Frost-resistant plants that thrive in pots are a total game-changer for keeping your outdoor space looking lively even when the temperature drops. We’ve rounded up seven of the most popular hardy, evergreen container plants to keep your patio green all year long—plus, we’re sharing our favorite pro-tip at the end!
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++Boxwood (Buxus)
The Boxwood is a classic for a reason. It handles pruning like a champ, making it perfect for shaped container gardening. These multi-stemmed shrubs have tiny leaves that stay put all winter. Just a heads-up: in recent years, pests and fungi have become a bit of a headache for boxwoods. To save yourself the trouble, look for resistant varieties like “BetterBuxus,” which come in several different growth habits.
++English Holly (Ilex aquifolium)
English Holly features those iconic glossy, dark green leaves with prickly edges. From May to June, this shrub produces subtle white flowers that eventually turn into bright red berries. These berries cluster along the branches and look stunning against the green foliage, providing a much-needed pop of color on grey winter days. One important note: all parts of the plant, especially the berries, are toxic, so keep them away from areas where kids or pets play.
++Juniper (Juniperus)
Dwarf varieties of Juniper that stay around three feet tall are fantastic for balcony or patio pots. These evergreens have lovely, needle-like leaves that are quite sharp. While you might be looking forward to harvesting juniper berries, keep in mind it can take up to seven years for the first crop to appear! Junipers are super adaptable and will be happy in either full sun or partial shade.
++American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)
Commonly used as privacy hedges in the yard, Arborvitae are evergreen and incredibly winter-hardy. For pots, you’ll want to stick with the smaller, slightly weeping varieties. These members of the cypress family have scale-like leaves that feel flat to the touch and release a spicy scent when crushed. Foliage colors range from golden yellow to deep emerald. They love the sun but can handle a bit of light shade too.
++Bamboo (Bambusoideae)
If you want a year-round “Zen” vibe, bamboo is your best friend for patio privacy. These giant grasses are known for their hollow stalks—which can be yellow, green, or even dark brown—and their narrow, rustling green leaves. To keep your bamboo from drying out in the winter, move it to a spot protected from the wind and make sure to give it a drink on days when the ground isn’t frozen.
++Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
Fast-growing, hardy, and tough as nails—low-growing Cherry Laurel varieties check all the boxes for easy patio greenery. They offer great ornamental value with white flower spikes in late spring followed by black berries. Just make sure you give them a large enough pot to accommodate their vigorous growth. Note: Like holly, this plant is toxic, especially those sweet-looking berries.
++Rhododendron (Rhododendron Hybrids)
With their stunning blooms in shades of white, pink, red, or purple, Rhododendrons are a favorite for winter-hardy pots. They are a bit more high-maintenance, though. They need wide containers, specialized acidic potting soil, and a sheltered, semi-shaded spot. To keep them from drying out in winter, water them with lime-free water (like rainwater) on frost-free days. Deadhead the old blooms, and you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular show next year!
%%Our Secret Tip: Skimmia
This Asian native grows into a beautiful, dense, rounded bush when kept in a pot. The light green leaves have a lovely citrus scent when bruised. In May, it produces fragrant white or pink flower clusters that pollinators love. The real secret, though? The dark red flower buds stay on the plant all winter long, providing color even before they bloom. Skimmia does best in a sheltered, semi-shaded spot year-round.