Groundcovers That Stay Colorful in Winter

Hardy in Zones 5 to 8, Brass Buckle is a dwarf Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) with glossy, yellow-green foliage that stays colorful all year. Plant it in sun or partial shade, in moist, acidic soil with good drainage. The plants spread 12 to 18 inches.

Also known as bugleweed, Ajuga's foliage looks good year-round. 'Burgundy Glow' is creamy white, burgundy and dark green, and becomes more bronze in fall. Short, spiky blue flowers open in spring.

Blanket a slope or add year-round greenery to an entry garden with a planting of dwarf Japanese garden juniper ‘Nana’ (Juniperus procumbens). Deer resistant and shade tolerant, this ground-hugging evergreen boasts an easy growing personality that holds its color all winter long. Hardy in Zones 5-9.