Think ‘Snow’ in Your Garden

Gardeners must be tenacious and ready to tackle the worst of conditions. Wintertime could be seen as a difficult phase for this crusty lot but if you look at all the common names that include the word ‘snow’, it becomes obvious that ‘real gardeners’ are downright hardy folks. Here are a few plants to get you thinking about spring while snow blankets our borders.

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snowflake’ is described by Michael Dirr “as the most beautiful of the sterile flowered-forms.” This special Oakleaf Hydrangea offers summertime interest. Its stunning white blossoms and sculptural, coarse-textured foliage have beautiful fall color and interesting cinnamon-toned exfoliating bark. This is a good companion plant for a River Birch in your winter garden and is hardy to Zones 5 through 9.

Galanthus nivalis, usually known as the Common Snowdrop, is a member of the Amaryllis family and one of the earliest flowering bulbs to emerge in the spring. Its low-growth habit makes it a nice groundcover bulb.

Trillium grandiflorum, Snow Trillium is a low-growing woodland wildflower. It is part of the lily family and likes afternoon shade and moist soil. This plant blooms in early spring and is one of those plants that can be slow to cultivate. Bees, ants and even chipmunks help in this plant’s pollination process. Do not deadhead flowers; let nature do its job. Seeing a trillium in bloom during a walk in the woods is a rare treat.

Cerastium tomentosum, Snow-In-Summer, is an old-fashioned sturdy perennial; great for rock gardens or for planting the nooks and crannies of walls or boulders. It is perfect for a full-sun, hot, dry location. This ground-hugging perennial with its silver foliage is as much of a feature as its tiny white flowers.

Prunus subhirtella ‘Pendula’ x. ‘Snow Fountains’, Weeping Snow Fountains Cherry is a dwarf-flowering cherry tree with cascading branches that touch the ground. When covered with white blossoms in the spring, it creates a fountain-like appearance. Although the show can be short-lived, it is well worth it.
Heuchera sanguinea 'Snow Angel' is another perfect perennial that thrives even in coastal conditions. This plant can handle dry shade and is great for borders. Its foliage offers an unusual texture; something gardeners always seek when selecting plants. It is also a very long-lived perennial. You may even be lucky enough to see butterflies and hummingbirds fluttering around its pink flowers.
So in perfect harmony, the inspirational thought for the day is by an unknown chap with the right attitude. “When it snows, you have two choices: shovel or make snow angels.” Enjoy your Wednesday. Sorry the post is late. I was outside making snow angels! Annie