Top 10 Most Colorful Winter Landscape Plants
Top 10 Most Colorful Landscape Garden Plants for the South selected by Brent Wilson of Wilson Bros. Nursery in McDonough, Georgia
Courtesy of Gardenality.com
I chose the following Top 10 Colorful Winter Landscape Plants based upon several factors: winter color being the most important, then overall performance ratings in the landscape based upon my own experience with these plants and the feedback from many other gardeners who visit our nursery in McDonough, Georgia and, finally, availability. What good is a plant to you if it isn’t available?!
#10 Dwarf Burfordi Holly
Ilex cornuta ‘Burfordi Nana’
The Dwarf Burfordi Holly is a very nice small to medium sized shrub or small tree with very shiny, deep green foliage. After blooming in spring, it produces large numbers of berries that turn brilliant red in fall and persist through winter. The fruit not only catches the eye but is known to attract an assortment of birds. You can prune or shear Dwarf Burfordi to maintain most any shape desired: a rounded shrub, as a formal or informal hedge, or limbed up to form a very attractive small tree that is perfect as a focal point or specimen in the landscape. I like it best as a multi-trunk tree. Dwarf Burfordi Holly is a self-pollinating holly - there are no male/female clones to worry about. There is debate among horticulturists and gardeners as to whether this holly is actually a “dwarf” plant. Based upon it’s mature height of 6 to 10 feet, and it’s parent Burfordi Holly growing to 20 feet or more in height, I would say it’s a dwarf. Prefers full to partial sun and is not to fussy about soil as long as they are fairly well-drained. Hardy in Zones 7 to 9.
#9 ‘Firepower’ Dwarf Nandina
Nandina domestica ‘Firepower’
‘Firepower’ Dwarf Nandina is an impossibly bright compact evergreen with lime green new leaves through the warm season and superior fire red color in the fall and winter. It is the consummate accent for Asian-inspired gardens or for shady or sunny landscapes in need of color. You can plant Firepower in small clusters in smaller spaces, or in large groupings to add an eye-catching splash of color in larger spaces. Firepower can also be planted as a single specimen in smaller gardens and courtyards, where its color provides a focal point or accent. It is perfect as a lacy overhang that won’t block sunlight to water gardens, pools and fountains. It is ideal plant for spas in small urban backyard gardens, and may also be planted in container gardens. Firepower isn’t too fussy about soil type but this plant hates wet feet! Make sure to plant it where the soil is well-drained, preferably on sloped ground or in raised beds where moisture is a problem. Hardy in Zones 6 to 11.
#8 Golden Dwarf Sweet Flag
Acorus gramineus ‘Ogon’
The Golden Dwarf Sweet Flag looks like a grass or small iris, but is actually a member of the arum family (Calla lily and Jack-in-the-pulpit). It is easily grown in average soil, or wet soils in either full sun or part shade, however appreciates some relief from hot summer sun when grown in southern climates. Here in mid-Georgia, I plant it in shade or morning sun with afternoon shade. The variegated leaf blades are one-quarter inch wide and are striped with yellow and green but primarily appear as yellow. Whether planted in small clusters or large mass plantings in garden beds, or in container gardens, the colorful evergreen leaves add wonderful contrast throughout the year. I have it growing in my garden pond and also in garden beds. Like Variegated Liriope (Monkeygrass), this cultivar slowly naturalizes by spreading roots, forming attractive soft-textured mounds, but is not invasive. Mature height will be 12 inches or so with an eighteen inch or so spread. Evergreen in warm winter climates. Useful in container gardens, for edging and as a groundcover. Great for erosion control along the banks of streams and ponds. Hardy in USDA Zones 6 to 9, and into parts of Zone 5 with protection.
#7 ‘Blush Pink’ Dwarf Nandina
Nandina domestica ‘Blush Pink’
Blush Pink Dwarf Nandina is an exciting new version of Nandina ‘Firepower.’ Stunning pink new growth sets Blush Pink apart from its rivals. 
The pink color glows throughout the active growth season leading up to a spectacular fall and winter display of bright pink and red foliage. The foliage always appears very soft, providing a unique texture in the landscape as well as outstanding year round color. As the pink new growth matures they become darker pink then green but remain softly textured. Like it’s closest relative, Fire Power, Blush Pink Nandina prefers full sun to part shade but has more color with more sun. Because of its smaller size (18-24” x 18-24”) and unique texture, Blush Pink makes an excellent short hedge in front of dark green taller shrubs or can be planted in small to large groups for a patch of eye catching. Plant in well drained soil as dwarf nandina hates wet feet. If you want year round color in your landscape, Blush Pink is one of those “must have” plants. Hardy in Zones 6 to 10.
Find out more about Blush Pink Dwarf Nandina and buy it here.
#6 Forsythia ‘Spring Glory’ (Yellow Bells)
Forsythia intermedia ‘Spring Glory’
One of the first signs of spring is the gorgeous yellow flowers of the Spring Glory Forsythia, also known as “Yellow Bells.” But, because it actually blooms in late winter in the South, this plant might have been better named “Winter Glory”? But then that might anger the folks in the North, where it blooms in early spring? This versatile flowering plant is a “must” in many gardens because of its mass display of intensely bright yellow flowers. It is valued as a source for cut flowers and use as a privacy screen, background landscape shrub, or addition to the flowering shrub border. When in bloom, the leafless branches are literally covered with golden yellow flowers from late January through March, depending on your location. During the months of December and January, the branches may be cut and forced into bloom for winter color indoors. After flowering, attractive bright green foliage quickly covers the stems. Forsythia grows and flowers best in full or partial sun. It has many uses in the garden. The plants are often used as a summer screen for privacy, as a specimen plant, or for espalier against a wall or fence. A must in every garden! Hardy in Zones 3 to 9.
#5 ‘Obsession’ Nandina
Nandina domestica ‘SEIKA’ Obsession™ - P.P. # 21,891
The Obsession Nandina is a new breakthrough variety that produces red foliage year around! Obsession is a sport of Nandina domestica ‘Gulf 
Stream’ but unlike it’s Mom, it has bright red colored young foliage produced while the plant is actively growing during the warm season. The cultivar name ‘SEIKA’ means “sacred fire” in Japanese and was given as the name because of the color of the new growth. Mature foliage is deep green in color. An upright, compact, dense grower that will tolerate sun or shade but I’ve found it produces better color with more sun. Like ‘Gulf Stream’, Obsession is a dwarf Nandina and remains small at 24-30” tall with a 20-24” spread. Useful in the landscape planted as a specimen or in small clusters or large mass plantings. Can also be useful to accentuate entryways, and I’ve used it to hide air conditioning units and utility boxes or in foundation plantings. Hardy in Zones 7 to 10.
Find out more about Obsession Nandina and buy it here.
#4 ‘Purple Diamond’ Loropetalum
Loropetalum chinense ‘Purple Diamond’
Looking for a Loropetalum that holds it’s deep purple foliage all year? If you like Loropetalum, but don’t like the large growth habit or the 
seasonal green foliage you get with other varieties, this cultivar is for you. The leaves of Purple Diamond Loropetalum are purple year round on both the front and back side of the leaf. Mature height is 4 to 5 feet height with an equal spread. As with most other Loropetalum, Purple Diamond prefers well-drained soils and full sun to part shade. It is a very low maintenance plant that produces an abundance of attractive, hot pink spider like flowers in the spring. Because it flowers on new growth, any time you give Purple Diamond a shearing or pruning during the active growing season it will produce a light flush of flowers. Purple Diamond is an excellent selection for foundation plantings and is also useful as a specimen, as a formal or informal hedge that responds well to shearing, to accentuate an entryway, or in shrub borders. I have it growing in both sun and shade. In sun, the foliage is deeper in color and the plant more dense.
Find out more about Purple Diamond Loropetalum and buy it here.
#3 Kaleidoscope Abelia
Abelia grandiflora ‘Kaleidoscope’
For sure, Kaleidoscope Abelia was properly named. True to its name, this new Abelia produces a myriad of colors throughout the year. During the warmer months of spring and summer the leaves are variegated vivid yellow with dark green center splotches, the shrub appearing as solid yellow from a distance. As the temperatures start to cool in fall the foliage of Kaleidoscope starts to become tinged with orange. As winter comes the foliage turns to a deeper orange-red with deep burgundy to maroon centers and holds this color until new golden growth begins to emerge in spring. Though somewhat inconspicuous due to the outstanding foliage, an abundance of pink buds open to small white bell-shape flowers during summer and into fall. Kaleidoscope is outstanding when planted in sunny shrub borders and foundation plantings. The habit is dense and mounded growing to a height of 2 to 3 feet with a 3 to 4 foot spread. It prefers well-drained soil and is exceptionally drought and heat tolerant once established. A truly outstanding plant that has very few if any problems. Responds well to shearing. Hardy in Zones 6 to 9.
#2 ‘Flirt’ Dwarf Nandina
Nandina domestica ‘MURASAKI’ Flirt™ - P.P.# 21,391
Flirt™ Dwarf Nandina is a true dwarf nandina that produces wine-red to red foliage year round!...unlike Harbour Dwarf, which turns red in 
winter, but has green foliage the rest of the year. Too, with Flirt, the foliage goes almost completely red in winter. Flirt Nandina is a very drought, cold, heat and humidity tolerant plant that can be planted in sunny or shady sites, though I’ve found that the red color will be more intense with more sun. White flower clusters rise above tight, dense, mounding foliage that spreads slowly through underground rhizomes with age. It has yet to produce berries in my landscape, but that may be due to the exceptionally long and hot summers we’ve had since I planted this new variety in my garden? In any event, the spring flowers contrast beautifully with the red foliage and it really wouldn’t matter if this plant bloomed or not as the foliage is quite remarkable on its own. As a true dwarf that grows 18 to 24 inches in height with an equal spread, Flirt is excellent for use in small clusters or mass plantings as a groundcover. It can also be used as a low informal hedge or border along walkways or paths. This is one outstandingly attractive, low-maintenance, and highly useful plant! Hardy in Zones 7 to 10.
Find out more about Flirt Dwarf Nandina and buy it here.
#1 ‘Purple Pixie’ Loropetalum
Loropetalum chinense ‘Purple Pixie’
Don’t you wish there was a true dwarf Loroptalum with purple foliage year round that could be used as a groundcover or low border, or even in 
containers? Well, the wait is over!...introducing Purple Pixie Dwarf Loropetalum. Dwarf in size but huge in performance, Purple Pixie Loropetalum is perhaps my favorite introduction plant of the decade. This true dwarf, maturing at 18 to 24 inches in height with a 3 to 4 foot spread, sports deep burgundy-purple foliage throughout the year that does not fade during summer as other loropetalums do. Showy, spider-like pink flowers are produced in abundance during spring and contrast wonderfully with the foliage. In addition to it’s attractive color and habit, Purple Pixie is a very versatile plant; I have it planted as a groundcover, as borders, and even in hanging baskets and containers. Purple Pixie has performed best for me in well-drained soil. I’ve got it planted in locations that provide full sun and morning sun with afternoon shade and it does equally well in both exposures. I’ve found Purple Pixie to be very drought tolerant plant once established, and it requires little if any maintenance or care. I’ve had Purple Pixie in my garden for about 4 years now and have yet to prune or water it. A must in every garden where it will grow! Hardy in Zones 7 to 9.
Find out more about Purple Pixie Dwarf Loropetalum and buy it here.
Special Note:
When inquiring or purchasing plants, make sure the plants fit your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone, the location, soil type, height and maturity for the purpose you are looking for. Winter winds and sun are very hard on some plants. Some plants need a lot of shelter and others tolerate open areas. Do your research before you buy to insure your plantings will be around for many years and not just the first growing season.
