When the vibrant golds and reds of autumn fade, many Maryland yards turn into a sea of brown and gray. But your landscape does not have to go dormant just because the temperature drops. By choosing plants with “winter interest” like unique bark, evergreen foliage, or persistent berries, you can have a stunning yard even in the depths of January.
Living in Maryland, we have access to a variety of hardy plants that thrive in our specific climate. Here are our top picks for adding a splash of color to your winter garden.
1. Winterberry Holly (Maryland Native Plant)
Nothing says winter in Maryland like the bright red pop of holly berries against a backdrop of snow. Unlike evergreen hollies, the Winterberry drops its leaves in late fall. This leaves the branches completely covered in dense clusters of scarlet berries that are visible from across the yard.
Why we love it: It is a vital food source for local songbirds like Bluebirds and Robins during the cold months.
2. Lenten Rose (Deer Resistant)
Hellebores are often called the “tough guys” of the flower world. These deer-resistant perennials feature leathery evergreen leaves and nodding, cup-shaped flowers that bloom in late winter. They sometimes even push through a layer of snow to bloom! They come in shades of deep purple, dusty pink, and creamy white.
Why we love it: It is one of the few plants that provides actual flower blooms in February and March.
3. “Coral Bark” Japanese Maple
While most maples are prized for their leaves, this variety is all about the bark. When the golden leaves fall in autumn, the young branches turn a brilliant, fluorescent coral-pink. It looks like a piece of living sculpture in a colorless landscape and provides a striking contrast when planted against dark evergreen shrubs.
4. Star Magnolia
This is one of the first trees to announce that spring is coming to the DMV. In late winter, while other trees are still bare, the Star Magnolia produces large, fuzzy buds. These buds burst into star-shaped white or pink blossoms before leaves even appear. It adds a delicate, airy feel to any small yard or garden border.
5. Snowdrift Crabapple
If you want color that lasts from December through March, the Snowdrift Crabapple is an excellent choice. After its yellow autumn leaves drop, the tree maintains heavy clusters of orange-red fruit that stay on the branches all winter long. Like the Holly, this tree is a favorite for Maryland’s wintering bird population.
6. Douglas Fir
For a classic, stately evergreen look, the Douglas Fir is a Maryland staple. These trees maintain their deep blue-green needles year-round. They provide essential windbreaks for your home during “Nor’easter” storms. Their dense structure also offers much-needed shelter for wildlife during freezing nights.
3 Tips for Successful Winter Planting in Maryland
If you are adding these beauties to your landscape this season, keep these local tips in mind to ensure they survive the freeze.
1. Monitor Soil Temperature: In Maryland, the ground does not usually freeze solid until late December or January. As long as you can stick a spade in the dirt, you can plant! Just be sure to finish before the first deep freeze makes digging impossible.
2. Hydration is Key: Winter air is incredibly dry. Newly planted trees and shrubs need deep watering once a week if there is no significant snowfall or rain. The roots are still active even if the top of the tree is dormant.
3. Mulch for Insulation: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of your new plants. This acts like a blanket. It keeps the soil temperature consistent and protects the roots from “frost heaving” (where the freezing ground pushes the plant out of the soil).
Let Nelson Tree Specialist Build Your Winter Oasis
Choosing the right plant is only half the battle. Ensuring the soil is healthy and the placement is correct is where the experts come in. At Nelson Tree Specialist, we don’t just remove dead trees. We help you cultivate a thriving, beautiful landscape.
From soil testing in Montgomery County to structural pruning in Howard County, our ISA Certified Arborists ensure your new winter plants have the best start possible.
Ready to transform your “bland” yard into a winter wonderland?
Request a Landscape Consultation or call 301-854-2218 to start planning your vibrant winter garden today.