Looking for plants that can handle a little frost and still look gorgeous? These popular cold-hardy favorites are tough enough to survive the winter chill while keeping your garden looking sharp. Here’s the lowdown on their best traits and how to pick the perfect one for your yard.
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++Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
Rosemary is a total rockstar in the garden—it’s incredibly hardy, low-maintenance, and handles winter like a pro. Whether you want to keep it in a small pot on the patio or a large planter, it’s happy to oblige. If you really want to make a statement, try growing a large rosemary hedge; it lasts for years and gives you a constant supply of fresh herbs for the kitchen. It even produces lovely little flowers! If you plant it directly in the ground, you usually won’t need any special frost protection.
++Hardy Fuchsia (Fuchsia magellanica)
Love fuchsias but don’t have a spot to overwinter them indoors? Then the Hardy Fuchsia (or Hummingbird Fuchsia) is your new best friend. This variety can handle temperatures down to about 23°F (-5°C). If you’re growing them in containers, it’s a good idea to take a few precautions before the deep freeze hits. A quick prune and some straw insulation will help your fuchsias survive the winter outdoors just fine.
++Winter Heath (Erica carnea)
If you want color when everything else is gray, Winter Heath is the way to go. Also known as Alpine Heath, this plant rewards you with a beautiful bloom time early in the year, brightening up a dreary landscape. Because it’s so resilient, it’s a popular choice for ground cover and winter landscaping. This low-maintenance plant handles freezing temperatures without breaking a sweat—it’s even tough enough for chilly coastal regions.
++Rhododendron (Rhododendron)
Rhododendrons are classic winter-hardy shrubs. In fact, they grow wild in many forested areas, so if they can handle the woods, they’ll do great in your backyard. The key is the soil—they love humus-rich, acidic “forest-like” ground. You can easily find specialized rhododendron soil at your local garden center to give them the best start. They don’t need extra protection in the winter, and come summertime, they’ll reward you with the massive, stunning blooms that gardeners absolutely adore.
++English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy is the ultimate evergreen ground cover. It’s also great as a trailing plant in baskets or for covering up a bare facade. You don’t need to worry about winter protection here; this stuff is tough. Just keep in mind that it grows fast, so you’ll likely need to prune it back eventually. Also, be aware that its aerial roots can be pretty aggressive on brickwork or siding. Depending on your home’s exterior, it might be safer to provide a trellis for it to climb instead.
++Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
For a touch of romantic, cottage-garden charm, you can’t beat the Bigleaf Hydrangea. These beauties are staples in traditional gardens and are surprisingly cold-tolerant, requiring very little prep before winter. The trick is finding the right spot: they prefer a place that isn’t too sunny (those big green leaves can get scorched) and is protected from harsh, biting winds.
++English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
English Lavender is a fan favorite for a reason. It brings a Mediterranean vibe to your yard with purple blooms that smell amazing. It’s also a culinary powerhouse—you can make lavender sugar for desserts, add it to savory stews, or brew a calming tea. As a bonus, the scent helps keep wasps away from your patio! It’s a hardy, multi-purpose plant that earns its keep in any garden.
%%Golden Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea)
Did you know many types of bamboo are actually winter-hardy? This fast-growing grass adds an exotic touch to your landscape and works perfectly as a natural privacy screen. Golden Bamboo is particularly well-known for being able to withstand the cold while keeping its striking look year-round.