7 Outdoor Plants That Thrive Through Winter

7 Outdoor Plants That Thrive Through Winter

Fact: Plants also go through hibernation during the winter season. 

In this stage of “dormancy,” some of your favourite greenery might stop growing and enter a period of reduced metabolic activity to make it through the cold weather. 

And so, you might see that they’ll turn brown, scraggly, and lose their leaves.

But looking out your window and seeing a barren, colourless garden is not the only option. 

There are plenty of winter-friendly outdoor plants that can bring life and vibrancy to your garden, no matter the temperature. 

Ready to get planting? Here are seven outdoor plants that can thrive through winter:

1. Daffodils

They may be the quintessential spring flower, but they’re also tough enough to survive the winter. With a variety of colours and sizes, daffodils offer up a beautiful display of colour and are a great choice for adding winter interest to your garden.

Just plant them at least three weeks before the first frost drops. Planting them as early as this allows them to have a deeper and stronger root system.

yellow daffodils thriving in winter
A close-up of the lily of the valleys flowers.

2. Lily of the Valley

This white and delicate-looking plant is hardy enough to get through the snow. It can survive even with just partial to full shade exposure. However, be sure to give it proper care and attention because if not kept properly, the lily of the valley can be invasive to the garden.

3. Blue Spruce

Aside from looking good when covered in snow, blue spruce plants are also relatively low-maintenance. When planted in well-drained soil, they can easily survive the winter season and make for an excellent addition to any garden. They are also hardy in Zones 2-7 , but might not be able to withstand humid or scorching weather.

blue spruce branches
decorative kale for your winter garden

4. Ornamental Kale

Ornamental Kale is a great way to add some winter colour to your garden. These plants are especially striking when planted en masse and can tolerate cold temperatures well. Just make sure to give them plenty of water and ensure that their soil is well drained, as excess moisture can cause them to rot quickly.

5. Red Twig Dogwood

This is a great way to bring in some winter-friendly colour and texture to your garden. Red twig dogwood produces striking red stems that do well in cold climates. Just be sure to prune them annually and give them enough space to grow onto.

Tip: In pruning, remove the stems that have lost their colour and are damaged to give room for new stems to grow. This maintains the red hues of the plant.
red twig dogwood in selective focus
Vibrant purple, yellow, and orange pansies.

6. Pansies

This edible plant is hardy enough that it is able to survive in Zone 4. However, just like any other plant, it is important to give your pansies frost protection by covering them with mulch, enough to combat dehydration throughout winter.

7. Catmint

With its soft purple hues and fragrance, catmint can be a good substitute for lavenders that will last all winter. They are also able to tolerate partial sun and drought—making them an ideal addition to your winter garden.

tidy mound of catmint with purple blooms

Maintain Your Garden’s Year-Round Vibrancy

Every season has its own beauty, and winter is no exception. With winter-friendly plants, you can enjoy the beauty of your garden all year round! 

With these plants that are able to withstand freezing temperatures, you are sure to have an enjoyable time in your garden all year round! From vibrant yellows to exquisite purples, make sure to pick out the perfect plants to add a pop of colour to your winter season!

With so many to choose from, it can be a little difficult to pick the best cover crop for you. But can help you exactly with that! We can provide you assistance in this matter, as well as help you keep your garden thriving, even during its dormancy in winter. Connect with us today!

Want more tips from Kel Lake Garden Centre? Our blog has lots of great information about how to take care of your garden and get the most out of your plants. Check it out today and start planning for a lush, green garden next spring!

Tags:
,
No Comments

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.