1. Dwarf Evergreen Shrubs: Select boxwood, juniper, or dwarf conifers. Plants with year-round leaf add structure and color to containers.
2. Heuchera (Coral Bells): The foliage of Heuchera ranges from bright green to deep purple and orange. These perennials have attractive leaves and tolerate different light conditions.
3. Ornamental Grasses: Fountain grass (Pennisetum) and blue fescue (Festuca) provide pots texture and movement. Many kinds are lovely in winter, when other plants are dormant.
4. Sedum (Stonecrop): Hardy succulents called sedums come in many sizes. Their thick leaves retain water, making them drought-tolerant. Late-season bloomers include Sedum 'Autumn Joy'.
5. Winter-flowering Pansies: Pansies, cool-season annuals, brighten containers from October to April. In winter, their many colors give vitality.
6. Dwarf Conifers: Small conifers like dwarf spruces and pines provide year-round interest. Their evergreen needles survive winter and their compact stature makes them pot-friendly.
7. Kale and Cabbage: Kale and cabbage ornamentals, with their colorful and textured leaves, are tasty and appealing container plants. Cooler temperatures suit them.
8. Ajuga (Bugleweed): Ground cover ajuga has lovely foliage and blue or purple flower spikes. This pot-friendly plant provides color and texture year-round.