Cold-hardy plants are the unsung heroes of the garden. They handle the winter chill all on their own and come back swinging with gorgeous blooms the following summer. Today, I’m sharing seven of the most popular winter-hardy perennials, plus a little “insider tip” for your flower beds.
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++Ferns (Pteridophyta)
These “dinosaurs” of the plant world are incredibly tough and fully winter-hardy. Some varieties, like the Hart’s-tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium), are even evergreen, keeping your garden looking lush all year long. Ferns are some of the most enduring perennials out there—some can live for decades! Their delicate fronds consist of a sturdy central rib lined with tiny leaflets. Since they love shady spots, they don’t bother with flowers or seeds; instead, you’ll find spores on the underside of the leaves that look like little dots or lines.
++Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger)
This beauty actually needs a bit of a cold snap to set its buds, which is why it blooms from November through March depending on the variety. The bright white to soft pink cup-shaped flowers feature striking yellow stamens and sit atop sturdy stems. These hardy perennials usually reach about 6 to 12 inches in height. The best part? They don’t disappear after blooming. Their tough, leathery leaves stay green and act as a lovely groundcover throughout the summer. Just a heads-up: Christmas Roses are toxic if ingested, so keep that in mind for pets and kiddos.
++Bellflower (Campanula)
With five petals fused at the base, these flowers look exactly like little bells—hence the name! Depending on the variety, they start opening up in June and can keep going until October. They come in all shapes and sizes, from low-growing “carpet” varieties to tall stalks reaching over three feet, making them super easy to tuck into any garden design. They are also incredibly resilient and don’t need any special winter protection. In fact, they can handle temperatures down to -45°F, so even a long freeze won’t bother them.
++Delphinium (Larkspur)
The name “Rittersporn” in German translates to “Knight’s Spur,” referring to the spur-like shape of the back petal. While they are famous for their stunning blues, you can also find them in white, yellow, or pink. The grape-like flower clusters usually debut in June. Pro tip: if you cut them back right after the first bloom, you’ll often get a second show starting in September! Delphiniums are completely winter-hardy and don’t require any extra fuss when the temperature drops.
++Catmint (Nepeta)
If you have roses, you need Catmint. Its violet-blue, white, or pink flowers are the perfect companion plant for rose bushes. The leaves and flowers give off a scent that is heavenly to humans (and, of course, irresistible to cats). Like Delphiniums, a quick trim after the first bloom will encourage a second fragrant flush. It’s also a total magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. In most climates, it’s perfectly hardy in the ground, though you might want to give potted versions a little light cover in the winter.
++Peonies (Paeonia)
The show-stopping blooms of the peony are a staple in classic cottage gardens. Growing between 2 and 3 feet tall, they offer a lush look similar to roses, with colors ranging from snowy white to deep, vibrant reds. Most varieties are incredibly fragrant and fully winter-hardy, handling deep freezes without a problem. However, if you’ve just planted a young peony, it’s a good idea to protect it with a layer of mulch or evergreen boughs until it’s well-established.
++Yarrow (Achillea)
A member of the daisy family, Yarrow can grow anywhere from 8 inches to 3 feet tall depending on the type. Its flat-topped flower clusters come in white, pink, yellow, or even deep crimson, often blooming from June well into the fall. It has a spicy scent that pollinators absolutely love. In the garden, it’s completely winter-hardy. My advice? Don’t cut back the dead flower heads in the fall. They look stunning covered in morning frost and provide a great winter home for beneficial insects.
%%Globe Thistle (Echinops)
Looking for a “secret weapon” for your garden? The Globe Thistle is a fantastic structural plant with tall, angular stems (up to 6 feet!) and silvery-white leaves. The perfectly round, golf-ball-sized flowers come in shades of white, steel blue, or bright blue. They make excellent cut flowers for vases and look amazing in dried arrangements. This unique perennial is extremely frost-resistant and will breeze through even the harshest winters.