Complete Gardening
Discover the charm and resilience of perennials that thrive in the chilly falls and frosty winters. These hardy plants not only survive the cold but also add a splash of color and life to your garden when most others have gone dormant.
Explore these 13 best perennials, each with its own unique beauty and characteristics, perfect for withstanding the harsh winter conditions.
Sedum
Sedum, or stonecrop, is a succulent perennial known for its tough, fleshy leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers. It’s perfect for rock gardens and can withstand poor soil and drought conditions, making it a low-maintenance winter choice.
Daylily
Daylilies are known for their adaptability and resilience in cold climates. While their flowers may not last long, their foliage and seed pods provide structure and interest in the winter garden. They require minimal care once established.
Lavender
Lavender is not just for warm climates; hardy varieties can thrive in cold weather too. Their fragrant foliage and flower spikes add a lovely aroma and visual interest to the winter garden, plus they’re great for crafting and culinary uses.
Peony
Peonies are beloved for their stunning, large blooms in spring, but their sturdy structure provides winter interest. These plants are incredibly hardy, surviving extreme cold once established. They’re a timeless addition to any perennial border.
Coral Bells
Coral Bells, or Heucheras, offer vibrant foliage that remains attractive throughout winter. These perennials are versatile, thriving in both shade and sun, and add a pop of color to the otherwise muted winter garden palette.
Siberian Iris
Siberian Irises are known for their graceful, reed-like foliage and stunning spring flowers. In winter, their seed pods and stems add vertical interest, making them a strong choice for cold climates where they can naturalize easily.
Bergenia
Bergenia, sometimes called Pig Squeak, features large, glossy leaves that change to red or bronze in winter. It’s an excellent ground cover for cold climates, adding texture and color to the winter landscape.
Russian Sage
Russian Sage offers airy, silvery foliage and a cloud of purple flowers in late summer to fall. In winter, its stems remain upright, providing structural beauty and contrast against snow, making it a garden favorite.
Japanese Anemone
Japanese Anemones bloom in late summer and fall, but their seed heads provide interest throughout winter. These perennials are perfect for adding height and texture and are tolerant of various soil conditions.
Candytuft
Candytuft is an evergreen perennial with glossy leaves and clusters of white flowers in spring. Its foliage remains attractive throughout winter, making it an excellent border plant for year-round interest in colder areas.
Lenten Rose
Lenten Roses, or Hellebores, are shade-loving perennials that bloom in late winter. They are known for their long-lasting blooms and attractive foliage, providing color and life to the garden when most other plants are dormant.
Ajuga
Ajuga, also known as Bugleweed, is valued for its beautiful foliage and rapid spreading habit. It’s an excellent ground cover for preventing soil erosion and adds rich color to the garden in winter, with leaves that often turn bronze or purple.
Pinks (Dianthus)
Dianthus, or Pinks, are hardy perennials known for their fragrant flowers and attractive foliage. Their silvery leaves stay attractive through winter, providing a lovely contrast to snow and ice in the garden.