These three plants have caught my attention this winter because they are each striking in their own way. I like to keep track of the way a plant looks all year round so that I can recommend a variety of winter interest plants for my clients’ gardens.
Cornus stolonifera 'flaviramea', or Yellowtwig Dogwood
The Yellowtwig Dogwood is a well known choice for winter gardens, along with its similar variety, the Redtwig Dogwood. This is a plant that will lose its leaves around November, and be completely bare by now, in mid January. A great plant pick to go against the backdrop of a solid evergreen, or to poke out amongst shorter shrubs.
Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'
This grass, Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ is often chosen for its architectural qualities- tall, distinct fronds with wheat-like tips. While some grasses will look shabby in winter, this one will stand out because of its height (up to 6′) and columnar shape.
Senecio cineraria 'cirrus', aka Dusty Miller
While not a common pick for winter, this plant- Senecio Cineraria ‘cirrus’, aka Dusty Miller, looks great as a frosty, gray-blue specimen amongst darker colored companions. It won’t be flowering at this time, but that’s fine because the foliage is what its all about in this season. I would like to see this plant against the Calamagrostis grass pictured above for that contrast in texture and color.
