Evergreen Stars: Plants That Shine in the Dark Months

When the clocks go back and the evenings start to draw in, many gardens begin to lose their summer sparkle. But that doesn’t mean your outdoor space has to look bare until spring. With the right evergreens, you can bring structure, texture, and colour to your garden all year round — even in the depths of winter.

Here are some of our favourite evergreen plants that will keep your garden looking alive and full of character through the colder months:

1. Hellebores

A true winter gem! Hellebores bloom when little else dares to — often pushing their elegant flowers through the frost. Available in soft whites, pinks, purples, and greens, they thrive in shady spots and pair beautifully with ferns and hostas.

Top tip: Cut back old leaves in late autumn to make way for fresh growth and to show off those beautiful blooms.

2. Box (Buxus sempervirens)

The classic evergreen! Box is perfect for topiary, edging, and giving your garden that timeless, formal feel. Its dense, rich foliage provides the perfect backdrop for winter pansies, violas, or festive planters.

Top tip: Try alternatives like Ilex crenata if you’re worried about box blight — just as beautiful and much hardier.

 

3. Skimmia japonica

Skimmia is a must-have for winter interest. Compact and easy to grow, it produces glossy green leaves, fragrant spring flowers, and bright red berries in winter (female plants need a male nearby to fruit).

Perfect for: Pots by your front door or shady borders where colour can often be scarce.

4. Hebe

Hebes offer year-round foliage and bursts of summer flowers — but even after flowering, their neat shape and hardy leaves keep your borders looking structured. They’re ideal for low hedges, containers, and adding form to mixed beds.

Varieties to try: Hebe ‘Red Edge’ or ‘Heartbreaker’ for stunning winter colour.

 

5. Heuchera (Coral Bells)

Technically semi-evergreen, but a true performer in most winters. With their incredible foliage in shades of burgundy, caramel, lime, and silver, Heucheras add texture and interest to any border or pot.

Perfect partner: Mix with evergreen grasses or ferns for a soft, natural look that lasts all winter.

Bonus: Evergreen Grasses

Varieties like Carex, Festuca, and Ophiopogon (black mondo grass) bring movement and texture to still winter gardens. Their low-maintenance nature makes them perfect for busy gardeners who still want visual impact.

Caring for Your Evergreens

• Mulch in late autumn to protect roots from frost and keep moisture in.

• Water occasionally during dry winter spells, especially for potted plants.

• Feed in early spring to encourage lush new growth.

Bring Life to Your Winter Garden

Evergreens are the backbone of every beautiful garden — adding depth, colour, and structure when everything else fades away. Whether you’re refreshing pots by your door or designing an all-season border, these plants guarantee interest year-round.

Come and explore our range of evergreens at Flowerland, where our team will be happy to help you choose the perfect winter stars for your garden.