Winter Patio Plants

Ericas

• Winter flowering heathers, also called ericas, can be used as ground cover or planted in pots. The winter varieties are Erica x darleyensis and Erica carnea. They thrive in most soil types and bloom in a variety of colors including white, pink, red and purple. Foliage can range from gold and red to yellow, silver and green. For compact plants that are bushy instead of tall, be sure to prune as soon as flowering is over. These plants usually have no pests or diseases, but can be susceptible to root rot in warmer weather.

Primrose

• Primula, also known as primrose, can tolerate cool temperatures down to 45 degrees F. The Chinese varieties produce either large flowering clusters, or tall sprays of small flowers. They bloom throughout the winter and into early spring, as long as temperatures allow. These flowers do better in partial shade.

Christmas Rose

• Another winter-hardy choice for the patio is the Christmas rose, Lenten rose or hellebore. Blooming through the winter from late autumn into spring, they grow up to 15 inches tall. Stalks are adorned with leathery, dark green leaves and white to mauve flowers. The roots of this plant are poisonous, so watch children and pets carefully. The Christmas rose prefers fertile soil, deep and well draining. Plant in partial shade, but keep in mind that it does need to get sunlight in the winter. Some type of protection will need to be provided against strong winds.

Juniper

• The juniper is an evergreen that can be used in a variety of ways, from ground cover and privacy hedges to potted plants for the patio. These plants do well in almost any soil condition, but the soil must drain easily. They generally withstand drought fairly well. The foliage of juniper plants varies and includes silver-gray, blue-gray, shades of green, bronze and even purple and mauve. This provides contrast to other plants and complements them, as well.