By Kate Watson, Gardener
As temperatures drop and summer blooms wilt, there are still
many beautiful plants that can add winter interest to your garden. I am partial
to the native species that bring warm red tones to a landscape. Here we’ll look
at four plant species, native to Colorado, that turn red during winter and are
found in The Gardens on Spring Creek.
Creeping Oregon Grape Holly (Berberis repens)
Creeping Oregon grape holly,
Berberis repens (formerly
Mahonia repens), also known as creeping mahonia or barberry, is a low-growing
evergreen shrub native to western and central North America. Often 1-3 feet tall and at least as wide, it has broad leathery
leaves bordered by small spiny teeth, similar to holly leaves. While not a true
holly, which refers to the
Ilex genus,
Berberis repens also forms berries. The
berries are dark blue, resembling grapes, hence the common name “grape holly.”
In winter the foliage turns red to dark purple when exposed to sunlight, but
may stay green in shaded areas. After producing small clusters of yellow
flowers in the spring, berries form and ripen in late summer. While sour, the
edible berries can be used to make jellies, syrups and wine. The woody stem of
this plant has traditional use as a tonic and yellow dye among native peoples.
Hardy through USDA Zones 4–9, this plant does well as a
ground cover with good drainage and moderate moisture. It prefers full sun to
partial shade. Planting in dense areas or employing winter protection is
recommended if growing in Zone 5 or colder. You can find Berberis repens in
multiple places at The Gardens, most prominently in the Rock Garden and
Foothills Garden.
Sulphur Buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum)
Sulphur buckwheat,
Eriogonum umbellatum, also called sulphur
flower, is a perennial wildflower that is
native to the dry rocky soils of the
American West, found in diverse habitats from Alberta to Arizona. The
low-growing foliage rises only a couple inches high, but can spread up to 3
feet wide in garden settings. The small, leathery grey-green leaves serve as a
great ground cover and are a showstopper in winter, turning a dark burgundy
red. Atop 6–12” stalks, this plant produces compound clusters of small flowers
called umbels, which bloom from May through July. Starting out lime green-yellow in color and turning orangey-yellow throughout the season, they eventually dry to brown. The flowers make a nice addition to
dried floral arrangements. This plant is found across The Gardens, including in
the Undaunted Garden, the Perennial Strip garden, the Foothills Garden, and in
our parking lot beds. Our Plant Select Garden features a variety of
Eriogonum
umbellatum, KANNAH CREEK® buckwheat, that originated in Colorado near Grand
Mesa.
Eriogonum umbellatum prefers to be grown in full sun, in
well-drained soil with low organic matter. Soggy soils over winter can prove
fatal to this species, so good drainage is key. Perfect for conserving water in rock gardens and
xeriscaping, this plant is low-maintenance and drought and heat tolerant.
Typically recommended for USDA Zones 4–8, the foliage may stay green year-round
in warmer climates.
Redtwig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
The redtwig dogwood,
Cornus sericea (formerly
Cornus
stolonifera), also known as the osier dogwood, is a deciduous shrub found along
lakes, rivers, and wet swampy areas throughout much of North America. Typically
growing 6–9 feet tall, with smaller selections available (3–5’), this native
shrub spreads by root suckers and can get up to 10 feet wide. Suckers should be
removed promptly if spreading is undesired. As evident from the name, this
plant has remarkable red stems that are richest in color on new growth. The
2–5", medium-green leaves turn hues of red and orange as the season
progresses, turning a dark purple in fall before dropping in winter, revealing
the stunning color below. A pruning regimen is often suggested to promote the
most vibrant red new growth.
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Growing well in USDA Zones 3–7, redtwig dogwood prefers a
lot of water and is perfect for low wet spots in your landscape, or along ponds
and streams where its spreading roots will combat erosion. Featuring fragrant,
small white flowers in spring, this shrub produces clusters of pretty white
drupes (berry-like fruits) that are attractive to birds. It is available in
multiple cultivars, such as
Cornus sericea 'Baileyi',
Cornus sericea
'Cardinal', and
Cornus sericea 'Flaviramea', that actually has yellow stems, and
is commonly called the yellowtwig dogwood. All of these varieties can be viewed
here in The Gardens, primarily along the Sherwood Lateral and in the Children’s
Garden.
Little Bluestem Grass (Schizachyrium scoparium)
Little bluestem,
Schizachyrium scoparium, is a perennial
warm-season bunchgrass that can be found native across North America and the
Great Plains. Growing in dense clumps, this grass can get 1–2 feet wide
and 2–5 feet tall, with elongated flower stalks emerging in late summer.
Getting its name from the bluish-green color of new shoots in spring, little
bluestem provides different color interest throughout the year. With the start
of frost, the foliage turns a striking mahogany-red, contrasted by fluffy slivery-white seed tufts.
Hardy in USDA Zones 3–8, little bluestem is a low-maintenance grass that prefers full sun and drier soils.
Heat and drought tolerant once established, this grass is great for our
Northern Colorado climate. It makes an excellent border plant in landscaping,
adding height and texture, and its red color holds for most of the winter.
Additionally, the stems are perfect overwintering material
for birds and insects; these should be left until spring and then cut back to
about 3", making room for new growth. Coming in a wide variety of cultivars
from different sources, including Plant Select®, this grass is widely
available. With some varieties featuring deeper blue and red colors, others having tighter upright habits making them
more resistant to flopping in fall, you’re sure to find one that works for you.
We have many examples of little bluestem throughout The Gardens, including in
the Prairie Garden, the Foothills Garden, the Welcome Garden, and the
Sustainable Backyard.
Not only do all of these plants provide gorgeous pops of
color in the fall and winter, incorporating native species into your landscape
will benefit local wildlife.
Leaving dead vegetation over winter supplies nesting
material for dozens of animals, and the fruit can be an important food source
during these cold months. With a myriad of native plants, well adapted to our
unique climate, becoming available in nurseries, there is sure to be a native
species that fits perfectly into your garden!
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