Five EVERGREEN PLANTS that can survive in Delhi's chilly winters and scorching summers

When we imagine plants, year around green shiny foliage is what comes to mind. For garden designers like us, selecting plants that can survive and sustain their foliage throughout the months of extreme winters and summers of northern India is one of the biggest challenge.

While there’s no dearth of evergreen plants that does well in winters, one has to struggle to come up with names that can also tolerate Delhi’s ferocious sun in the months of May and June.

Here is a list of our top 5 go-to plants that will keep your gardens green throughout the year:

• Thuja - Also popularly known as Morpankhi, Thuja belongs to the evergreen Cupressaceae family. This plant will give you green foliage throughout the year. Flowers are inconspicuous though. Thuja due to its conical shape is ideal for symmetrical patterns.
  

• Murraya - Also referred as Kamini or Saint Murraya, this native Indian plant is blessed with tiny dark green leaves, fragrant white flowers and bright red fruits. Murraya is an ideal choice for hedging and can complement any balcony or terrace garden easily.
  

• Yucca Green - Yucca's hardy nature makes it our favorite when it comes to designing a mound or a feature in outdoors. Unlike other Yucca varieties, Yucca Green has broad and green leaves, adding volume and greenery wherever you plant them. Yucca belongs to the Cacti and Succulents family and can tolerate drought and hardy conditions.

• Tecoma Capensis - This climbing/creeping plant is an ideal plant for your balcony or pergola if dark green foliage and bright orange flowers is your thing. Give the plant some support or trellis like structure to flourish and envelope.

• Indian Hibiscus - This glossy evergreen foliage plant is a household name in India. The flower of the plant has medicinal and religious value and is a must for your balcony, terraces or gardens. Either standalone in a large pot or as part of a hedge, Hibiscus will not fail to inspire with its glossy leaves and year around flowering.
  

Happy Planting!