Although winter in Ohio is often gray and gloomy, and the landscape looks pretty dull, if you look around your flower beds, you may see some sturdy perennials that can add some color to your winter landscape.

A favorite perennial for adding some winter color are the purple foliaged Heucheras (Coral Bells).  The Heuchera 'Palace Purple' in my landscape still adds a lot of color, as does the Heuchera 'Stormy Seas'.  Tiarellas (Foam Flowers) are also great for fall and winter color, as they are semi-evergreen.  Other shade perennials that add winter interest are Helleborus (Lenten Rose) (though the foliage may get beat up a bit), Bergenia (Pig Squeak), and Pulmonaria (Bethlehem Sage).  The spotted, arrowhead-shaped leaves of Arum add interest as well.

Sun perennials that look good in the winter include Iberis (Candytuft), with bright green stems and leaves, and the apple-green clumps of Armeria (Sea Thrift).  Many Dianthus cultivars are evergreen, and masses of their blue-green foliage can brighten a landscape.  Lavandula (Lavender) is also evergreen, and has a shrubby habit that can add substance to the winter perennial garden.

 

Ornamental grasses are great for adding winter interest.  The larger varieties add a strong vertical look to the winter beds, and the smaller varieties add interest with their seed heads and foliage.

Many perennials are best left uncut in the fall not only for winter interest, but also to provide food for our song birds.  The seeds of Echinacea (Coneflower), Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan), and other varieties help the birds survive the harsh winter.  Of course, a few cardinals flitting about your landscape add color, too!