Fall is the best time to plant cold-hardy shrubs, including most conifers, many deciduous shrubs and most shrubs native to the Willamette Valley. But if you missed the window, use these winter-planting tips to give your plants a head start.
- Planting in fall or winter takes advantage of cool temperatures and moist soils so plants establish a larger root system before the stress of summer. This means healthier plants that need less water and have fewer pest and disease problems as compared to those planted in summer.
- Beware tender shrubs such as gardenias and many other nonnative, broadleaf evergreens that are best planted in fall or spring. Also, recently transplanted plants are more vulnerable to extreme cold. A good watering and a thick mulch can go a long way for protecting newly-planted shrubs. Just keep mulch away from stems to avoid plant diseases.
- Winter is the best time to see what your winter yard looks like from indoors and out, making it easier to plan and plant for better views year-round.
Watch a video on planting shrubs in winter