Winter can be a tough time for plants. The cold weather, snow, and ice can take a toll on even the hardiest of species. But there are some plants that are tough enough to survive the winter months outside. If you’re looking for some low-maintenance plants that will add some green to your landscape during the winter months, consider these options.
Plants That Survive Winter Outside
Bee Balm
Bee balm is a beautiful flower that blooms in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and red. This flower is not only eye-catching, but it’s also incredibly fragrant. Bee balm is native to North America and can be found growing wild in many parts of the United States. This plant is relatively easy to care for and can tolerate colder temperatures quite well. Just make sure to plant bee balm in an area that gets plenty of sun.
Pansy
Pansies are another type of flower that does well in colder temperatures. These flowers come in a wide range of colors, so you’re sure to find one that matches your taste. Pansies are also relatively easy to care for and don’t require a lot of attention. Just make sure to plant them in an area that gets at least six hours of sunlight each day.
Snowdrop (Galanthus Nivalis)
Snowdrops are small white flowers that get their name from the fact that they often bloom in the snow. These flowers are native to Europe but can now be found growing all over the world. Snowdrops are incredibly hardy and can tolerate very cold temperatures. They also don’t require much care, so they’re perfect for people who don’t have a lot of time to spend tending to their plants.
Helleborus (Helleborus Orientalis)
Hellebores are large flowers that come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and purple. These flowers are native to Europe and Asia but can now be found all over the world. Hellebores are very tolerant of cold weather and can even survive being buried under snow for long periods of time. Just make sure to plant them in an area with well-drained soil, so they don’t rot.
Coneflower
Coneflowers are tall flowers that get their name from their cone-shaped center. These flowers come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, yellow, and white. Coneflowers are native to North America and do well in colder climates. They’re also relatively easy to care for and don’t require much attention. Just make sure they’re planted in an area with full sun exposure.
Sedum: A Hardy Succulent
Sedum is a type of succulent that is known for its hardiness. It’s a popular choice for gardens because it doesn’t require much care and can survive in a variety of climates. One of the best things about sedum is that it comes in many different varieties, so you’re sure to find one that you like. And did we mention that they’re also drought-tolerant? Talk about low maintenance!
Boxwood: An Evergreen Classic
Boxwood is an evergreen shrub that has been popular for centuries. It’s often used as a hedge or border plant because it grows relatively slowly and can be easily shaped. Boxwood is also quite tolerant of cold weather, making it a great choice for gardeners in colder climates. Just be sure to give it some extra water during the winter months to prevent it from drying out.
Catmint: A Fragrant Favorite
Catmint is a member of the mint family that is known for its fragrant leaves and pretty purple flowers. It’s a fast-growing plant that does well in both full sun and partial shade. Catmint is also quite tolerant of cold weather, so it’s a great choice for gardeners in colder climates. However, it’s worth noting that catmint can spread quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on it and trim it back as needed.
Camellia (Camellia Japonica): A Delicate Beauty
Camellias are beautiful flowering shrubs that come in a variety of colors including white, pink, and red. They prefer shady areas and acidic soil, making them a good choice for gardeners who want to add some color to their landscape without having to deal with full sun. Camellias are also quite tolerant of cold weather, so they make a great choice for gardeners in colder climates. However, they are relatively slow-growing plants, so be patient if you’re hoping to add them to your landscape.
Mountain Fire (Pieris Japonica): A Spectacular Shrub
Mountain fire is an evergreen shrub that is known for its spectacular blooms which range in color from white to pink to red. It prefers acidic soil and full sun or partial shade, making it a good choice for gardeners who want to add some color to their landscape without having to deal with full sun. Mountain fire is also quite tolerant of cold weather, so it makes a great choice for gardeners in colder climates. However, mountain fire can spread quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on it and trim it back as needed.
Peony
A classic garden plant, peonies are hardy and will survive in temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit. Peonies come in a variety of colors, from white to pink to red, and they make a beautiful addition to any garden. Plant peonies in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
Clivia
Clivia is a plant that originates from South Africa, so it’s used to cooler temperatures. Clivia prefers shady areas and well-drained soil. When planting clivia, make sure to leave room for the roots to spread out; if the roots are pot-bound, the plant will not bloom. Clivia comes in a variety of colors, including orange, yellow, and red.
Winterberry (Ilex Verticillata)
As its name suggests, winterberry is a plant that thrives in colder weather. It’s an evergreen shrub that produces small white flowers in the springtime. The berries that appear in the fall and winter are a favorite food source for birds. Winterberry prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade. It’s a low-maintenance plant that’s easy to care for.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana)
Witch hazel is a deciduous shrub that’s known for its fragrant flowers which appear in the fall or winter. Witch hazel can tolerate a wide range of soils, from sandy to clayey, as long as the soil is well-drained. It prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade. Witch hazel is easy to care for and requires little pruning.
Brown’s Yew
Brown’s yew is an evergreen conifer that’s native to North America. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. Brown’s yew is a slow-growing plant, but it can reach heights of 20 feet or more over time. This plant is deer resistant and makes a good choice for hedges or foundation plantings.
Japanese Yew
The Japanese yew is a hardy evergreen that can withstand temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a slow grower, but it can reach up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. This plant is perfect for small spaces since it doesn’t take up much room. It’s also deer resistant, so you don’t have to worry about your garden being eaten by these pesky critters.
Potted Blue Spruce
If you’re looking for a plant that will add some holiday cheer to your garden, look no further than the potted blue spruce. These evergreens can reach up to 12 feet tall, but they can also be kept smaller by pruning them back. They prefer full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. Just make sure you water them regularly during the warmer months so they don’t dry out.
Winter Jasmine (Jasminum Nudiflorum)
This fast-growing vine is perfect for covering walls or fences. It can reach up to 20 feet in length, but it can be easily controlled with regular pruning. The best part about this plant is that it blooms in the winter, adding some much-needed color to your garden during the dreary months. It prefers full sun but will also do well in partial shade.
Sester Dwarf (Picea Pungens ‘Glauca Globosa’)
This dwarf evergreen is perfect for small gardens or even containers on your patio or deck. It only grows to be about 2-3 feet tall, but it spreads outwards, reaching up to 6 feet wide. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade, making it a versatile plant. Just make sure you keep an eye on its water needs; too much moisture can kill this plant.
Wheeler’s Dwarf Japanese Mock Orange
This compact shrub only grows to be about 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide, making it perfect for small spaces. It blooms in late spring or early summer with beautiful white flowers that have a sweet orange scent. It prefers full sun but will also do well in partial shade. just make sure you water it regularly; drought conditions can cause the leaves to turn brown and drop off.
English Primrose (Primula vulgaris)
One of the first flowers to bloom in spring, English primroses are hardy perennials that can survive temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit. They typically bloom in shades of yellow, pink, or purple and preferpartial sun to full shade. When watering English primroses, be sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy. These plants are also relatively low-maintenance and don’t require much fertilizer.
Algerian Iris (Iris unguicularis)
Algerian irises are a type of bulbous plant that is known for its ability to flower during the winter months. These plants are native to North Africa and prefer full sun to partial shade. When planting Algerian irises, be sure to plant the bulbs 4-6 inches deep in well-drained soil. These plants are also drought-tolerant and don’t require much watering.
Winter Gem Boxwoods (Buxus microphylla var. japonica ‘Winter Gem’)
As their name suggests, Winter Gem boxwoods are an evergreen shrub that is known for retaining its leaves during the winter months. This plant is native to Japan and prefers full sun to partial shade. When planting Winter Gem boxwoods, be sure to choose a location with well-drained soil. These shrubs are also drought-tolerant and don’t require much watering.
Honeyworts (Cerinthe major ‘Purpurascens’)
Honeyworts are annual flowering plants that are known for their clusters of blue or purple flowers. These plants are native to Europe and prefer full sun to partial shade. Honeyworts should be planted in well-drained soil and watered regularly so that the soil remains moist but not soggy.
