What a great question! Does a plant that carries the label 'Good for Winter Interest' suggest that the plant is only for locations with cold snowy winters? Of course, that is not the case. 'Winter Interest' is a term that can be conferred on a plant that would draw attention during the cold months of the year. Many brightly colored evergreens and deciduous plants that lose their leaves and display colored branches, twisted branches, colored berries, and uniform shapes would all be included into the category of 'Winter Interest'.

An example would be a Coral Red Dogwood ( Cornus alba 'siberica') with the red branches contrasted against a snowy white background or an evening sunset. Even without the leaves this plant can deliver a superb focal point in your yard during the winter. Another example would be the Lavender Twist Redbud tree (Cercus canadensis 'Covey'). The unusually shaped branches will draw your attention with or without the leaves. When the greens of the growing seasons are gone and the landscapes take on a the drab colors of late fall and winter, you can spruce up the landscape with many plants that are attractive and eye appealing. Purdue University has an informational article about 'Winter Interest' plants at: http://www.ces.purdue.edu/CES/Marion/HortNews04Jan.htm