Although winter months may be cold and windy, a winter landscape does not have to be a barren wasteland of leafless branches and lifeless stems. Plenty of hardy plants not only survive the cold but keep your yard looking lively, even when temperatures drop below freezing. Evergreen shrubs, winter bloomers, and ornamental grasses of all sorts can withstand the frost and bring color to the chilliest months. Here are 15 tough outdoor plants that thrive in winter.
1. Colorado Blue Spruce
If you want a tree that laughs in the face of winter, Colorado blue spruce is your pick, as you might guess seeing as it comes from the Rocky Mountain State. Its striking blue-green needles stay vibrant year-round, providing excellent color and structure even in heavy snow. It is drought-resistant, cold-hardy, and a favorite of birds looking for shelter during winter storms.
2. Boxwood
Boxwood shrubs are like the evergreens of the fancy hedge world. They hold their deep green color all winter long and can be pruned into any shape, from tidy spheres to whimsical topiaries. They are tough, adaptable, and a reliable choice for garden borders that do not fade into the background when the temperature drops.
3. Mountain Laurel
Mountain laurel is cold-hardy and retains its deep green foliage throughout winter, providing structure to your garden. Its beautiful pink or white flowers bloom in late spring to early summer. This broadleaf evergreen thrives in partial shade, making it a great option for shaded garden spaces.
4. Winterberry Holly
Who says winter landscapes have to be dull and lifeless? Winterberry holly drops its leaves in the fall, but its bright red berries stick around all winter, adding festive color to your garden even in the coldest of temperatures. These berries also provide a feast for birds, making your yard a hot spot for feathered friends in colder months.
5. American Witch Hazel
While most plants take a break in winter, American witch hazel gets to work overtime. This hardy shrub produces yellow, ribbon-like flowers in late fall and winter, adding unexpected bursts of color to an otherwise lifeless yard. It is also known for its fragrant blooms, so your garden can smell fantastic even when everything else is frozen.
6. Rhododendrons
Rhododendrons are winter-resistant evergreen shrubs that thrive in colder climates, with some varieties hardy down to USDA zone 4. Their thick, leathery leaves and dense growth help them withstand freezing temperatures. In spring, they produce stunning clusters of vibrant blooms, adding year-round beauty and color to your garden while providing shelter and structure in winter.
7. Ninebark
If you want a shrub with personality, ninebark is the way to go. It has colorful foliage in warmer months, and when the leaves drop, its peeling bark adds visual interest to a winter garden. It thrives in harsh conditions and needs little maintenance, making it a solid choice for year-round appeal.
8. Hellebores
Hellebores, also known as Lenten roses, bloom in winter when most other flowers are sleeping lazily. Their elegant blossoms come in shades of pink, purple, white, and even deep red. These perennials are cold-tolerant and look fantastic in shaded garden beds, making them a must-have for winter, summer, and everything in between.
9. Creeping Phlox
Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) is an evergreen ground cover in many climates, offering vibrant color to your garden in early spring. It bursts into pink, purple, or white blooms as the weather warms, making it an excellent choice for garden borders or rock gardens needing early-season charm.
10. Siberian Bugloss
If you love hostas but need something hardier for winter, Siberian bugloss is a fantastic alternative. Its heart-shaped leaves stay semi-evergreen in mild winters, and it produces delicate blue flowers in early spring. It is tough, shade-loving, and perfect for adding texture to winter gardens. It can survive virtually anything, making it ideal for those that aren’t too keen on constant maintenance.
11. Camellia
Camellias are prized for their winter resilience and stunning blooms. These evergreen shrubs thrive in mild climates, often withstanding temperatures as low as USDA zone 7. Their glossy green leaves provide year-round appeal, while their vibrant flowers, ranging from white to deep pink, bloom in the colder months, adding a pop of color to winter gardens.
12. Christmas Rose
The name says it all. Christmas rose blooms in the dead of winter, bringing elegant white flowers to an otherwise quiet garden. It thrives in shade, is deer-resistant, and can survive even when snow blankets the ground. If you want a flower that brightens up winter, this one does the trick.
13. Winter Aconite
Winter aconite is one of the first flowers to emerge after the snow starts melting. Its cheerful yellow blooms pop up as early as February, signaling that spring is not too far away, a good indicator that you can put away your winter clothes soon. These little flowers are deer-resistant, cold-hardy, and spread naturally, creating golden carpets of color that look fantastic in any and every outdoor space.
14. Christmas Fern
The Christmas fern is a hardy evergreen that thrives in colder climates, making it an excellent addition to winter gardens. Its dark green fronds remain vibrant through the winter months, adding structure and texture. This low-maintenance fern is perfect for shady areas and offers a subtle, year-round touch of greenery.
15. Miscanthus ‘Morning Light’
Snowdrops are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, often pushing through the snow. These resilient, cold-hardy plants thrive in USDA zones 3-9, making them perfect for winter gardens. Their delicate white blooms bring a touch of purity and hope to your garden, signaling the arrival of warmer days.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.