Blooming Blurb: Winter Interest, Native Plants Turning Red

 

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.

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!