Evergreens that Survived the Blizzards of 2010

Last winter was the snowiest on record in the Mid-Atlantic region, with three blizzards hitting us in quick succession and accumulations reaching our waistlines - waistlines that, for us gardeners, were expanding from lack of gardening. And after it was all over, tree companies were booked for months taking out fallen and damaged trees, mainly evergreens, that just couldn’t handle that much white stuff. But on my property? Not a single branch was broken, much less a whole tree, and I had to resist the urge to run around and kiss every one of these tough-as-nails plants in gratitude.

Instead, I’ll just show them off right here, starting with the Cryptomeria (Japanese cedar) on the left and Deodar cedar* on the right.

Below, part of a whole hedge of Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) ‘Schip’. I also grow the shorter ‘Otto Luyken’ laurels. On the right is one of my five ‘Green Giant’ Arborvitaes. ‘Green Giants’ grow 3-5 feet a year for the first few years, then slow down, so they’re very popular for fast screening.

Next, my ‘English Roseum’ rhododendrons survived the winter and bloomed particularly well this spring.

And this sweet dwarf white pine ‘Blue Shag’ was on the pricey side and I might have uttered a curse or two if it had been damanged by snow.

Oh, but there’s more!
Because I’m such a fan of evergreens, we’re not done yet. More plants that survived the winter happily in my garden include Boxwoods, Pieris japonica, ‘Gold Coast’ Juniper, a Dwarf Hinoki Cypress now 12 feet tall, and some ‘Heleri’ hollies. And to all I say “Thank you and keep up the good work!”

*About cold-hardiness in Eastern Massachusetts, the Deodar cedar is listed by various sources as hardy to Zone 6 or 7. So it’s okay on the Cape but probably not in the Boston area.