If you want a garden that looks great year-round without the stress, planting hardy shrubs is the way to go. These tough plants can handle the cold, so you won’t have to worry about them when the temperature drops. Here are some fan-favorite varieties, each with its own unique perks for your backyard.
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++Sweet Mock Orange (Philadelphus coronarius)
Originally from Southeastern Europe, the Mock Orange has become a staple in gardens everywhere. Gardeners swear by this shrub because it’s super adaptable and fills the air with an incredible fragrance. To get those iconic, citrus-scented blooms, just make sure you give it plenty of water and a good boost of nutrients. It’s a real treat for the senses!
++Hardy Orange (Poncirus trifoliata)
Ever wanted to grow citrus but live in a chilly climate? Meet the Hardy Orange (also known as the Trifoliate Orange). Unlike most citrus trees that need to be hauled indoors for winter, this tough shrub can stay outside in freezing temps. Plant it in a sunny spot, and you’ll be rewarded with unique-looking fruit and beautiful structure all summer long.
++English Dogwood / Sweet Jasmine (Philadelphus coronarius)
This variety of Mock Orange is zero-maintenance in the winter and a total showstopper in the summer. It produces stunning white flowers with a heavy floral scent. I recommend planting it near a patio or seating area where you spend your summer evenings—your guests will definitely notice the perfume! Plus, it’s a magnet for birds and butterflies.
++Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)
Boxwoods are the ultimate “set it and forget it” winter plant. Their dense, evergreen foliage makes for a perfect privacy screen and provides a cozy nesting spot for local birds. The best part? They are incredibly easy to prune into shapes. If you’re dreaming of a formal garden look that feels like a classic estate, Boxwood is your best friend.
++Dyer’s Greenwood (Genista tinctoria)
Broom plants are a classic choice, and the Dyer’s Greenwood is a particularly hardy variety. It breezes through cold winters without a scratch. When spring rolls around, it explodes into a vibrant yellow bloom. Many people love cutting the branches to put in vases—they’re often the very first pops of color you can bring from your garden into your home in the spring.
++European Holly (Ilex)
Nothing says winter like the Holly shrub with its glossy dark green leaves and bright red berries. It looks absolutely stunning against a snowy backdrop and handles sub-zero temperatures like a pro. You can even snip a few branches for DIY Christmas decorations! It’s low-maintenance and provides a vital food source for birds during the lean winter months.
++Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
Cherry Laurel is a go-to for planting hedges. It’s popular for a reason: the foliage is thick, it’s incredibly hardy, and it doesn’t need much fussing. It’s also very manageable—even if you have a smaller yard, you can keep it trimmed to size. With its iconic shiny leaves, it’s a true garden classic that offers year-round greenery.
%%Bamboo (Bambusoideae)
While Bamboo might make you think of tropical Asia, many varieties are actually very cold-tolerant and do great in our climate. It’s a fast grower and adds a cool, exotic vibe to your landscape. If you’re looking for something a bit more unique than a standard shrub, bamboo is a fantastic way to add height and movement to your garden.