The Best Frost-Tolerant Plants for Winter Gardens

When the temperatures drop and frost coats the ground, most gardens retreat into hibernation. But with the right frost-tolerant plants, your winter garden can still offer color, texture, and life—even in New England’s coldest months.

At Linehan Landscaping, we help homeowners design landscapes that thrive all year round. Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading your existing space, choosing hardy plant options is key to successful winter gardening.

Here’s a guide to the best frost-tolerant plants for landscaping in cold climates, so you can keep your outdoor space looking vibrant—even after the first freeze.

Why Choose Frost-Tolerant Plants?

Frost-tolerant plants are designed to survive—and even thrive—in colder weather. Unlike tender annuals, these resilient varieties can handle freezing temperatures, making them ideal for New England’s unpredictable winters.

Benefits of frost-tolerant landscaping include:

Year-round curb appeal: Keep your garden interesting during the off-season.
Lower maintenance: No need to dig up or protect delicate species.
Sustainable design: Native and hardy plants often require less water and care.
Wildlife support: Some winter plants provide food and shelter for birds and pollinators.

By planning with cold-weather resilience in mind, you’ll create a landscape that stands strong in every season.

Top Frost-Tolerant Plants for Cold Climates

Here are some of the best winter garden plants that can handle frosty conditions and still offer visual interest.

1. Hellebores (Lenten Rose)

Zone: 4–9
Highlights: Blooms in late winter to early spring
Why We Love It: Hellebores are evergreen perennials that flower even in freezing weather. Their downward-facing blooms come in shades of white, pink, and purple.

2. Ornamental Kale and Cabbage

Zone: Grown as annuals, but frost-tolerant
Highlights: Vibrant foliage in purple, green, and white
Why We Love It: These plants don’t flower, but their ruffled leaves add color and structure to garden beds. They often look their best after a few frosts.

3. Witch Hazel

Zone: 3–9
Highlights: Fragrant, spidery blooms in mid- to late-winter
Why We Love It: Witch hazel is one of the few shrubs that flowers during the coldest months. It also provides beautiful fall foliage.

4. Boxwood

Zone: 5–9
Highlights: Evergreen foliage, great for structure and borders
Why We Love It: A classic in formal landscaping, boxwood maintains its shape and color throughout winter, providing a green backdrop when everything else goes bare.

5. Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)

Zone: 3–9
Highlights: Bright red berries that attract birds
Why We Love It: This deciduous holly variety loses its leaves in fall but keeps its striking berries through the winter. It’s especially eye-catching against snow.

6. Sedum (Stonecrop)

Zone: 3–9
Highlights: Dried flower heads add winter interest
Why We Love It: While sedum is mostly known for summer and fall blooms, its dried flower heads and sturdy stalks can provide texture even after frost.

7. Pansies and Violas

Zone: 4–9 (depending on variety)
Highlights: Bright blooms that can survive light frost
Why We Love It: These cheerful annuals are surprisingly cold-tolerant and will often bounce back after frosty nights. Perfect for containers and borders.

8. Evergreen Ferns (like Christmas Fern)

Zone: 3–8
Highlights: Lush green foliage through winter
Why We Love It: Ferns like the Christmas Fern maintain their color and form, offering softness and contrast in colder landscapes.

Design Tips for a Winter-Ready Garden

Plant selection is just one part of landscaping in cold climates. For a truly winter-hardy garden, consider these design and care strategies:

Use Evergreens as Anchors

Evergreens like juniper, spruce, and arborvitae provide structure and color throughout the winter. Use them as focal points, hedges, or privacy screens.

Incorporate Texture and Contrast

Use a mix of foliage types—broadleaf, needle, and textured stems—to keep the garden visually engaging. Pair dried grasses with glossy leaves or bright berries for contrast.

Plan for Year-Round Interest

Mix frost-tolerant perennials with plants that bloom in early spring or late fall. This ensures your garden always has something going on, even during transition months.

Protect Vulnerable Plants

Even hardy plants benefit from a little winter prep. Apply mulch around the base of shrubs to insulate roots and reduce freeze-thaw cycles.

Container Gardening for Winter

Don’t overlook your planters and containers! You can create beautiful, frost-tolerant displays using:

Dwarf evergreens
Ornamental kale
Pansies and violas
Birch logs and pine cones
Seasonal accents like red twig dogwood or winterberry branches

Switch out summer arrangements for winter-friendly options in late fall. With the right plants, your entryway or porch can stay vibrant well into the new year.

Expert Help for Cold-Climate Landscaping

Designing a winter-ready garden takes thoughtful plant selection and a strategic layout. At Linehan Landscaping, we specialize in crafting beautiful, functional landscapes that hold up through the toughest New England winters.

From frost-tolerant plant installations to evergreen designs, our team has the knowledge and experience to make your outdoor space thrive year-round. We also offer maintenance, drainage solutions, and hardscaping to support your garden in every season.

Give Your Garden a Winter Makeover

Don’t let the cold keep your yard looking dull. With the right hardy plant options, your landscape can shine through snow and frost. Whether you need design guidance or full-service landscaping, Linehan Landscaping is here to help you create a space that’s as tough as it is beautiful.

Call us today at 603-894-4100 or Contact Us Here to get started on your winter garden transformation!