• Many evergreen shrubs are excellent winter plants.Holly shrub. image by LiteWave from Fotolia.com
  
  Winter plants are shrubs, bushes and trees that survive well during the winter months. Which winter plants are best for you depends on your climate zone, although boxwood shrubs and many other bushes do well in nearly all winter climates. Some winter plants retain their leaves throughout the winter, while others may lose some or all of them.
  
  

Black Chokeberry

• The black chokeberry does fine during the winter months. According to the P. Allen Smith Garden Home website, this bush forms blackish-red berries in the late summer that persist through January. These plants adapt to both full sun or partial shade. The chokeberry prefers moist soil but is so adaptable that it can also grow well in dry soil.
  
  

Paper Bark Maple Tree

• The paper bark maple tree is an excellent winter plant. This tree grows slowly, but can reach heights of up to 30 feet. The peeling bark resembles paper falling off the tree. As the bark peels off you will see reddish brown bark underneath. Plant your paper bark in well-drained soil, and prune when necessary.
  
  

Boxwood Shrubs

• Boxwood shrubs are dense, hardy plants that grow well in most climates. Plant boxwood shrubs along the border of your yard to create a privacy fence. These shrubs can reach heights of up to 10 feet tall depending on the variety chosen. Some species grow only 4 feet tall, while others can reach heights up to 20 feet. Plant your boxwoods in well-drained soil and water twice weekly, depending on how much rainfall you get in your area.
  
  

Camellia japonica

• Camellia japonica is another winter shrub that tolerates cold weather well. Some varieties bloom in yellow or pink flowers in the spring. Plant these shrubs in humus-rich, well-drained soil. Camellia prefers shady areas but can tolerate sun as well. Grow them close to your house so the plant is sure to get shade at some time of day.