Who says you have to wait until spring to enjoy a vibrant garden? With the right plant palette, you can infuse rich color and texture into your landscape even during the year’s coldest months. For West Coast gardeners, the opportunity to plant for early interest is one of the region’s greatest perks.
The Sunset Plant Collection offers an array of standout selections that shine in late winter and early spring—especially these five dramatic foliage and flower powerhouses:
Obsession™ Nandina
A compact, easy-care shrub that delivers year-round interest, Obsession™ Nandina is a must-have for early color. Its bold red new growth adds a pop of drama that contrasts beautifully with its mature green foliage. Whether planted as a low hedge or grouped in borders, it offers a burst of color that doesn’t quit.
Bonus: Drought-tolerant, heat-resistant, and ultra-low maintenance—perfect for West Coast landscapes.
Red Diamond™ Midsize Loropetalum
Looking for intense foliage and floral impact? Red Diamond™ Loropetalum delivers both. Deep, wine-colored leaves provide rich contrast all year, and in late winter to early spring, the plant erupts with vibrant fringy red blooms. It’s a stunning focal point or hedge option that starts the garden party early.
Great for: Pollinator-friendly borders, foundation plantings, or modern container designs.
Burning Love™ Leucothoe
Add smoldering drama with Burning Love™ Leucothoe. This elegant evergreen starts the year with glowing burgundy new foliage that deepens as it matures. Its arching habit and multicolored leaves bring movement and depth to shade gardens or woodland borders.
Plant it in: Shady spots, under trees, or as a moody contrast to lighter-toned companions like ferns or grasses.
‘Soft Caress’ Mahonia
Not your average mahonia—this spineless, soft-textured variety thrives in shade and adds golden blooms just when the garden needs them most. ‘Soft Caress’ produces delicate, fern-like foliage and fragrant yellow flowers in late winter that attract early-season pollinators.
Design tip: Pair with bold-leafed evergreens for texture contrast or use in serene, low-light areas for winter elegance.
Flirt™ Nandina
Compact, colorful, and bursting with charm, Flirt™ Nandina is the perfect small-space plant. It features deep red to maroon foliage that holds its color through the colder months—making it a reliable source of winter and early spring interest. Tuck it into borders, containers, or as edging for vibrant garden texture.
Bonus: Its petite size makes it ideal for layered planting schemes.
Designing for Early Color
These five Sunset favorites don’t just survive winter—they shine in it. Together, they create a rich tapestry of reds, purples, golds, and greens that make even the quietest part of the gardening year feel alive. Whether you’re designing a new border, refreshing containers, or adding structure to an existing bed, these selections offer:
- Bold foliage color when flowers are still dormant
- Seasonal contrast that keeps your landscape interesting
- Reliable performance in a variety of Sunset Climate Zones
- Low-maintenance care for busy gardeners
Start the Year Strong
Don’t wait for spring to bring your garden to life. With a little planning—and the right plant choices—you can enjoy a colorful, eye-catching landscape from the very beginning of the year!
Explore more early-season favorites and discover how to create a garden that turns heads, even in winter!