Winter is coming. The days are getting shorter and we\u2019re beginning to make preparations around the house for colder temperatures. We may already be experiencing feelings of dread for the long winter months, but there\u2019s one thing we can do to brighten our spirits: look forward to a splash of color in the garden. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To help us prepare for the gray and cold days, we can get some of our favorite pots ready for planting (yes, even in the winter!). Here are 10 year-round container plants that can tolerate the winter freeze\u2014even if we don\u2019t think we<\/em> can survive them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to Holly, the quintessential cold-weather plant<\/a> (thanks to its evergreen foliage and ability to withstand cold temperatures), there are several other ways to brighten up the gloomy winter months.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n All of the following plants are well-suited to South Shore Massachusetts\u2019 hardiness zone (head here<\/a> to learn more about climate zones). <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you know anything about arborvitae, you\u2019re likely picturing a large, tall evergreen. While you can certainly grow arborvitae to reach its average height (15 feet)\u2014making it perfect for privacy screens and wind breaks\u2014planting it in a container will keep it more compact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to providing a wind break to keep your patio, porch, or deck slightly insulated from the winter chill, you\u2019ll get to enjoy its rich green color<\/a> all winter long. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Known as \u2018Winter Glow,\u2019 this clump-forming evergreen perennial truly stands out with its thick red stems and dark pink flowers that make their appearance in late fall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Its colorful expression doesn\u2019t stop there though\u2014the Heartleaf Bergenia has deep green flowers that take on a dark bronze-red appearance once winter hits, providing some much needed color when everything else appears dull and gray. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Perfect for beginners, this Bergenia is easy to grow and very low maintenance, It\u2019s disease-free and not demanding in terms of water or fertilizer. It\u2019s also resistant to common pests like rabbits and deer (but still watch out for slugs and snails). <\/p>\n\n\n\n This broadleaf and upright evergreen is typically grown as a hedge, but also does well in a container. The evergreen foliage will retain its attractive green color throughout the winter. However, be careful to keep it away from strong winter winds and full sun, otherwise the foliage may take on a brownish-yellow color\u2014known as \u201cwinter burn\u201d. Better yet, periodically rotate the container so that the plant experiences even exposure to light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Growing it in a container will keep this boxwood smaller and with a more elegant shape than other boxwoods. While it\u2019s a slow-growing shrub, you\u2019ll notice that over time, \u2018Green Mountain\u2019 grows into an elegant pyramid shape, making it a great adornment for a patio or deck. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While rock cotoneaster is considered an evergreen and can withstand temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit, you may notice that some of the small leaves disappear at temperatures around this. However, it\u2019s the berries that truly stand out on this winter-friendly container planet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The winter berries are the point of interest for this plant, making it a perfect addition for a cottage-style garden. The small pome fruits will ripen between September and October and the foliage will take on a purplish color in winter. Rock cotoneaster is native to China and is perfect as a creeping or draping plant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s nothing quite like a yucca. It\u2019s become quite a popular garden choice because it combines well with other plants\u2014not to mention its striking spiky shape, which is a great visual asset year-round. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The evergreen plant is hardy and is known for its toughness. It\u2019s easy to grow, native to some areas of Central and North America, and a perfect low-maintenance plant for a container. Tolerant to drought, deers, and frost\u2014this is one year-round container plant that should be in every garden. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This frost-hardy plant is perfect to have in a pot, but it\u2019s the delicate white and rosy-pink colors that truly make it something special. The fall-flowering bulb produces twisted petals that have a splash of magenta in them. Even better, they start to bloom when temperatures drop\u2014so you can expect their beautiful splash of color in fall, winter, and sometimes even spring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike most other perennials, cyclamen becomes dormant in the hot and dry months of summer. For this reason, you\u2019ll want to plant the bulbs in fall so that you can enjoy the slightly honey-scented blooms for several weeks and their accompanying dark green foliage for the entire winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s nothing quite as rewarding as an evergreen shrub that flowers during the winter months. This is what you can expect with certain varieties of Camellias. Known as \u201cqueens of the winter flowers,\u201d these evergreen shrubs have exquisite pink, magenta, and salmon-colored blooms that can truly light up a garden when everything else is sleeping. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Japanese Camellia (Camellia japonica<\/em>) is the best option for the winter garden, preceded by it\u2019s fall-blooming relative, Camellia sasanqua<\/em>. You\u2019ll be able to enjoy the five-inch blooms from late winter to mid-spring\u2014exactly when we can all use something to brighten our spirits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Camellia x williamsii<\/em> varieties are the true stars of winter, though. The hybrids are vigorous, hardy, and can tolerate low light. Even better, they\u2019ll bloom for months\u2014in some cases from November until April. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Either alone or as a complement to one of the other container plants on this list, Fuldaglut sedum can make a big splash with its tiny foliage. The delicately scalloped leaves transform from a dark green color to bronze-red or burgundy in winter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a quick growing plant, even in poor soil. While it\u2019s typically used as a ground cover, if put in a large container, the plant will spread quickly\u2014producing pollinator-friendly pink flowers in summer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n During winter, the frost-hardy succulent will thrive outdoors, especially when in full sun. This plant is hard to kill, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This dwarf evergreen shrub is a common winter-friendly container plant. Native to China, Taiwan, and Afghanistan, this juniper is now a popular choice for American gardeners\u2014thanks to its stunning foliage and low-maintenance nature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Perfect in a rock garden or container, this sun lover grows well in any type of soil and provides a beautiful splash of purple color during the winter months. Its season of interest isn\u2019t just winter though, you can expect the stunning and showy foliage to look great all year long, especially in a coastal or cottage garden. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Commonly known as lily-of-the-valley bush or fetterbush, this slow-growing evergreen shrub is native to Japan, Taiwan, and China. It typically grows in mountain thickets, which says something about its hardiness in winter temperatures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The showy white or pink inflorescences make their appearance in late winter, following the floral dark red or pink buds that are attractive throughout fall and winter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The foliage makes for another seasonal stand-out feature. The evergreen foliage impresses all year long, transitioning between green, greenish-yellow, bronze-red, and purplish colors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Winter is tough\u2014for both humans and plants. While we may enjoy the strong winter sun, our plants may not be able to tolerate it as well. Additionally, they\u2019ll have to withstand gusty winter winds and a risk of drying out. What\u2019s more of a stressor, however, is the risk of root damage caused by constantly changing temperatures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fortunately, we can do several things to give our plants the best chances for survival\u2014even when the mercury drops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When picking out a container for your year-round plants, you\u2019ll want to take drainage into consideration. If you have a container that doesn\u2019t have a hole in the bottom, you\u2019ll need to drill one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Alternatively, if there is a hole\u2014but it\u2019s too large\u2014you might want to add a paper coffee filter at the bottom so that you don\u2019t lose any soil. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Beware of containers that come with pre-attached saucers<\/strong>. These may look great from a convenience standpoint, but you may find that emptying any overflow is difficult, which may result in waterlogged roots\u2014or worse, the collected water may freeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly, don\u2019t worry about adding gravel<\/strong> in the bottom of the container. This is a myth that has proven to be unnecessary, and may actually do more harm than good [11]. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just as the roots are your main concern with watering, they should also receive some special attention when preparing for the cold winter months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We certainly don\u2019t like to experience constant fluctuations in temperature, and neither do your roots. Leaves and stems may be able to withstand cold, icy conditions, but the roots are more susceptible to cold damage\u2014particularly the roots of young, immature plants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re able to, try to sink your potted plant into the ground<\/strong>, then surround with wood chips or another type of mulch to provide some added insulation. The ground temperature will remain more constant and your container won\u2019t be exposed to the elements as much. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you can\u2019t physically insert the potted plant into the ground, be sure to remove it from the pavement and simply place it on the ground instead. Pavement undergoes the freeze-thaw cycle more severely than the ground, as it can be heated by the sun and then experience a considerable drop of temperature during the night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If possible, it\u2019s also best to put the container in an area that\u2019s typically shadier<\/strong>\u2014generally on the north or east side of your house. Southern exposures are known to have the greatest fluctuations in temperature, so these areas should be avoided. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If this is still impossible\u2014say, for instance, that you live in an apartment and don\u2019t have much room outside of a patio\u2014then you still have a few options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Choosing the right container is absolutely essential when it comes to overwintering your plants. Here are a few things to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stone, fiberglass, iron, lead, or heavy plastic<\/strong> are the best materials for a winter-friendly and frost-proof container. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Wood containers are generally pretty durable, and also make for good winter containers. Containers made with non-porous materials (i.e. plastic, metal, or concrete) are also durable and can withstand the elements\u2014but they can get heavy very quickly, and may be difficult to move. Additionally, plastic pots may crack after being exposed to the elements for several seasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Resin or foam pots are a lightweight option to metal or concrete, but they may topple\u2014especially with taller plants like arborvitae. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Glazed pottery will work well throughout the winter. Untreated porous containers, like ceramic and terra cotta may not be able to withstand the constant temperature fluctuations. They may end up cracking from the stress of a freeze-thaw cycle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re sold on your terra cotta pot, however, you can do something to winterize it: paint the inside with pool paint [12]. This will help to prevent cracks from forming by minimizing the amount of moisture that\u2019s able to get into the porous surface. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With less rainfall occurring over winter, you\u2019ll have to take the watering schedule into your own hands. To minimize the risk of freezing water, the best time to water your plants is during the day, when temperatures are highest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While it may seem unnecessary to water during winter, your plants will still need adequate moisture. Plus, water will actually provide some warmth to the plant\u2019s roots. Your dry plants may seem healthy during the winter, but inadequate watering may cause latent damage that isn\u2019t noticed until spring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fortunately, there\u2019s still time to get your garden ready for some year-round foliage\u2014and we\u2019d be happy to help! Feel free to get in touch<\/a> with any questions you might have about winter-friendly plants, or how to get started early with some springtime garden preparations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n10 Year-Round Container Plants <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How to Properly Overwinter Plants in Containers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Promote Healthy Drainage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Protect Against Temperature Fluctuations <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Choose the Right Container<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Water Properly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Get Ready to Bundle Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n