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Berries
Nandina domestica, the Japanese sacred bamboo looks tender but is a toughie, withstanding frosts on well-drained soils. It will produce its clear red berries in winter, if you allow it to flower, that last for many weeks, brightening any corner of the garden.
There are many more plants that carry berries, but many have been eaten by the birds before iwinter carrives. Viburnum davidii has steel blue berries and V. trilobum clear red.
South Africans
If you have well-drained soils then you can grow some of the South African shrubs that are moderately frost hardy through tender. Leucadendron, mostly found as L. 'Safari Sunset' is hardy in full sun free draining soils on the Canterbury plains. Naturally tall and slender, cut it back to prevent it becoming leggy and to keep those glowing bracts closer to viewing level. L. 'Inca Gold' also survives all but the most severe plains winters. If you are frost free, try silky silver leaved L. argenteum.
Leucospermums are less hardy, but their spiky flower heads in yellow, orange or red are a marvel. Lower growing than leucodendrons the grey-green foliage provides a good contrast to the flowers. The largest is the King protea, P. cynariodes, and there are many more, with flower heads in shade of pink through lime-green, mostly with petals tipped with black. Again well-drained soil is essential.
Tender plants for Winter
If you live in an area where frosts are rare, then you can extend you planting to include more tender shrubs. Tibouchina, sometimes called lasiandra, has a wonderful deep cardinal purple flower that covers the bush. T. urvillenana has some great cultivars, such as 'Jules', that are smaller and less likely to spread. For best results, prune the plant lightly after flower to prevent an open, straggling shape developing, and watch the species for invasive tendencies.
Vireya rhododendrons will flower all year, and that means also in winter, when their fascinating blooms in shade of cream, orange, flame and lemon are most welcome. There are many, many named cultivars available in New Zealand. As winter can be wet in warmer areas, plant these in raised beds for good drainage.
Hibiscus bring to mind the tropics, not the cool months of winter. Many are tougher than you think and most withstand a little frost. Enjoy their flowers through the winter. Cut back to prevent leggy growth developing.
A little hardier are abutilons, the lantern trees beloved of children. In shades of yellow, orange and rose pink, these are happy in a frost free position and sheltered from wind.
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Nandina domestica under snow
Viburnum trilobum
Leucodendron 'Safari Sunset'
Leucospernum cordifolia
Rich purple Tibochina urvillenana
R. 'Kadam' large blooms and red foliage | |
