A garden that delights with vibrant colors all year round – who wouldn’t want that? Evergreen plants are the unsung heroes here, as they defy the barren season and provide structure and color even in winter. Things become especially fascinating when these plants not only shine in lush green but also bring exciting red tones into play. Imagine bright red leaves glowing against a deep green background, or a dynamic interplay of colors unfolding in your garden throughout the seasons. Doesn’t that sound tempting? We’ll show you which evergreen plants, with their red and green facets, create a truly special garden image – and how to keep these beauties thriving through winter
When it comes to the fascinating interplay of red and green in evergreen plants, some especially attractive candidates are simply unmissable. They bring not only color but also wonderful vitality to any garden design.
An absolute star in this category is undoubtedly the Photinia. Especially varieties such as our Photinia Devil's Dream® are known for their spectacular, bright fiery-red new shoots in spring. These young leaves form a breathtaking contrast to the older, deep green foliage. Over the summer, the red of the new shoots gradually turns into a glossy dark green, ensuring a dynamic play of colors throughout the year. Photinia is not only a showstopper as a solitary plant but also perfect for colorful, evergreen hedges.
Another fascinating candidate is Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica). Despite its name, it actually belongs to the barberry family. Many varieties, such as Firepower or Obsessed, impress with reddish new shoots and intense red foliage in autumn and winter, while other leaves remain green or turn green during the year. This creates a multicolored effect that brings warm accents, especially during the colder months.
Japanese Andromeda (Pieris japonica), often called Lily-of-the-Valley shrub, also plays skillfully with red and green tones. Varieties such as Forest Flame or Mountain Fire display a bright red to bronze flush of young leaves that stands out beautifully against the dark green of the older foliage. In addition, they adorn themselves in spring with elegant racemes of white or pink blossoms.
Other plants also bring red-green effects, such as certain varieties of Coral Bells (Heuchera), which are technically perennials but often remain semi-evergreen. They offer an incredible variety of leaf colors ranging from green to red to almost black, often with contrasting venation. Some barberries (Berberis), such as the Lance-leaved Barberry, can also carry green and red leaves simultaneously.
Your choice depends on your personal preferences and the conditions in your garden. Do you want the dramatic fiery new shoots of Photinia Devil's Dream®, or do you prefer the subtler seasonal color shifts of Heavenly Bamboo?
That’s an important question – what good are the most beautiful colors if the plant doesn’t survive the winter? The good news: Many of the plants mentioned, admired for their red and green tones, are generally hardy in our climate. However, winter hardiness can vary, and the right location plus some care can make all the difference.
Photinia Devil's Dream®:
Known for its good winter hardiness, tolerating temperatures down to about -18°C or even -20°C. It reliably keeps its foliage even in colder periods, ensuring a lasting green (and red when budding) appearance.
Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica):
Hardiness varies by variety, often tolerating -12°C to -15°C. In harsher climates or severe frosts, light winter protection (mulch at the roots, fleece covering) is useful, especially for younger plants.
Japanese Andromeda (Pieris japonica):
Most varieties tolerate -15°C to -20°C. Young shoots, however, may be sensitive to late frosts. A sheltered spot is beneficial.
Evergreens have an admirable adaptation to the cold season: by keeping their leaves, they can make use of even the few rays of winter sun for photosynthesis, staying colorful year-round. But keeping leaves also means a special challenge: water supply. Leaves lose water through transpiration even in winter, but when the ground is frozen, roots cannot take up new water. To prevent “frost drought” and keep your plants healthy, a few measures help.
Choose a sheltered location to reduce evaporation from winter sun and wind.
Water on frost-free days – one of the most important steps! Especially during dry periods.
Mulch around the root area to protect against frost and drought.
Provide winter protection if needed (fleece covers, jute sacks, bamboo mats). For potted plants: insulate pots and place them against house walls or on styrofoam boards.
Remove heavy snow carefully from branches to prevent breakage.
Avoid late autumn pruning so shoots mature properly before frost.
Even robust varieties such as Photinia Devil's Dream®, which withstands long cold spells, benefit from attention. If leaves turn brown, it is often a sign of dryness rather than frost damage.
With the right selection and a little care, you can enjoy the vivid interplay of red and green tones in your garden even in winter. Photinia Devil's Dream® is a wonderful example of how an evergreen shrub, with its fiery red new shoots in spring and lush green in winter, becomes a true highlight. Its red leaves set striking accents against a barren or snow-covered backdrop. Let yourself be inspired by this diversity and create a garden image that enchants not only in summer but on all 365 days of the year.
Winterhardy Photinia for hedges, gardens, and terraces
Right Soil for Photinia
Privacy screen in the garden: Glanzmispel Devil's Dream® for the garden and terrace
