As the temperature slowly drops below zero, it’s time to think of winter preparations. And while you can put on a warm coat and turn on the heating, your plants can’t layer up in fancy clothes. If you dread having a barren garden buried under layers of snow, you should consider growing the following cold-hardy plants:
Spreading Yew
This plant is a real catch for people who live in temperate climates! It feels fine in temperatures below zero. A popular ground cover, the spreading yew is a hardy and drought-tolerant plant that can provide your garden with a vivacious backdrop.
Cyclamen
Creating the most beautiful winter pot display is no easy task; however, with striking Cyclamen plants, it’s a no-brainer! Cyclamen persicum, for example, flowers in winter. Its aromatic violet, red, or white blooms will make your heart beat faster.
Peony
Colorful and gorgeous, peonies are also one of the toughest species of plants. They will be the first to greet you with their rainbow-colored flower heads once spring arrives. In winter, don’t forget to trim dead foliage to keep your peonies in nice shape.
Privet
Winter-friendly privet (Ligustrum) can serve as a perfect addition to your garden; you won’t need to move it indoors for winter. Thriving in any type of soil, it suits novice gardeners. Usually, privets are used as border plants or hedges, ensuring your yard’s privacy from prying eyes.
Boxwood
A popular topiary, boxwood (Buxus) is a low-maintenance plant that can survive through harsh winters if provided with enough sunlight and thorough watering. The high ornamental value of boxwood comes from the fact that it can be trimmed into any shape imaginable.
Lily of the Valley
Despite its delicate looks, the lily of the valley is actually a frost-hardy plant. This fragrant beauty can survive through the harshest winters, creating a marvelous addition to any type of backyard. The lily of the valley also grows well in shade, which makes it perfect for wooded gardens.
Coneflower
Dormant in winter, coneflowers will emerge in spring and fascinate you with a dazzling variety of colors. These plants are both drought-tolerant and cold-hardy, fitting into most climates. If you want to brighten your garden, don’t sleep on coneflowers!
Apart from choosing the right species of plants, it’s also important to prepare your garden before planting them:
- Your pots should be winter-proof. Forget about clay and terracotta pots—they will be the first to crack when the frost hits. Go for wood, plastic, or fiberglass. Look for containers that have a “frost-proof” label.
- Reduce the risk of frost damage by raising your pots above ground. Standing them on blocks will allow for better drainage.
- Avoid placing your plants on cold pavement.
- Mulch the soil before winter. Not only will it protect the topsoil from cold, but it’ll also enrich your exhausted growing medium with vital nutrients.
- If you have cold-sensitive shrubs and trees, either whitewash their trunks or wrap them in protective burlap.
As you see, you can still indulge your passion for gardening even in winter, as there are endless possibilities to bring life to your snowy backyard!