If you’re looking for a winter garden plant, the colder months may be the time to consider flowers. Although flowers may be tougher to kill off than evergreens, they’re still susceptible to frost and cold. For best results, plant an evergreen instead. These types of plants can tolerate cold better than most others, and many of them can survive winter frost. If you’re unsure of which type to choose, read on to learn how to pick the best outdoor plants for winter.
Hellebore
The best way to keep hellebores alive during winter months is to divide them during the fall. Hellebores spread slowly, and need to be divided every couple of years to produce blooms again. Fortunately, this plant can be propagated from seeds or plants that are currently in bloom. They’ll take between two and three years to rebloom, but the process is relatively easy.
The flowering time of hellebores depends on the type you choose. Choose plants that are in bloom and have unmuddied colors. Green hellebores are typically green by design, and you should look for blooms with uniform markings on all petals. Hellebores can tolerate both full and partial shade, although they may not flower as well in a deep shade. Make sure to choose soil that is slightly acidic. The last thing you want is to bury the crown of the plant during winter.
If you’re considering planting a hellebore in your garden, don’t fret – this perennial is easy to grow. It grows upright in a bushy clump, and can reach 8 to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. In good conditions, hellebores can self-seed. They’re best suited for zones 3-8, and they can be a fantastic choice for your garden.
While it’s possible to plant hellebores in the fall, they are susceptible to leaf spot, which is caused by a fungus. Leaf spot affects the leaves and may require the removal of the entire plant. Copper-based fungicides can help combat this problem. However, the affected leaves of hellebores may survive the disease. The best way to keep them healthy is to plant them with companion plants that share the same growing conditions. Companion plants will add contrast, texture and seasonal interest to your garden.
Calendula
If you’re thinking of buying a plant for winter, calendula might be the perfect choice. This plant grows well in a range of soil conditions and is not particularly demanding on watering. However, the plant can suffer from fungal diseases like downy mildew and powdery mildew. To avoid this problem, be sure to space your calendula plants well apart. If you’re planting them close together, be sure to water the soil prior to watering.
Although it does well in outdoor containers and pots, it can also thrive in window boxes. When planted in containers, choose one that has good drainage and is multipurpose. Make sure to use compost made specifically for calendula, as this contains nutrients and a place for its roots. When planting in containers, top-dress with horticultural grit to provide proper drainage for the plant.
When planting calendula in the garden, remember that it needs moderately rich soil that drains well. It is also best to grow it in soil with a pH level around 6.6. You can also grow calendula seeds indoors and then transplant them into the garden. Be sure to cover the seedlings with mulch, since it can easily dry out and die if the soil is too wet. Calendula also tolerates hard freezes and frost.
The flowers of calendula are delicious and attract a variety of beneficial insects. They are also a great companion plant, attracting beneficial insects such as bees and hummingbirds. The flowers of calendula attract bees, which are necessary for the plant’s reproduction. Furthermore, because it belongs to the marigold family, it also helps protect vegetable gardens from pests. Its scent also repels rabbits and other pests.
Blue Ice Bog rosemary
The Blue Ice Bog rosemary is a low-growing shrub with icy blue needle-like foliage and clusters of pink bell-shaped flowers. It loves moist soil and thrives in cold weather. The foliage is a rich shade of blue, which is attractive when the temperature dips. Blue Ice bog rosemary is deer-resistant, as well as easy-to-grow, and will thrive in many conditions, including cold and drought.
The foliage of Blue Ice Bog rosemary will reach about 24 inches tall and three feet wide at maturity. The plant tends to fill out to the ground. Since it grows slowly, it may not perform according to the information on its tag. It may require more frequent waterings if it is placed in containers or in an outdoor area. It cannot survive the winter in containers. Hence, it is best to grow it indoors.
It is highly toxic in large quantities. Native American tribes used the leaves of Bog Rosemary to make a drink. It is native to the bogs and fens of upstate New York and the Adirondack Mountains. However, it should be kept out of reach of children and pets. While bog rosemary is a great plant for winter, it is also poisonous.
In the UK, Blue Ice Bog rosemary is hardy. In the UK, temperatures of eight degrees Celsius may be too cold for this plant to survive, and it will need to be protected from frost. However, it is still one of the most popular plants for winter gardens, and the colder it is, the more likely it will survive and grow. Sowing Blue Ice Bog rosemary in November will ensure that the plant is ready for the winter.
Siberian carpet cypress
Siberian Carpet Cypress, also known as Russian Arbor-Vitae, is a dense groundcover that grows to a spread of twelve feet. This plant is a tough and low-growing perennial that does not require much maintenance. It is extremely hardy, and it looks great against colored wood bark mulch and gravel. Because it grows to such a large size, you can plant several of them in the same area to provide a permanent groundcover.
Fuzzball ™ Siberian Carpet Cypress grows to about 24 inches tall and 3 feet wide when mature. It requires a moist soil, but will tolerate partial shade. This plant prefers a medium amount of water, and is best planted in a raised bed or container. It is low-maintenance and will live for 30 years. Its foliage is attractive and attracts wildlife.
Fuzzball Siberian Carpet Cypress (Microbeta decussata) is another low-maintenance evergreen. It features an interesting texture, and pairs well with other plants. Adam’s Needle Yucca and Empress Wu Hosta are two popular choices for groundcovers. They also lend a contemporary look to any garden.
Its evergreen foliage turns coppery purple in winter and greens up as the warmer weather arrives. It is a ground-hugging variety of dianthus and is cold-hardy in Zones 2 through 8. It is a great groundcover for shady areas, and produces beautiful yellow flowers in summer. The fern-like leaves of this plant also repel pesky bugs.
Snowdrops
One of the best outdoor plants for winter is a mass planting of snowdrops. Snowdrops typically flower from January to March and don’t have many pests or diseases. However, they are poisonous to people and pets, so it’s important to wear gloves when handling them. In addition, snowdrops thrive in containers. In addition to the many benefits of growing snowdrops in containers, you’ll also benefit from the fact that they flower throughout the winter.
Snowdrops grow best in sheltered areas, so they don’t do well in hot climates. They do well when planted after the last frost in your area. They grow well in partial shade or full sun, and they grow particularly well under deciduous trees. In addition, snowdrops grow well when planted with companion plants that have similar growing requirements. This will extend their season of interest. Lastly, Snowdrops are best grown without being overrun by overbearing plants, as they compete for light and water.
Winter is an excellent time to grow flowers in your yard. Snowdrop bulbs are easy to grow and will bloom the following winter. They’ll look great in raised flowerbeds and outdoor pots. They don’t need much fertilizer, but they may benefit from a light fall application. The Christmas rose, for instance, can bloom as early as late December, and can be a fantastic addition to a winter garden.
Snowdrops are a hardy flower for gardens and landscapes. Their delicate stems and beautiful, bell-shaped flowers will brighten a barren area in your yard. They can be planted under trees or in areas with excessive summer shade. The bulbs will grow back without much effort and will multiply by themselves. In addition to their beauty, snowdrops also grow well in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 7.