Color! That's right, color. When the landscape looks bleak and barren, it really can dampen our spirits. Studies have shown that we are more likely to become depressed during the winter. Of course, there are many reasons for this, but I believe that a major factor is the relative lack of color in our lives during winter months. And for people like you and me, that "lack of color" specifically means that we're missing the abundance of color that comes from our shrubs, plants and ornamental trees.
I have a prescription for those winter blues... or I should say, those winter greys.
It's time to think COLOR. I have a few idea-starters for you today to help you visualize your landscape bursting with beautiful colors! Forget the grey. Think pink, deep purple, royal blue, golden yellow... and of course lush green! Here's a list of ten colorful plants to stimulate your imagination. It's hard to stay depressed when you picture these beauties basking in the warm sunshine and swaying in a gentle breeze just outside your window. Try my "think color" prescription. It works! Here we go with your color countdown to spring:
10. Arnolds Red Honeysuckle (Lonicera arnolds red). As soon as you read the word "honeysuckle" I'll bet you could even smell it! Apart from the fragrance, another benefit is that this is a very tough, adaptable, large shrub that makes for a dense hedge or screen, and Arnolds Red will grow in most soils, except swampy types. I love those red fragrant flowers in late spring and the red berries in summer and fall.
9. Red Barberry (Berberis thunbergii). Mind your fingers! This is a dense, thorny shrub that has amazing red leaves and bright red berries. You can use it as a hedge or in groupings. Another benefit: Red Barberry is easily transplanted as a bareroot plant and adapts to most planting conditions.
8. Purple Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis). I can't imagine anything more beautiful than wisteria on a weathered fence! In fact it's (almost) worth building a fence out of some old, seasoned timber as a backdrop for this sweet thing. It really is quite spectacular!
7. PG Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata). You say you want instant gratification? Would you settle for "really quick"? Then think about PG Hydrangea. This is a fast-growing shrub that has a well-earned reputation for its large splash of white when very few plants are in flower.
6. Forsythia "Lynwood Gold" (F. x intermedia spectabilis). This is the one that's a sure indicator of impending spring! ‘Lynwood Gold' Forsythia's yellow flowers create a burst of color in your late winter or early spring landscape. Next year, you can even pick branches in midwinter and "force" them into bloom indoors.
5. Hibiscus "Mallow Marvel" (Hibiscus coccineus) There are a lot of good reasons why the "Mallow Marvel" is the most popular variety of Hibiscus. Here's one: It's a hardy perennial that will top 6 to 8 feet in height and treats the senses with eight inch blooms.
4. Sargent Crabapple (Malus sargenti). This is a cute and colorful little fellow. It's a dwarf flowering tree that flowers profusely in early spring with pink to white scented blossoms. You can use Sargent Crabapple as a specimen or patio tree.
3. Flowering Crepemyrtle. This attractive shrub originated in Asia. Its small pink, white and purple flowers have become a common sight in the Southern United States since its introduction about 150 years ago. If you're not sure if this would be suitable for your zone, drop an e-mailto steve@landsteward.org with a few details and I'll give you my opinion. By the way, it also looks very attractive in the winter due to its handsome trunk and branch structure.
2. American Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens). Here's a good choice if you wish to attract wildlife that appreciate its food value. You'll appreciate the bright yellow-orange fruit. Great for flower arrangements, too
1. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii). Regular readers know how much I love this one! The butterflies and I really appreciate the long purple blossoms that vary from 6 to 30" in length. This would make a fine addition to your shrub or perennial border.
There you have it. My top ten countdown for putting color back in your life even when it's grey outside. Plant to plant some (or all) of these colorful beauties, then prepare to be dazzled with visual sensory overload!
The Plant Man is here to help. Send your questions about trees, shrubs and landscaping to steve@landsteward.org and for resources and additional information, including archived columns, visit www.landsteward.org often.
