Now that Halloween has passed, pumpkins are starting to shrivel. Multiple frosts have taken their toll on Mums, it’s time to start thinking about changing out fall-themed containers for winter. There is no reason you have to leave your pots empty in winter, as many evergreens can survive the winter in containers. Go ahead and store small containers away for winter. But, keep a couple large containers by the front door planted with evergreens. This will keep your entryway looking cheerful and inviting. Keep an eye out at nurseries for the following small evergreen shrubs and trees. They’re often greatly discounted this time of year.

Boxwood (Buxus)

Boxwood comes in rounded and pyramidal forms and are a great shrub to use if you live in an area where deer frequently munch on your plants. They look great all year and can be left in containers for many seasons until they need to be planted in the ground. Keep an eye out for the variegated variety for a different take on this traditional shrub.

Evergreen Options: Spruce (Picea)

Spruce trees come in many varieties. They are well suited to winter containers as long as they are available in small sizes. Look for any small Spruce trees (Blue, White, Black, to name a few), Dwarf Alberta Spruce, Globe Spruce, and Birdsnest Spruce. Keep in mind that most of these will need a spot in your yard sooner rather than later. Plan accordingly. Due to their slow growth habit, Dwarf Alberta Spruce can live in a container longer than the other Spruces mentioned. Spruces are also a good choice for areas prone to deer browsing.

Holly (Ilex)

Holly is a great choice if you want a little extra splash of color. Their bright berries spread cheer all winter long (or at least until the birds strip them clean). Hollies can be easily shaped and are most often available in round or pyramidal form, although there are interesting columnar and variegated varieties available as well. Hollies grow fairly quickly and will likely need to be planted in the ground in spring. Keep in mind that a male plant is needed in order for the females to produce berries again the following winter. Holly is a favorite snack of deer.

False Cypress (Chamaecyparis)

False Cypress offers interesting yellow tones in evergreen form. The mop or threadleaf varieties are most commonly available, but there are some very interesting Hinoki varieties that are worth snatching up if you see them. False Cypress are generally resistant to deer, with Hinoki varieties being more susceptible to occasional munching.

Evergreen Options: Juniper (Juniperus)

Juniper shrubs come in a variety of forms and colors, from spreading to upright, from yellows to greens and blues. Their blue fruit offers additional interest. Most Junipers are fairly fast growers and will need to be planted in the ground by the following spring. Some Juniper varieties are more susceptible to deer browsing than others, so they are not the best choice if deer are an issue in your yard.

Other good options include Yews (Taxus) and Arbor Vitae (Thuja), both subject to deer browsing. Pine (Pinus) and Fir (Abies) trees may also be used if available in small enough sizes.

Before purchasing any of the above evergreens, consider where you can use it on your property and buy accordingly to avoid wasting a perfectly good shrub or tree when it comes time to plant it in the ground. Make sure to water your container when dry and add a couple handfuls of mulch to hide the potting soil. To add a festive look around the holidays, tuck in decorations such as ornaments and bows, string with small lights, or, for a more natural look, tuck dried plant materials like Hydrangea blooms around the base or use pinecones and twigs with berries.