WINTER FOLIAGE

Ivy

The ivy (Hedera) is an evergreen plant that creeps along the ground or climbs suitable surfaces. As it has a tendency to be invasive, however, this plant is usually best cultivated as an indoor plant for easy control.

Winterberry

Also known as winterberry holly, this shrub loses its leaves in the autumn, showing a beautiful array of red berries during the winter season.

Privet

Once a popular hedging plant, this invasive, flowering shrub is now planted less frequently. Its flowers are almost unpleasantly fragrant and depending on the variety, it can be used as a medicine or as a toxin.

Japanese White Pine

This non-flowering evergreen has bluish gray needles and even though it is a slow growing tree, it is frequently sought after for landscaping.

Pinecone

Pinecones come in two different forms: male and female. Both serve a purpose in the fertilization of conifer trees, even though they differ in shape and size. The most recognizable ‘wood’ cone is the female form.

Willow

The willow is a deciduous tree that has over 400 different varieties. It has symbolic significance in many different cultures and religions.

Eucalyptus (Seeded)

Named from the Greek word meaning ‘well covered’, this Australian native is highly sought after for bouquet and flower arrangements. It has many other uses too, including a medicinal rub, a fabric dye and a sweet edible syrup.

Juniper

An evergreen found in the Himalayas, junipers have long green needles and blue berries. The juniper has many medicinal and culinary uses and it is used in sacred rituals where it is burned to cleanse and bless homes.

Common Hazel

This fast-growing shrub can grow up to 16 feet (5 meters) tall and produces edible brown nuts called hazelnuts, which can also be used medicinally. Most of the world’s supply comes from Turkey.

Silver Fir

Considered to be the first Christmas tree, the silver fir can grow up to an impressive 150 feet (45 meters) tall. The silver fir has a distinctive white bark and green needles.

Mistletoe

Mistletoe plays a key part in Christmas celebrations, with many queuing up to take a kiss beneath its boughs, but in nature this parasitic plant sucks the life out of the host plant to which it becomes attached.

Winter Daphne

Although this shrub has a short life and is considered difficult to bring to bloom by most gardeners, its sweet fragrance and pretty flowers make it a sought-after addition to any garden bed.