There are several cold-hardy plants that withstand low temperatures and even thrive in cold climates. Outdoor Craftsmen has experience with plants that don’t mind the cold and are perfect for adding to your landscape for the ‘in-between’ seasons.
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-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.
