Long gone are the days of drab and lifeless winter lawns. Now, lush, layered landscapes are taking center stage. Hear from Aaron Palmieri, an educator for the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy, how winter landscaping presents an opportunity to incorporate a multitude of native plants that can breathe much-needed life back into your yard.
Adam’s Needle
Adam’s needle is a native but exotic looking plant found in the drier habitats of Palmetto Bluff. Its evergreen leaves end in small spines and are sure to catch the interest of guests and neighbors alike.
Carolina Jessamine
Carolina Jessamine is an evergreen vine that does well growing into a living fence. Things will become even more colorful in late January, as this is one of the earliest blooming plants at the Bluff!
Coral Honeysuckle
Though woodier than other vining plants, coral honeysuckle can be woven into an elegant living fence that provides evergreen foliage throughout the winter.
Groundsel
Groundsel is a semi-evergreen shrub that is quite adaptable, even growing near the marsh edge where salt air can be an issue for other plants.
Muhly Grass
Muhly Grass is a popular ornamental plant found lining banks of lagoons or bordering people’s homes. Its elegant white or pink seed tufts bring a pop of color to the winter landscape.
Saw Palmetto
The evergreen nature of palmettos, such as this saw palmetto, serves as a subtropical reminder of the warm weather to come.
Sparkleberry
Sparkleberry is a native blueberry that produces dark-purple fruit in the late fall and has semi-evergreen qualities. The leaves of some individuals will turn crimson before dropping from the plant, while others will remain green in color.
Wax Myrtle
Wax myrtle has many popular characteristics that make it commonplace in yards. Evergreen and aromatic leaves, small wildlife-attracting fruit, and the ability to form privacy hedges make it a great choice in landscaping.
Yaupon Holly
Evergreen leaves, bright red fruit in the winter, and its tolerance for pruning make yaupon holly a phenomenal addition to your yard!
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