When the chill of winter sets in it doesn’t mean your garden has to become a barren wasteland. There are plenty of plants that can brave the cold and continue to bring life and color to your garden even during the winter months.
As someone who’s spent years tending to gardens through all seasons I really appreciate those resilient plants.
So let’s take a look at 15 plants that will not only survive but thrive through the winter months. They should give you some inspiration to keep your garden interesting during the cold season.
1. Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)
Growing Winterberry Holly
Winterberry Holly is a deciduous holly that loses its leaves in winter and reveals bright red berries. They can add a real splash of color to the cold months. The berries also attract birds which brings life to your winter garden when there wouldn’t otherwise be.
What You Need
Soil: Moist, acidic soil
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Watering: Regular watering, especially in dry spells
Winterberry Holly is relatively low maintenance. Plant both male and female plants to ensure berry production. Pruning in late winter helps shape the plant and encourage new growth.
2. Hellebore (Helleborus)
Growing Hellebores
Hellebores are also known as Christmas or Lenten roses because they bloom in winter or early spring. These perennials have beautiful, nodding flowers in various shades from white to deep purple.
What You Need
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil
Light: Partial to full shade
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Hellebores are easy to grow and require minimal care once established. Mulching helps retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
3. Snowdrop (Galanthus)
Growing Snowdrops
Snowdrops are one of the first signs of spring and you’ll often see them poking through the snow. After a long winter seeing these delicate white flowers is a real joy.
What You Need
Soil: Well-drained soil, rich in organic matter
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Watering: Moderate watering, avoid waterlogging
Plant snowdrop bulbs in the fall for a beautiful winter display. They naturalize well and form clumps that can be divided after blooming.
4. Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis)
Growing Winter Aconite
Winter Aconite have bright yellow, buttercup like flowers that emerge as early as January. They form a cheerful carpet of color in late winter.
What You Need
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Watering: Regular watering, especially during dry periods
Winter Aconites are best planted in the fall. They benefit from a layer of mulch to keep the soil cool and moist.
5. Camellia (Camellia japonica)
Growing Camellias
Camellias are known for their stunning flowers that bloom from fall through early spring. They come in various shades of pink, red and white.
What You Need
Soil: Acidic, well-drained soil
Light: Partial shade
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist
Camellias appreciate a sheltered spot away from cold winds. Mulch helps retain moisture and protect the roots from any extreme temperatures.
6. Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana)
Growing Pansies
Pansies are one of the most popular winter annuals. They offer a wide range of colors and are perfect for adding instant color to your winter garden.
What You Need
Soil: Well drained soil
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Watering: Regular watering, avoid waterlogged soil
Pansies are easy to grow from seed or transplants. Deadheading spent flowers encourages continuous blooming.
7. Evergreen Ferns (Polystichum)
Growing Evergreen Ferns
Evergreen ferns such as the Christmas fern retain their foliage throughout the winter, providing year round interest in shaded areas of the garden.
What You Need
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter
Light: Full to partial shade
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist
Evergreen ferns require little maintenance. Adding mulch helps retain moisture and improve the soil quality.
8. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Growing English Ivy
English Ivy is a versatile evergreen that can cover walls, fences and ground. It stays green throughout winter and can add structure and interest to a boring garden.
What You Need
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
Light: Full sun to full shade
Watering: Moderate watering
English Ivy can be invasive so it’s important to trimming it regularly to keep it under control. It thrives in both sun and shade, making it very versatile.
9. Boxwood (Buxus)
Growing Boxwood
Boxwood is a classic evergreen shrub used for hedging and topiary. It retains its foliage throughout winter so again can provide structure and form to your garden.
What You Need
Soil: Well drained soil
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Watering: Regular watering, especially during dry periods
Boxwoods are fairly low maintenance. Pruning in late winter helps maintain their shape and encourages new growth.
10. Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Growing Heuchera
Heuchera, or Coral Bells, offer a variety of leaf colors from green to deep burgundy. Their evergreen foliage provides year round interest.
What You Need
Soil: Well drained soil rich in organic matter
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Watering: Regular watering, avoid waterlogged soil
Heucheras are easy to grow and require minimal care. They can be divided every few years to maintain their strength.
11. Lenten Rose (Helleborus orientalis)
Growing Lenten Rose
Lenten Roses are similar to Hellebores. They bloom in late winter to early spring and come in a range of colors that are a joy to see when little else is flowering.
What You Need
Soil: Well drained, rich in organic matter
Light: Partial to full shade
Watering: Consistent moisture
Lenten Roses are easy to care for once established. Mulching helps maintain soil moisture and temperature.
12. Mahonia (Oregon Grape)
Growing Mahonia
Mahonia is an evergreen shrub with spiky leaves and clusters of yellow flowers in winter, followed by blue-black berries.
What You Need
Soil: Well drained, acidic soil
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Watering: Moderate watering
Mahonia is low maintenance. Pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape.
13. Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum)
Growing Winter Jasmine
Winter Jasmine is a deciduous shrub that produces bright yellow flowers on bare stems in winter.
What You Need
Soil: Well-drained soil
Light: Full sun
Watering: Regular watering, especially in dry periods
Winter Jasmine is easy to grow and can be trained on a trellis or left to sprawl as ground cover. Prune after flowering to maintain shape.
14. Japanese Pieris (Pieris japonica)
Growing Japanese Pieris
Japanese Pieris is an evergreen shrub with cascading clusters of white or pink flowers in late winter to early spring.
What You Need
Soil: Acidic, well drained soil
Light: Partial shade
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist
Japanese Pieris benefits from a sheltered location and protection from harsh winds. Mulch helps maintain soil moisture.
15. Heather (Calluna vulgaris)
Growing Heather
Heather is a low growing evergreen shrub with small flowers in shades of pink, purple and white that’s blooms in winter.
What You Need
Soil: Acidic, well drained soil
Light: Full sun
Watering: Moderate watering
Heather is relatively low maintenance and adds a nice amount of color to the winter garden. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
Tips for Winter Gardening
Mulching
Mulch helps protect plant roots from freezing temperatures and retains moisture. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of your plants in late fall.
Watering
Winter can be dry so it’s important to water your plants during dry spells. Be careful not to overwater though as this can lead to root rot.
Pruning
Pruning in late winter can help shape your plants and encourage new growth in spring. Remove any dead or damaged branches to keep your plants healthy.
Planting in Sheltered Spots
Planting in sheltered spots such as against a wall or fence can protect your plants from harsh winds and cold temperatures.
Using Evergreen Plants
Using evergreen plants in your garden means you will have year-round interest and structure. These plants provide a backdrop for seasonal flowers and add texture to the garden.
Choosing Hardy Varieties
Selecting plants that are hardy in your specific climate zone is crucial. These plants are more likely to survive and thrive through winter conditions.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance like removing dead leaves and debris helps prevent disease and pests. Keep an eye on your plants and address any issues promptly.
Final Thoughts
Winter gardening doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right plants and care your garden can remain bright, interesting and full of life even during the coldest months. These 15 plants are a great place to start and can give you that color, structure and interest throughout winter.
