymus f. 'Acutus' (bare root plant)

      Euonymus fortunei 'Acutus' bare root plantCommon Name: Wintercreeper Height: 12-24 Inches Spread: 2-3 Feet Space 12-18 inches apart. Hardiness Zone: 5-8 Full Sun to Shade Tough Ground Cover Only newer growth turn Burgundy in Winter Best used in...

      $2.05
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    • Euonymus fortunei Coloratus 18ct Flat Euonymus fortunei Coloratus 18ct Flat

      Euonymus

      Euonymus f. 'Coloratus' (18)ct Flat

      Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus' a/k/a Japanese Euonymus, purple leaf wintercreeper, wintercreeper euonymus, purple wintercreeper euonymus Zone: 4 to 9. Sun to Shade. Mature size: 8 to 24 inches height; fast spreading, vine-like growth. Extremely hardy,...

      $92.48
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    • Euonymus f Coloratus 3.5 inch pot Euonymus f Coloratus 3.5 inch pot

      Euonymus

      Euonymus f. 'Coloratus' (3.5 inch pot)

      Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus' (3.5-inch pot)Common Name: Purple Wintercreeper Mature height up to 2', spread 3', climbs 20' Hardiness Zone: 5-8 Full Sun to Shade Tough Ground Cover Leaves turn Burgundy in Winter Best used in areas where it can be...

      $4.22
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    • Euonymus f Coloratus bare root plant Euonymus f. 'Coloratus' (bare root plant)

      Euonymus

      Euonymus f. 'Coloratus' (bare root plant)

      Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus' bare root plantCommon Name: Purple Wintercreeper Mature height up to 2', spread 3', climbs 20' Hardiness Zone: 5-8 Full Sun to Shade Tough Ground Cover Leaves turn Burgundy in Winter Best used in areas where it can be...

      $2.05
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    • Festuca glauca Elijah Blue 30ct Flat Festuca glauca Elijah Blue 30ct Flat

      Festuca

      Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue' (30)ct Flat

      Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue' (30)ct FlatCommon Name: Blue Fescue. Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue' has soft powdery blue, finely-textured, semi-evergreen foliage. In late spring to early summer, light green flowers with a purple tinge appear on terminal...

      $216.00
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    • Hedera algeriensis Algerian Ivy 18ct Flat Hedera algeriensis Algerian Ivy 18ct Flat

      Hedera

      Hedera algeriensis ' Algerian Ivy' (18)ct Flat

      Hedera algeriensis ' Algerian Ivy' a/k/a Hedera canariensis Zone: 7 to 10. Sun or shade. Mature size: 12-to-18-inch height, vigorous climber. classic Hedera algeriensis, often simply called Algerian Ivy! It is a popular and versatile choice, and here...

      $99.14
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    • Hedera algeriensis 10ct Flat Hedera algeriensis 10ct Flat

      Hedera

      Hedera algeriensis (10)ct Flat

      Hedera algeriensis ' Algerian Ivy' a/k/a Hedera canariensis Zone: 7 to 10. Sun or shade. Mature size: 12-to-18-inch height, vigorous climber. Hedera algeriensis, commonly known as Algerian ivy, is a vigorous evergreen vine prized for its lush foliage...

      $84.03
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    • Hedera helix Anne Marie 10ct Flat

      Hedera

      Hedera helix 'Anne Marie' (10)ct Flat

      Hedera helix 'Ann Marie' Zones 5 to 10; Sun to filtered sun. Mature size can reach 6 to 12 inches height; evergreen. Small variegated apple green / chartreuse and white / gray leaves. Leaves are slightly curly. Similar to English in growth habit...

      $83.79
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    • Hedera helix Ingelise 10ct Flat

      Hedera

      Hedera helix 'Ingelise' (10)ct Flat

      Hedera helix 'Ingelise' Variegated Needlepoint English IvyZones 6 to 10; Sun to filtered sun and tolerates deep shade. Mature size can reach 6 to 12 inches height. Hedera helix 'Ingelise' is a delightful variety of English ivy that offers a unique look...

      $87.69
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    • Helleborus Confetti Cake - WEDDING PARTY Series 20ct Flat Helleborus Confetti Cake - WEDDING PARTY Series 20ct Flat

      Helleborus

      Helleborus 'Confetti Cake' (20)ct Flat

      Helleborus 'Confetti Cake' (20)ct FlatWEDDING PARTY SeriesCommon Name: Lenten Rose Walters Gardens hybridizer Hans Hansen has a passion for hellebores. In his breeding work, he selects for plants with notable vigor, showy floral displays with large...

      $310.40
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    • Helleborus Flower Girl - WEDDING PARTY Series 20ct Flat Helleborus Flower Girl - WEDDING PARTY Series 20ct Flat

      Helleborus

      Helleborus 'Flower Girl' (20)ct Flat

      Helleborus 'Flower Girl' (20)ct FlatWEDDING PARTY® SeriesCommon Name: Lenten Rose Walters Gardens hybridizer Hans Hansen has a passion for hellebores. In his breeding work, he selects for plants with notable vigor, showy floral displays with large...

      $310.40
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    • Helleborus 'French Kiss' - HONEYMOON Series (20)ct Flat Helleborus French Kiss - HONEYMOON Series 20ct Flat

      Helleborus

      Helleborus 'French Kiss' (20)ct Flat

      Helleborus 'French Kiss' (20)ct FlatHONEYMOON® SeriesCommon Name: Lenten Rose Try the lovely single-flowered selections of the HONEYMOON® Series from Walters Gardens, hybridizer Hans Hansen. In his breeding work, he selects for plants with...

      $303.86
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    • Helleborus 'Maid of Honor' - WEDDING PARTY Series (20)ct Flat Helleborus Maid of Honor - WEDDING PARTY Series 20ct Flat

      Helleborus

      Helleborus 'Maid of Honor' (20)ct Flat

      Helleborus 'Maid of Honor' (20)ct FlatWEDDING PARTY® SeriesCommon Name: Lenten Rose Walters Gardens hybridizer Hans Hansen has a passion for hellebores. In his breeding work, he selects for plants with notable vigor, showy floral displays with large...

      $292.17
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    • Helleborus New York Night - HONEYMOON Series 20ct Flat Helleborus New York Night - HONEYMOON Series 20ct Flat

      Helleborus

      Helleborus 'New York Night' (20)ct Flat

      Helleborus 'New York Night' (20)ct FlatHONEYMOON SeriesCommon Name: Lenten Rose 'New York Night' bears 2½-3”, single flowers with shades of black that include deep grey-purple, jet black, and black-purple. Hellebores are the harbingers of...

      $303.86
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    • Helleborus Rome in Red - HONEYMOON Series 20ct Flat Helleborus Rome in Red - HONEYMOON Series 20ct Flat

      Helleborus

      Helleborus 'Rome in Red' (20)ct Flat

      Helleborus 'Rome in Red' (20)ct FlatHONEYMOON® SeriesCommon Name: Lenten Rose You’ve enjoyed the double-flowered Hellebores of the Wedding Party series, try the equally lovely single-flowered selections of the HONEYMOON® Series from Walters...

      $303.86
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    • Helleborus Sandy Shores - HONEYMOON Series 20ct Flat Helleborus Sandy Shores - HONEYMOON Series 20ct Flat

      Helleborus

      Helleborus 'Sandy Shores' (20)ct Flat

      Helleborus 'Sandy Shores' (20)ct FlatHONEYMOON SeriesCommon Name: Lenten Rose Helleborus 'Sandy Shores' bears 2.5-3”, single pale apricot flowers with a lovely rosy pink color on the backs. Hellebores are the harbingers of spring, blooming for six...

      $303.86
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    Bring Life to Your Winter Garden with Evergreen Perennials

    Even as winter chills the air and most plants slumber, evergreen perennials stand strong, adding beauty and interest to your landscape. Here's how these champions can enhance your garden throughout the year:

    • Wintertime Magic: When other perennials are dormant or lackluster, evergreens provide a burst of color, texture, and form. They bring life to the winter garden, offering a glimpse of the summer's magic that once was and a promise of spring to come.

    • Hiding the Off-Season: Evergreen perennials artfully conceal the fading foliage of summer bulbs and perennials that have gone dormant. They effectively camouflage these tired parts of the garden, creating a clean and visually pleasing scene.

    • A World of Choices: Evergreen perennials come in a stunning array of shapes, sizes, and bloom times. You can find tall, stately plants for backdrops, cascading groundcovers, and everything in between. There's an evergreen perennial to suit any design preference.

    • Shade Solutions: Many evergreen perennials thrive in shady areas, adding beauty to parts of your garden where other plants might struggle. This allows you to create depth and visual interest throughout your entire landscape.

    • Low-Maintenance Marvels: Generally low-maintenance, evergreen perennials require minimal upkeep. They're perfect for busy gardeners who want a beautiful landscape without the constant work.

    Planting for Year-Round Beauty:

    While most perennials look similar in spring and summer, some may surprise you by turning evergreen come winter. So, when shopping for spring or summer plantings, inquire about the plant's winter characteristics. A little research beforehand ensures you're selecting the right evergreen perennials for your garden.

    Here are some popular evergreen perennials to consider:

    • Ajuga (Bugleweed)
    • Arabis (Rock Cress)
    • Armeria (Common Thrift, Sea Pink)
    • Bergenia (Heartleaf Bergenia, Pig Squeak)
    • Dianthus (Pinks)
    • Euonymus (Purple Leaf Wintercreeper)
    • Carex (Sedge)
    • Festuca (Blue Fescue)
    • Heuchera (Coral Bells)
    • Heucherella (Foamy Bells)
    • Iberis (Evergreen Candytuft)
    • Lavandula (English Lavender)
    • Liriope (Lily-turf)
    • Pachysandra (Japanese Spurge)
    • Phlox subulata (Creeping Phlox)
    • Sagina (Irish Moss)
    • Sedum (Stonecrop)
    • Sempervivum (Hen & Chicks)
    • Thymus (Creeping Thyme)
    • Tiarella (Foamflower)
    • Vinca (Myrtle, Periwinkle)
    • Yucca (Adam's Needle)

    By incorporating evergreen perennials into your garden design, you can ensure vibrant beauty throughout the seasons, even when winter throws its coldest punches. So why not add some life to your winter landscape and enjoy your garden year-round?

    Do not let your garden fade with the summer sun! As the days grow shorter and the vibrant colors of summer give way to the muted tones of winter, it is easy to think your garden's beauty must also slumber. But with a little planning and the right plants, you can create a garden that provides visual interest and enjoyment throughout the winter months. Evergreen perennials are the key to achieving this. These remarkable plants retain their foliage year-round, providing a constant source of color, texture, and life, even when the rest of the garden is dormant.

    Evergreen Perennials for Winter Interest Evergreen perennials come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, offering a wealth of options for adding winter interest to your garden. Here are a few examples:

    • Hellebores (Helleborus spp.): Also known as Lenten roses, hellebores are a winter garden staple. Their leathery, dark green foliage persists throughout the winter, providing a welcome sight when other plants have died back. As an added bonus, hellebores often bloom in late winter or early spring, adding a touch of unexpected color to the garden when it is most needed.
    • Heuchera (Coral Bells): Heuchera is prized for its incredibly diverse and colorful foliage. Many varieties retain their leaves throughout the winter, providing a vibrant groundcover in shades of red, purple, gold, and silver, even in the coldest months.
    • Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens): This evergreen groundcover forms a dense mat of dark green foliage that adds texture and color to the winter landscape. Its white flowers in spring make it a versatile choice for borders and rock gardens.
    • Bugleweed (Ajuga): Bugleweed is a versatile groundcover that offers colorful foliage in shades of green, purple, and bronze. It also produces attractive flower spikes in the spring and summer, adding another layer of interest.
    • Pigsqueak (Bergenia spp.): This plant features large, leathery leaves that take on rich ruby hues in the winter. Its spring blooms add a welcome splash of color, and its tolerance for a variety of conditions makes it a reliable choice for many gardens.

    In addition to these, here are a few more evergreen perennials that can be used to create winter interest:

    • Carnation and pinks (Dianthus spp.)
    • Groundcover stonecrops (Sedum spp.)
    • Creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera)
    • Moss pink (Phlox subulata)
    • Liverleaf (Hepatica spp.)
    • Hardy ginger (Asarum spp.)
    • Hardy cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.)
    • Ice plant (Delosperma spp.)
    • Spotted dead nettle (Lamium maculatum)
    • Hens and chicks (Sempervivum spp.)

    Evergreen Perennials with Interesting Forms While the foliage of evergreen perennials provides a welcome splash of green in the winter garden, some perennials offer an added dimension of interest with their unique forms and structures. These plants add height, texture, and movement to the landscape, creating focal points and visual interest even after they have finished blooming.

    • Ornamental Grasses: Ornamental grasses are a fantastic way to add winter interest. Their upright stems and seed heads sway gracefully in the winter breeze, catching frost and snow in captivating ways. Consider varieties like feather reed grass, giant miscanthus, and switchgrass for their impressive stature and winter hardiness.
    • Coneflower (Echinacea spp.): Coneflowers are known for their cheerful summer blooms, but their dried seed heads also provide structural interest in the winter. These cone-shaped seed heads add texture to the garden and provide a valuable food source for birds.
    • Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum): Joe Pye weed is a tall, stately perennial that produces large, dome-shaped flower clusters in late summer. These flower clusters dry and persist throughout the winter, adding architectural interest to the garden.

    Evergreen Perennials with Winter Blooms While most plants are dormant in winter, a few select evergreen perennials offer the delightful surprise of winter blooms. These blooms add a much-needed touch of color to the garden when it is most appreciated.

    • Hellebores (Helleborus spp.): As mentioned earlier, hellebores often bloom in late winter or early spring, adding a welcome splash of color to the garden. Their blooms come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, purple, and green.
    • Snowdrops (Galanthus spp.): Snowdrops are among the earliest blooming bulbs, often pushing through the snow to reveal their delicate white flowers. These charming flowers are a sure sign that spring is on its way.

    Evergreen Perennials with Berries Some evergreen perennials also produce berries that add a splash of color to the winter garden. These berries not only enhance the visual appeal of the garden but also provide a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife.

    Red Berries

    • Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata): This deciduous holly loses its leaves in the fall, revealing a profusion of bright red berries that persist throughout the winter. These berries provide a striking contrast against the snow and offer a welcome feast for birds. Winterberry holly is also deer-resistant, making it a good choice for gardens where deer are a problem.
    • Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia): This large evergreen shrub produces clusters of bright red berries that contrast beautifully with its dark green foliage. Toyon is a native plant in many parts of North America and is an important food source for birds.

    White Berries

    • Common Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus): This deciduous shrub produces clusters of white berries that resemble small snowballs. The berries persist throughout the winter, adding a touch of whimsy to the garden.

    Blue Berries

    • Juniper (Juniperus spp.): Junipers produce fleshy cones that resemble berries and add a unique touch to the winter garden. These "berries" come in shades of blue and provide a valuable food source for birds.

    Evergreen Perennials with Interesting Bark While most people think of flowers and foliage when considering winter interest, do not overlook the beauty of bark. Some evergreen perennials have interesting bark that can add texture and visual appeal to the winter garden.

    • Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea): This deciduous shrub offers vibrant red stems that stand out against the snow, providing a stunning focal point in the winter garden.

    Evergreen Perennials with Variegated Foliage Variegated evergreen perennials add another layer of interest to the winter garden with their unique foliage patterns. These plants often feature leaves with contrasting colors, such as green and white, or green and gold, adding brightness and visual appeal to the landscape.

    • False Holly 'Goshiki' (Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki'): This evergreen shrub has spectacular winter color with its variegated foliage.
    • English Holly 'Argenteomarginata' (Ilex aquifolium 'Argenteomarginata'): This holly variety features bright white edges on its leaves, adding a touch of elegance to the winter garden.

    Evergreen Perennials with Silver Foliage Silver-leaved evergreen perennials add a touch of coolness and sophistication to the winter garden. Their silvery foliage reflects light, creating a luminous effect that brightens even the dullest winter days.

    • Artemisia frigida 'Silver Eagle': This artemisia variety has beautiful silver foliage that provides excellent contrast with other plants in the garden.
    • Artemisia 'Silver Lining': This artemisia cultivar has silvery leaves that create a soft, flowing effect in the garden.

    Caring for Evergreen Perennials in Winter Evergreen perennials generally require less care in winter than other plants, but there are still a few things you should do to ensure they thrive.

    • Watering: Proper watering is crucial for evergreen perennials, especially in the fall. Water them thoroughly before the ground freezes to help them survive the winter months. This is especially important because evergreens continue to lose water through their leaves throughout the winter, even when the ground is frozen. If you live in an area with dry winters, you may need to water them occasionally throughout the winter, especially if there is no snow cover.
    • Pruning: Most evergreen perennials do not require pruning in winter. However, you can remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches at any time of year. Some evergreens, like boxwood, yew, arborvitae, and holly, are best pruned in spring after they have finished pushing out new growth. This timing helps avoid damage from freezing temperatures. Other evergreens, such as spring-blooming deciduous shrubs like viburnum and lilac, should be pruned soon after they finish blooming.
    • Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch around evergreen perennials can help protect their roots from freezing temperatures and conserve moisture. Use a loose organic mulch, such as shredded leaves, bark chips, or pine needles.
    • Drainage: Ensure your evergreen perennials have good drainage, especially during the winter. Poor drainage can lead to root rot and death if the soil becomes saturated and frozen. For plants susceptible to root rot, careful positioning and a mulch of pea gravel can help improve drainage.
    • Anti-desiccant Sprays: Consider using anti-desiccant sprays to protect evergreens from winter burn. These sprays create a waxy coating on the leaves that helps reduce water loss, especially during periods of dry, windy weather.

    Design Tips for Using Evergreen Perennials Evergreen perennials offer a versatile palette for creating stunning winter gardens. Here are a few design tips to help you make the most of these plants:

    • Layering: Plant evergreen perennials in layers, with taller plants at the back and shorter plants in the front. This creates depth and visual interest, drawing the eye through the garden. For example, you could plant a backdrop of tall arborvitae, with a mid-layer of rhododendrons, and a foreground of heuchera.
    • Mass Planting: Plant evergreen perennials in masses to create a bold statement. This is especially effective with plants that have colorful foliage or interesting textures. Imagine a swathe of red-leaved heuchera or a carpet of silver-leaved artemisia – the impact is undeniable.
    • Focal Points: Use evergreen perennials to create focal points in the winter garden. For example, plant a specimen evergreen in a prominent location or use evergreens to frame a view. A weeping blue spruce or a contorted filbert can add a touch of drama and intrigue to the winter landscape.
    • Combine with Other Plants: Combine evergreen perennials with other plants that provide winter interest, such as deciduous shrubs with colorful bark, ornamental grasses, and winter-blooming plants. This creates a tapestry of textures and colors that keeps the garden alive throughout the winter months. Imagine the contrast of red twig dogwood stems against a backdrop of dark green conifers, or the delicate blooms of snowdrops peeking through a carpet of evergreen ferns.

    Evergreen Perennials for Different Parts of the Garden Evergreen perennials can be used in a variety of ways throughout the garden. Here is a table summarizing some of the best choices for different areas:

    Garden Area

    Recommended Evergreen Perennials

    Key Features

    Borders

    Hellebores, Heuchera, Ajuga

    Structure, year-round interest, colorful foliage

    Foundation Plantings

    Japanese Holly, Rhododendrons

    Soften foundation, curb appeal, low-maintenance

    Rock Gardens

    Sedum, Creeping Phlox, Hens and Chicks

    Drought tolerance, groundcover, texture

    Woodland Gardens

    Hardy Ginger, Ferns, Hellebores

    Shade tolerance, texture, winter blooms

    By incorporating evergreen perennials into your garden, you can ensure that it remains a source of beauty and interest throughout the winter months. With their variety of colors, textures, and forms, these plants can transform your garden into a winter wonderland. Remember to choose plants that are hardy in your area and provide them with the proper care to ensure they thrive. Consider the mature size and shape of the plants to ensure they fit well in your garden and do not overcrowd other plants.

    Evergreen perennials not only provide visual interest but also offer valuable shelter and food for wildlife during the winter months. Their foliage provides cover for small animals and insects, while their berries offer sustenance for birds.

    Gardening, even in winter, can be a rewarding and therapeutic activity. It provides an opportunity to connect with nature, get some fresh air and exercise, and enjoy the beauty of the natural world. The act of caring for plants and watching them thrive can have a positive impact on mental and physical well-being, especially during the shorter, darker days of winter.

    So, embrace the challenge of creating a winter garden that delights and inspires. With a little planning and the right plants, you can enjoy the beauty of your garden all year round.