Plants That Stay Green All Winter

Winter-green plants provide visual richness in gray landscapes, habitat for wildlife, and contrast for colorful bare stems. Evergreen conifers lead the way, but broadleaf shrubs and hardy perennials also persist depending on your climate.

Trees for Winter Anchors

In northern climes: pines, spruce, fir, Douglas fir, hemlock—various species, shades from dark green to blue-gray, sizes from shrubs to towering trees. Zone 5 and south: holly (glossy evergreen, shrubs to 50-foot American holly). Zone 6 and south: Southern magnolia and Live Oak add magnificent forms.

Shrubs for Winter Structure

Coldest zones: Arborvitae, juniper, cedar, and conifer shrub forms. Zone 5 and lower: holly shrubs including inkberry, Wintergreen barberry, leatherleaf viburnum, mountain laurel, azaleas, rhododendrons (leathery leaves, open habit for bird feeders). Zone 6 and south: cypress, abelia, boxwood (often trimmed into geometric shapes, dramatic in snow). Yucca keeps spiky green form in dry areas. South of Zone 7: most species stay green.

Groundcovers and Small Plants

All zones: euonymus (shrub and creeping types), English ivy, periwinkle, Oregon grape holly, creeping mahonia, bearberry. Helleborus and ferns stay green under snow, offering January thaw relief and foil for early spring bulbs.

Choose winter-green plants suited to your hardiness zone for year-round garden interest.