Plant now for gorgeous blooms next Spring AND Fall
Cold-Hardy Perennials
Hellebores: Known as the "Christmas Rose" or "Lenten Rose," hellebores bloom in late winter to early spring and can withstand freezing temperatures. They have beautiful, nodding flowers and evergreen foliage.
Sedum (Stonecrop): Sedums are tough, drought-tolerant succulents that can handle cold weather. Varieties like ‘Autumn Joy’ add color in the fall, and many species remain attractive through the winter.
Hostas: Though they die back in winter, hostas are very cold-tolerant and reliably come back year after year. They thrive in partial to full shade and are known for their striking foliage.
Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica): This iris variety is extremely cold-hardy, blooming in early summer with vibrant purple, blue, or white flowers. They tolerate harsh winters and thrive in most soils.
Peonies (Paeonia spp.): These hardy, long-lived perennials can withstand very cold winters. They die back to the ground in winter but come back with stunning blooms in late spring and early summer.
Cold-Hardy Shrubs
Boxwood: Evergreen boxwood shrubs are hardy in cold climates and keep their shape and color through the winter, making them ideal for year-round interest and hedges.
Red Twig Dogwood: This deciduous shrub is famous for its red stems, which stand out in winter landscapes. It can withstand freezing temperatures and provides excellent winter color.
Winterberry: A deciduous holly, winterberry produces bright red berries in late fall that persist into winter, attracting birds. It’s very cold-tolerant and adds vibrant color to winter gardens.
Rugosa Rose: This hardy rose species thrives in cold climates and produces fragrant flowers in summer, followed by large, attractive rose hips that provide winter interest.
Cold-Tolerant Vegetables
Kale: Kale is one of the most cold-hardy vegetables and can survive freezing temperatures, often becoming sweeter after a frost. It’s an excellent choice for fall and winter gardens.
Spinach: Spinach thrives in cooler temperatures and can continue growing well into the colder months, especially if protected with a cold frame or row cover.
Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts are extremely cold-tolerant and even improve in flavor after a frost. They grow slowly but can be harvested into late fall and early winter.
Carrots: Carrots can tolerate light frosts, and if the ground is mulched, they can be harvested well into the fall or even overwintered in mild climates.
Cold-Hardy Trees
Spruce: Spruce trees are extremely hardy and can survive in some of the coldest climates. They are excellent for providing year-round structure and greenery.
Birch: Birch trees, such as the paper birch, are very tolerant of cold climates and can grow in a wide range of soils. Their striking white bark adds interest to winter landscapes.
Maple: Certain varieties, such as sugar maple and Norway maple, are very cold-tolerant and provide beautiful fall color before going dormant for the winter.
By selecting plants that are naturally adapted to cold conditions, you can create a garden that looks great and thrives even in the chilliest months of the year.
Other cold-hardy perennials you can still plant: garlic, sweet pea, bearded iris, daffodils, black-eyed Susan, ranunculus, peas, and wildflower mixes.