Looking for plants that can handle a deep freeze and still look amazing? These popular cold-hardy favorites don’t just survive the frost—they thrive in it. Here’s a breakdown of their best features and how to pick the right ones for your yard.
[[plants]]
++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 planting a large rosemary hedge; it lasts for years and gives you a constant supply of fresh herbs. It even produces lovely little flowers! If you plant it directly in the ground, you usually won’t need any special frost protection at all.
++Hardy Fuchsia (Fuchsia magellanica)
Love fuchsias but don’t have a spot to overwinter them indoors? Hardy fuchsias are 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 real cold hits. A quick prune and some straw for insulation will help your Hardy Fuchsia survive the winter outdoors just fine.
++Winter Heath (Erica carnea)
Winter heath (also known as snow heath) is the perfect way to beat the winter blues. It’s tough as nails and rewards you with a beautiful bloom time early in the year when everything else looks a bit gray. Because it’s so resilient, it’s a popular choice for ground cover or adding life to winter landscapes. It handles freezing temperatures without breaking a sweat and even grows well in harsh, windy coastal regions.
++Rhododendron (Rhododendron)
Rhododendrons are classic winter warriors. You’ll often find them growing wild in forests, so if they can handle the woods, they can definitely handle your backyard. The secret to success here is the soil—they love acidic, humus-rich earth. You can find specialized rhododendron soil at most garden centers to give them the best start. They don’t need winter protection, and come summer, they’ll reward you with the massive, stunning blooms that gardeners absolutely adore.
++English Ivy (Hedera helix)
If you need a winter-hardy, evergreen ground cover, English Ivy is the way to go. It’s also great as a hanging plant or for covering a facade. You don’t need to do a thing to protect it from the cold. Just keep in mind that it’s a fast grower, so you’ll likely need to prune it back eventually. Also, be aware that its aerial roots can be pretty aggressive on siding or brickwork. Depending on your home’s exterior, it might be safer to provide a trellis for it to climb.
++Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
Nothing says “romantic cottage garden” quite like a hydrangea. These beauties are staples for a reason—they’re cold-tolerant and don’t require much fuss before winter sets in. The trick is finding the right “home” for them. They prefer a spot that isn’t too sunny (those big green leaves can get scorched) and is protected from harsh, drying winds.
++English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
<img decoding=)
Did you know many bamboo varieties are actually winter-hardy? This fast-growing grass adds an exotic, modern vibe to any garden. It’s fantastic as a focal point or even as a natural privacy screen. Golden Bamboo is particularly well-known for its ability to withstand cold temperatures, making it a great choice for year-round greenery.