The shrub in the background (past the bare branches of a hydrangea) is my Heart a Burstin' shrub - also called Strawberry Bush. This is a native shrub for those who are always looking to plant native. It likes shade. The only year that it lost its leaves was last year as a result of winter storm Uri in February 2021. So I can safely call this evergreen since I doubt we will ever have a winter like that again. This shrub suckers, but not aggressively at all. The flowers in spring are insignificant, but the fruit in the fall is what gives this shrub its name. It makes spiny balls. They turn red. Then they burst open and reveal 4 red seeds. Wildlife eat the seeds. So, this is a really neat shrub. Evergreen, fall color, wildlife friendly and native.
The little groundcover in the foreground of the picture is woodland violet. They stay green all winter as well. They are blooming right now. They love this cold / cool weather. They spread by runners. It is easy to transplant the offsets, they don't resent being moved. I've done it at all times of year, hot and cold weather.
I garden primarily for spring and summer, and my gardens tend to be pretty grey in the winter months. So it's nice to have a few plants that provide some green color. Other green plants right now in my garden are Giant Rudbeckia, Ox Eye Daisies, daffodils, yarrow, and iris.
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