Roses are red and violets are blue

Roses are red and violets are blue but none of these are blooming in the garden for you. But there are many plants that can add striking red to your dreary winter landscape. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, here are three of our favorite winter interest plants lighting a fire in our gardens right now.

Ilex verticillata ‘Scarlett O’Hara’ is absolutely loaded with prominent red berries. photo credit: R. Robert

First up, is the dramatic flamboyant personality of  Ilex verticillata ‘Scarlett O’Hara’. This stylish lady is absolutely loaded with prominent red berries that are stopping visitors in their tracks along the BioStream. Not only does she create a great show in the garden, she provides a food source to our feathered friends. Don’t forget when planting winterberries to plant a male pollinator nearby  to ensure fruit set. ‘Scarlett O’Hara’ is partial to Ilex ‘Rhett Butler’ as her pollinator.

Cornus sericea Arctic FireTM was selected for its short height and exuberant number of branches. photo credit: R.Robert

Cornus sericea Arctic Fire^TM will light your fire all winter long. This red-stem dogwood adds that pop of red color to your lackluster winter landscape.  This cultivar was selected for its short height and exuberant number of branches. That extra number will allow you to harvest some red branches for your winter container display while still maintaining a presence in the landscape.

Hamamelis x intermedia Fire CharmTM is enlivening this little noticed corner along Parrish Hall. photo credit: R. Robert

Although we have several “red” witchhazels blooming in the garden right now, Hamamelis x intermedia Fire Charm^TM is enlivening this little noticed corner along Parrish Hall. Fire Charm^TM has dropped its leaves allowing for a lovely show of spidery bloom. This witchhazel also has a lovely fragrance to add another layer of interest to your garden.

Consider taking your sweetheart for stroll in the garden today. You never know what delight you might discover!

Arresting winter landscape near Kitao Student Art Gallery. photo credit: R. Robert

If you want to add some great winter interest to your garden, mark your calendars for September 21 to 22. The 2013 Plant Sale will feature winter containers and winter plants. You can plant in the fall just in time for the next winter season.