Evergreen perennials add interest to winter landscape

By Kathy Hatfield
Gardening Columnist

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As the dog days of summer give way to the approaching crisp weather of autumn, it's time to resume planting. There's still time to get plants in the ground and somewhat established before cold weather.

A winter landscape often brings images of conifers, colorful bark, berries, and grasses to mind. But there are other, sometimes more subtle, elements that contribute to a cold season setting. Here are 12 plants that I have found to be cold hardy and colorful and contribute winter interest to a northern Colorado garden.

Serbian Yarrow (Achillea serbica)

Small mats of gray-green foliage are covered with flat-topped clusters of pure white flowers in late spring. This plant grows well in unamended soil and full sun. Though slow-growing, this is a tough little evergreen yarrow great for rock gardens or hot and dry south or west-facing slopes.

Mountain Gold (Alyssum montanum)

Mountain gold alyssum covers itself with bright yellow flowers in spring, often lasting four to six weeks. This plant also likes it hot and dry. The small gray-green leaves make an attractive groundcover even when it is not flowering. Though short-lived, mountain alyssum self seeds easily. This plant is often confused with Aurinia saxatilis or old-fashioned basket of gold. Alyssum has a longer bloom time and neater appearance than Aurinia.

Sea Pink (Armeria maritima)

A mound of grass-like evergreen foliage provides the backdrop for white or rose button-like flowers on long stalks. This plant usually performs best in poor, dry soil; too much water or rich soil can cause the center of the plant to rot. Deadheading helps prolong bloom. The flowers can be added to fresh bouquets or air-dried by hanging.

Pineleaf Penstemon(Penstemon pinifolius)

Needle-like evergreen leaves give rise to this plant's common name. The tubular red flowers, which bloom for weeks in midsummer, attract hummingbirds. Plants become woody with age, forming a small shrub with purplish leaves in winter.

Hardy Yellow Ice Plant (Delosperma nubigenum)

Yellow daisy-like flowers cover this low-growing plant in spring, making it a great companion to spring bulbs. The bright lime green succulent leaves turn a rosy red in winter. Hardy yellow ice plant benefits from watering once or twice per month.

Sulfur Flower (Eriogonum umbellatum)

This widespread western wildflower has bright yellow flowers on long wiry stems above dark green leaves. It prefers hot, dry areas in full sun, but is adaptable to richer soils and some additional water. Winter season interest is provided by burgundy foliage and colorful seedheads. Sulfur flower is a good choice for attracting butterflies and songbirds.

Coralbells (Heuchera sanguinea)

Bright red, pink or white flowers are held high above the scalloped emerald green foliage in early summer. Giving this plant additional water and deadheading will encourage more flowers - a nice addition to fresh spring bouquets. Protection from the hot afternoon summer sun is essential.

Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)

Dainty white flowers completely cover the narrow evergreen leaves for four weeks in early spring. Any stems that make contact with soil may root and can be separated and transplanted. Keep the plant neat and compact by shearing it back after flowering. Candytuft does well in sun or light shade and somewhat dry conditions, but should be protected from the hot summer afternoon sun or desiccating winter winds.

Horehound(Marrubium rotundifolium)

A species of horehound was once used for making the bitter-tasting lozenges used for colds and sore throats. The plant is grown for its silvery-green velvety leaves, as its flowers are unattractive. It needs little extra water once established, and does well in full sun.

Stonecrop (Sedum spurium)

The low-growing stonecrops provide good groundcover color in hot, dry areas. Numerous varieties are available, most with pink or red star-shaped flowers and succulent leaves.

Woolly Veronica (Veronica pectinata)

This dense spreading groundcover is smothered in bright blue flowers for a month in spring. When dormant, the leaves are a purplish color. It grows well in full sun and dry conditions, but will tolerate light shade. A little extra water will give it more vigorous growth.

Pussytoes (Antennaria spp.)

Not only does this plant maintain a tidy appearance in winter, it makes a great groundcover, creeping over rocks and soil to form a silvery gray-green carpet. Fuzzy white or pink compact flower heads rise above the leaves in spring. It does well in sunny, dry areas, but also tolerates light shade.