17 Gorgeous Winter Plants for Outdoor Pots [Cold-Hardy Flowers!]
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As the temperatures plummet and the days become shorter, many of us begin to think about how we can bring a modicum of life and color into our homes. One of the best ways to do this is to cultivate some lovely winter plants for pots. But with so many different options, it can be hard to know where to start.
So, in this blog post, we’re going to look at several beautiful plants for winter pots. That way, you can add a touch of nature to your home this season.
Sound good?
Then let’s continue!
What’s Inside:
Which Plants for Winter Pots Work Best?
One of the great things about plants is that there are endless cultivars and varieties to consider. And while some plants are better suited to particular seasons or climates, plenty will do well in winter pots or outdoor pots. Here are just a few of our favorite indoor and outdoor winter plants for pots.
Winter Flowering Plants for Pots
As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, many gardeners lose interest in their outdoor spaces. (Our editor from icy New England doesn’t blame you!) However, here are a few hardy outdoor winter plants for pots to help brighten up even the dreariest winter day.
1. Erica Carnea
Erica carnea is a popular choice for winter flowering pots, and it’s easy to see why. This low-growing plant produces a profusion of small, pink flowers from December to February. Erica carnea is tolerant of full sun or partial shade, making it a versatile option for brightening up any space.
2. Clivia
A member of the amaryllis family, Clivia is native to South Africa and thrives in warm, humid conditions. The plant produces a cluster of vivid orange or red blooms atop thick, evergreen leaves. Clivia is relatively low-maintenance and can be grown indoors or out. One of our favorite outdoor winter plants for pots!
3. Cyclamen
Cyclamen are another excellent choice for winter pots as they produce beautiful blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white. They’re also relatively easy to care for and don’t need too much attention. However, they can be toxic to pets if ingested, so keep this in mind if you have furry friends at home.
Cyclamen are one of our top winter flowering plants for pots!
4. Christmas Rose
Christmas roses are one of the best winter flowering plants for pots. They are surprisingly easy to grow and care for, and they produce beautiful white flowers that bloom in the winter. Christmas roses are also very tough and can withstand cold temperatures and frost.
5. Snowdrops
These delicate blooms are among the first flowers to appear in spring, and their dainty white petals add a touch of elegance to any setting. Snowdrops are also relatively easy to cultivate. And they thrive in both sun and shade.
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Outdoor Winter Plants for Pots
Outdoor winter plants for pots are a great way to add color and life to your home during the colder months. Here are some lovely options.
1. Boxwood
This evergreen shrub is relatively low-maintenance and can provide year-round interest in your garden. Boxwood is also tolerant of diverse weather conditions, making it a perfect choice for those who live in colder climates. When selecting a pot for your boxwood, choose one that feels heavy and one with ample drainage holes.
This lovely little boxwood grows best in zones 5-8. It grows 3-4ft tall and 4-5ft wide.
It's very compact, which makes it excellent for winter containers, edges, and border planting. Best in full to part sun.
2. Juniper
Junipers come in various sizes and shapes, so you can easily find one that fits your space. They also come in many colors, from deep green to vibrant blue. Many junipers also feature berries that pop with festive color during the colder months. They’re perfect if you’re looking for a bit of color in your winter landscape.
3. Wintergreen
Wintergreen is a vibrant evergreen that produces small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, or red. The plant is native to North America and Europe. It thrives in shady areas with moist soil.
4. Japanese Yew
Japanese Yew is a beautiful evergreen that is perfect for growing in pots. It has dense, dark-green needles and a compact growth habit, making it an ideal choice for small spaces. Japanese Yew is also very tolerant of cold weather, making it a perfect choice for winter outdoor pots.
5. Blue Spruce
This evergreen tree is known for its beautiful blue-green needles, which remain bright throughout winter. Blue spruce is another low-maintenance plant, making it an excellent choice for busy homeowners.
6. Ligustrum
Ligustrum is a genus of about 50 species of trees and shrubs in the family Oleaceae. They are native to Eurasia, with marked diversity in China and India. These plants are typically evergreen, but some deciduous species exist.
All ligustrums have opposite, simple leaves and small, white flowers arranged in clusters. They have small black berries and are famous landscape plants prized for their glossy leaves and easy care.
Several species make lovely foundation plants or hedges. They can also be grown in containers, making them versatile outdoor winter potted plant candidates.
7. Ornamental Cabbage
Ornamental cabbage is a member of the mustard family and is related to kale and Brussels sprouts. It is a cool-weather annual that grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. The plants typically reach a height of 12-18 inches and have large, flat leaves that are often brightly colored.
Ornamental cabbages are available in a breathtaking array of colors, including white, pink, purple, and red. They are an excellent addition to any winter garden and are relatively easy to grow.
Indoor Winter Plants for Pots
As the weather cools and days grow shorter, many gardeners find their outdoor plantings beginning to fade. But there’s no need to despair! Creating a stunning indoor garden that will last throughout the winter months is easy! It all starts with choosing the right plant.
Here are some of our favorites!
1. Camellias
If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your home during winter, consider adding camellias to your decor. Camellias are one of the best indoor plants for winter pots. They boast beautiful blossoms in various colors. And they’re relatively easy to nurture from within your home. Even better, camellias can prosper in low-light conditions, making them ideal for brightening up a windowsill or fireplace mantel.
2. Sweet Violet
These charming little flowers are well-suited to life indoors. And they will bloom prolifically even in low-light conditions. Sweet violets also have a delicate scent that can brighten up any room.
3. Pansies
Pansies are one of the most popular flowers for winter pots. They come in a lovely range of colors, and their delicate blooms add a touch of elegance to any setting. They also don’t require much indoor care, which makes them ideal for busy homesteaders. But ensure you keep an eye on them during cold spells if you keep them outdoors! They can be susceptible to frost damage.
4. Creeping Jenny
This hardy plant is perfect for growing in pots, and its lush leaves will add a splash of color to any room.
Although it prefers bright, indirect light, Creeping Jenny will tolerate lower light levels. Water when the soil feels dry. With its low-maintenance requirements and lively foliage, Creeping Jenny is an ideal plant for bringing a bit of life to your indoor space during the winter.
5. Coral Bells
A member of the heuchera family, coral bells is a perennial known for its beautiful foliage. The leaves come in diverse colors, including green, purple, and red shades. Coral bells also produce small, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in the spring. When grown in pots, coral bells can reach a height of 12 to 18 inches.
Coral bells make an ideal plant for winter pots. Their compact size and decorative leaves make them perfect for containers. In addition to being easy to care for, coral bells require very little light and can even tolerate some shade.
Winter Plants for Pots – Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for ways to add a touch of nature to your home this winter, then investing in some plants for your pots is a great idea. Plenty of varieties can do well in colder conditions, so you’re sure to find something that suits your taste and style.
But make sure you conduct your research before you buy! And give your plants the proper care and attention they need to thrive.
If you follow those simple rules? We think your wintry plants will perform marvelously!
In the meantime – we invite you to chime in!
Which are your favorite plants for winter pots?
We love hearing from fellow cold-weather growers.
And we welcome your feedback.
Thanks again for reading.
And have a great day!