Outdoor Plants That Survive Winter

When the days get shorter and the temperatures start to drop, it's time to start thinking about protecting your outdoor plants from the harsh winter weather. Some plants are more cold-hardy than others, and some can even survive being buried under snow for months. If you're not sure which of your plants will make it through the winter, here's a list of some of the most cold-hardy outdoor plants.

Evergreens

Evergreens are a great choice for winter interest because they keep their leaves all year long. Some of the most cold-hardy evergreens include:

Spruce
Fir
Pine
Juniper
Yew

Deciduous Shrubs

Deciduous shrubs lose their leaves in the fall, but they're still able to survive the winter. Some of the most cold-hardy deciduous shrubs include:

Forsythia
Lilac
Viburnum
Hydrangea
Rhododendron

Perennials

Perennials are plants that come back year after year. Some of the most cold-hardy perennials include:

Hosta
Daylily
Iris
Peony
Coneflower

Bulbs

Bulbs are underground plant parts that store food and water. They're able to survive the winter because they're protected by a thick outer layer. Some of the most cold-hardy bulbs include:

Tulip
Daffodil
Hyacinth
Crocus
Snowdrop

Tips for Protecting Your Plants from the Cold

In addition to choosing cold-hardy plants, there are a few things you can do to help protect your plants from the winter weather:

Mulch around your plants to help insulate the soil and protect the roots from freezing.
Water your plants deeply in the fall to help them store up moisture for the winter.
Prune any dead or diseased branches from your plants to prevent them from becoming a source of infection.
Cover your plants with burlap or plastic to protect them from the wind and cold.

By following these tips, you can help your outdoor plants survive the winter and come back strong in the spring.