Winter is a season of change and transformation. The days are shorter, the weather is colder, and plants have to adjust. While some plants can handle this change well, others do not survive in cold climates. With that in mind, I have put together a list of the best winter-hardy plants for your home or garden.
Peony
Peony - popular flower for winter. Many people believe it is unsuitable for growing in cold weather, but this is not the case. Peonies can survive the coldest winters and look great when they bloom in the springtime.
Peonies are excellent Perennial; they require little maintenance and don't require much water or attention during their lifecycle (from fall through spring).
Blue Spruce
Blue spruce is a popular Christmas tree. This cold-hardy conifer can grow up to 30 feet tall. This is the state tree of Michigan, and one of America's most common Christmas trees.
Bee Balm
Bee balm, a member of the mint family, grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. Its hairy leaves make it sticky to help trap insects on contact. Its small, white flowers bloom from spring to fall and have a sweet scent that attracts bees and other pollinators (like butterflies).
Bee balm can be grown as an annual or perennial depending on where you live—if you live in USDA zone 7 or warmer, then you can sow seeds directly into the ground; otherwise, it's better to grow this plant indoors until temperatures warm up enough for outdoor growth in colder climates like USDA zones 5 through 9
Sweet Peas
Sweet peas - another great plant for winter. They can grow in the open ground or in pots and are easy to care for, harvest, and store. They bloom from late summer through early fall and produce seeds that you can eat fresh or dry out for your winter garden.
Sweet peas are also known as snap peas (or snow peas). This variety of sweet peas has been cultivated since ancient times because of its high nutritional value. It contains calcium, iron, magnesium & vitamins A & C, making it an excellent addition to any diet. Their dark green flora has small leaves attached directly along the stem.
Wintergreen Boxwood
Wintergreen boxwood is another excellent shrub that can survive winter. It's one of the hardiest plants you can grow in your garden on cold days. It can survive in temperatures as low as -20°F. Their flowers are white and scented with wintergreen oil, which makes them popular with bees.
It can be an excellent choice for you if you want to grow harsh winters but don’t have too much room. This is an excellent indoor winter plant. It grows about 18–24 inches tall.
Pansies
Pansies are another great choice for winter gardens. They are easy to grow, care for and propagate, and they can survive in the coldest climates.
Pansies grow from seed or stem cuttings that are very easy to divide in springtime.
You can also transplant potted pansies from one container to another if you wish to move them into your garden later on in the season.
Siberian Iris
Siberian iris is a tough and rugged perennial plant that grows to about 1.5 feet tall. You can use their foliage for ornamental purposes and food at its peak ripeness. Siberian iris require little maintenance.
Siberian irises are hardy enough to withstand cold winters without losing their leaves or flowers. They require some protection from freezing temperatures so that they don't die completely during winter months, when temperatures may dip below freezing at nightfall.
How to take care of plants during winter?
During the winter days, you must provide proper care for your plants to ensure their health and survival. Following a few simple steps can help your plants thrive even in the colder months.
Water: Reduce the amount of water you give to your plants during winter. The lower temperatures and reduced sunlight result in slower growth and evaporation rates. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues. Let the soil dry out slightly between watering.
Fertilizer: Pausing fertilizer application during winter is recommended. Plants naturally go into a dormant state during this time, so they do not require as many nutrients. Fertilizing can actually harm the plant by promoting excessive growth that may be vulnerable to cold temperatures.
Clean: Keep the foliage clean throughout winter. Dust and debris when accumulate on leaves, blocking sunlight absorption and hindering photosynthesis. So, gently wipe down leaves with a damp cloth or mist them with water occasionally.
Humidity: You need to maintain proper humidity levels for better results.Dry air of indoor heating systems is harmful to plant health. Consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near your plants to increase moisture levels in the air.
Remember that each plant has its own specific needs, so it's always beneficial to research individual species for tailored care instructions.
What are the Benefits of Winter-Hardy Plants?
- The key benefit of planting cold-hardy plants is their ability to survive freezing temperatures. Unlike more delicate plants, winter-hardy varieties tolerate extreme cold without suffering significant damage.
- Another advantage of winter-hardy plants is their ability to conserve water. Many cold-resistant species have adapted to survive in colder climates by developing deep root systems. Their extensive roots allow them to access water sources deep within the soil.
- Winter-hardy plants also offer aesthetic benefits. Many of these species boast attractive foliage or vibrant blooms that add colour and interest to a garden during the colder months.
- Planting cold-hardy plants can contribute to environmental sustainability. By selecting species that are well-suited for local climate conditions, gardeners can reduce their reliance on artificial heating methods or excessive use of resources like mulch or protective coverings.
While selecting a winter-hardy plant, do consider its size, shape and colour. They should also be easy to grow so that you don’t have any troubles during the process. You can find more information about these plants through our blog page or by visiting our website.