The beauty of your garden in the spring and summer quickly fades from memory as the weather turns colder. Just because winter is on the way doesn’t mean you should forget about your garden. In fact, some plants and perennials can survive all winter and keep your garden looking great all year long!
When winter arrives, cold climate plants can thrive. When our springtime favorites take a long winter’s snooze, these winter plants add intrigue, texture, and a hint of the unusual to the landscape and do it in style. Maine’s winters can be very harsh. Winter plant life is difficult due to a lack of sunlight, mountains of snow, and below-freezing temperatures, but still, several winter plants can withstand the cold. Are you worried about what to plant in winter? The cold climate plants listed in this blog will help keep the garden looking lovely all year long.
Lily Of The Valley
The lily of the valley is a hardy plant, despite how delicate it appears. It is an excellent choice for a location that only receives partial sunlight because it can tolerate shade. The plant is also resistant to deer and other animals due to its poisonous nature.
Blue Spruce
The blue spruce tree is an exceptionally beautiful winter tree. It is hardy in Zones 2–7, making it suited for a vast area of the United States, and it looks lovely when covered in snow. This tree works well as a wind and sound cover. Use caution when applying pesticides to this tree as they may remove the needle covering that gives the blue spruce its distinctive color.
Wintergreen Boxwood
Another plant that looks wonderful under a layer of snow is the wintergreen boxwood. For winter protection, its shallow roots require substantial mulch coverage. Wintergreen boxwood is adaptable and can be used as a hedge because it is hardy in Zones 4–9. This boxwood is more resistant to common boxwood pests than other varieties.
Catmint
Catmint is a fantastic, hardy substitute for lavender because of its beautiful purple coloration and fragrant nature. Additionally, this blossom is particularly tough. It can withstand partial sun, dryness, and even poor soil conditions and be deer resistant.
Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Coral Bells are wonderful complements to shaded settings, but they need soil that drains well. If these winter flowers are planted in a container, they should be relocated to the ground before the first frost because they are hardy in Zones 3 through 9.
Pansies
A cool-weather favorite, pansies are great for both spring and fall gardens! This plant has hardiness in Zone 4. Even while pansies can withstand shockingly low temperatures, it is still vital to use frost-protection methods in the winter, such as mulching or covering them with pine straw. Additionally, this will shield them from the pansies’ constant thirst-inducing strong winds. Pansies can be planted in late winter to be ready for early spring blooming.
Hostas
Hostas prefer moderate sun and are hardy to Zone 3. Make sure to mulch over their short, fleshy roots, so they are not exposed to frost. The hostas plant’s large surface area makes it more susceptible to rapid dryness; therefore, the mulch will aid in keeping the soil hydrated. Otherwise, hostas do not need much protection during the winter.
Winterberries
As they are frequently used in winter decor, winterberries are a recognizable winter plant. These winter plants may withstand Zone 2 cold weather if planted in the fall. Winterberries will brighten up your winter garden because they prefer moist soil and full sun.
Primrose
Primroses, like hostas, have shallow roots that need to be covered with mulch throughout the winter to keep moisture in. Primrose is a common plant in fairy gardens and is hardy in Zones 3 to 8. It enjoys the light shade.
Brown’s Yew
The Brown’s Yew is a low-maintenance cold-weather plant that needs sunlight and watering every other week. It is a fantastic option for homesteaders who wish to experiment with growing bonsai trees because it grows slowly and can take harsh trimming.
Witch Hazel
This plant is well-known for its vibrant orange blossoms and astringent qualities, making it an effective ingredient in skincare products. The fact that it needs chilly winters to bloom properly is good news for homesteaders in particularly cold regions. Although witch hazel can grow in any soil, moist soil is best for them. Once they reach maturity, they need little pruning to keep their shape and little to no moisture.
Honeyworts
When it becomes cold outside, honeywort leaves turn a stunning deep blue, making them a sight to behold. They self-seed in cold climates, supplying a steady supply of plants all year.
It can thrive in various soil conditions and grow in pots and on the ground. If you want your honeyworts to have the brightest color, put them outside in the sun.
Are you feeling inspired and ready to plant cold-climate plants in your winter garden? Call Stone Solutions Maine today to learn more about our landscaping services throughout Southern Maine.