13 Outdoor Plants for Winter to Thrive in Cold Weather

As a gardener, it’s essential to know how tough the winter weather is in your region. This will help you choose the best outdoor plants for winter.

Besides, just because the winter season is approaching doesn’t mean the blooms of spring and summer have to die. There are plenty of cold-hardy options to keep your garden or patio blooming.

From shrubs to flowering plants, some of them are winter-friendly, and your garden can still thrive in color.

Here are eleven plants that will keep your garden or patio thriving during the harsh winter.

Outdoor Plants for Winter to Brighten Your Garden in Cold Months

1. Hellebores

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If you are looking for winter-tolerant plants, hellebores should be at the top of your list. These evergreen perennials have 20 different species with pink, white, or purple flowers. They thrive best in zones 6 to 9. Plant them in organic, well-draining soils and direct sunlight, although they prefer shady areas.

2. Snowdrop

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Snowdrop is a cold-hardy perennial that thrives in zones 3 to 9. This makes them one of the best outdoor plants that survive winter. They have slender green stems with nodding white flowers. They like well-draining soils with organic matter and partial to full shade.

3. Boxwood Shrub

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Boxwood shrub is an evergreen that survives harsh winters and summers and thrives well in zones 5 to 9. Plant them in a garden or container. Besides, they don’t need much attention.

4. Blue Holly (Ilex x Meserveae)

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Blue Holly is highly tolerant to winter, making it suitable for climates in zones 5 to 9. This shrub has blue-green foliage with red berries. Plant them in well-draining soils and regularly water them, especially during dry seasons.

5. Bee Balm

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Bee balm is very attractive to pollinators like butterflies and bees. This beautiful perennial plant has tubular flowers in pink, red, white, or purple. The plant thrives well in full sun or partial shade and well-draining soils. If you’re in zones 3 to 9, consider planting this plant.

6. Camellia

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Camellia is an evergreen shrub that has glossy and dark green leaves. Furthermore, it has single or double flowers with shades of red, pink, or white. They do well in zones 7 to 9. These plants will do well with well-draining soil and partial to full shade.

7. Winter Daphne

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Daphne is an evergreen shrub with evergreen foliage, making it suitable for winter. It blooms in late winter and early spring. It has fragrant flowers which range from white and pink to lavender. If you are in zones 7 to 9, this plant is a must-have.

8. Coneflower

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This North American perennial is both cold and drought-tolerant. The plant attracts pollinators, making it popular in gardens. Coneflowers come in various colors, like pink, white, and purple. They do well in zones 3 to 8, but not all coneflower varieties survive winter.

9. Sedum

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This flowering plant is tough and will survive through cold winters and summers. It thrives well in zones 4 to 9. With well-draining soils, full sun, or partial shade, this plant will beautify your garden.

10. Pansies

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Known for their heart-shaped petals and colorful blooms, pansies will thrive well during mild winter periods. They come in various colors, from white and yellow to purple. These plants are fine in hanging, planters, and borders. They do well in zones 6 to 10.

11. Winter Aconite

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This cold-hardy plant has cup-shaped and bright yellow flowers, and they usually prefer well-draining soils and partial shade. It is suitable for planting in zones 3 to 7.

12. Red Twig Dogwood

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Red twig dogwood is a deciduous shrub with bright red stems. It adds a beautiful visual to landscapes, especially in winter, because the red stems stand out against the snow. Plant them in zones 3 to 8 in moist soil and partial shade.

13. Winterberry

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Winterberry is a deciduous holly shrub known for its vibrant red berries that pop during the cold months. This plant is native to North America. These plants are suitable for cold climates and thus thrive well in zones 3 to 9.

What Plants Survive Best in the Winter?

Plants that are known to survive the winter cold include peonies, hellebores, boxwood, coneflower, snowdrop, and winterberries.

What Are the Best Containers for Winter?

When choosing containers for winter plants, consider the ones that can withstand cold temperatures, like fiberglass, wooden barrels, coated metal, resin or plastic, and fiber stone.

What is the Easiest Plant to Grow in Winter?

Some plants like winter lettuce, kale, spinach, cabbage, broccoli, mustard, chard, winter pansies, rosemary, leeks, fava beans, and corn salad are suited for growing during winter because they can withstand colder temperatures.

Wrap Up

By understanding your local climate, you can choose outdoor plants that will survive the winter to enhance your garden’s beauty even in the chilliest season.

Besides, winter doesn’t have to be the worst season for your outdoor space. From blooms of pansies to evergreen boxwood shrubs, you can create a vibrant garden or yard during the cold winters.

Author Profile

Mary

🌿 Hello! I'm Mary, the nature-loving soul behind Serene Eden. Gardener, plant whisperer, compost connoisseur, sun-soaked plant enthusiast, and avid bee-watcher. Let's cultivate beauty, one bloom at a time. 🌱🌼