Evergreens that change very little throughout the year are the showstoppers of your landscape. Winter is the best time to decide where you might want to add some when the weather warms up.
In winter, evergreen plants that change very little throughout the year are the showstoppers of your landscape. Winter is the best time of year to determine where you might want to add some of these winter stars come spring, and how they’ll integrate into your landscape.
When integrating backbone winter star plants into your landscape:
- Determine their function – screening, backdrop, turfgrass replacement, wildlife habitat, architectural focus, or all of the above.
- Be thoughtful about placement – keep structural plants such as yucca or cactus away from walkways.
- Consider your soil type – deep (central and east Bexar County), shallow (northern Bexar County) or sandy (south Bexar County).
The much-maligned native junipers do well in shallow soils, need no additional water and are great evergreen and wildlife choices. The majestic Italian and Arizona cypress are also good choices for shallow soil. Got sandy soil? The oleander is a good choice as it comes in a variety of sizes and flower colors.
Take this time of year to look at your landscape, and imagine what winter stars can be added to enhance the view.