Creating vibrant winter displays with hanging baskets and potted plants can brighten up your outdoor space during the colder months. Winter plants for hanging baskets and pots need to be resilient enough to withstand lower temperatures while still providing color, texture, and interest. Below is a guide on some of the best options for both types of containers and how to make the most of them.
Best Plants for Winter Hanging Baskets
- Pansies and Violas
These are classic choices for winter hanging baskets because of their hardiness and bright colors. They bloom consistently, even in cooler weather, and their compact size makes them perfect for smaller spaces. Pansies and violas come in a wide range of colors, from deep purples and blues to soft pastels and vibrant yellows, providing plenty of options to mix and match. - Ivy (Hedera helix)
Ivy adds a lovely trailing element to hanging baskets, offering texture and a sense of fullness. Its evergreen leaves stay vibrant throughout winter, and ivy is versatile enough to work as a backdrop for flowering plants like pansies. Variegated ivy varieties bring an added layer of interest with their green and white leaves. - Cyclamen
Known for their unique, delicate blooms, cyclamen are a great choice for adding color to winter baskets. These plants come in shades of pink, red, and white, which stand out beautifully against darker foliage. Cyclamen are frost-tolerant and will last through the winter if placed in sheltered spots. - Winter-Flowering Heathers (Erica carnea)
Heather is ideal for hanging baskets in winter because it provides color, structure, and volume. Winter-flowering varieties bloom in shades of pink, purple, and white, adding brightness to dreary days. Heathers also attract pollinators, like bees, during any warmer spells in winter. - Trailing Vinca (Vinca minor)
This plant is a hardy, trailing evergreen with dark green leaves and delicate blue or white flowers. Vinca adds a cascading effect to hanging baskets and can tolerate cold weather, staying green and lush throughout winter.
Best Winter Plants for Pots
- Evergreen Shrubs (e.g., Boxwood, Dwarf Conifers)
Small evergreen shrubs and dwarf conifers bring structure and height to winter pots, giving them a fuller and more defined look. Boxwood or small varieties of spruce, pine, or juniper are excellent choices as they retain their foliage year-round and can handle cold weather. They provide a good foundation and pair well with flowering plants. - Skimmia
Skimmia is a shrub that produces clusters of red berries and has glossy, green leaves. The berries last through winter, adding a splash of color. Skimmia also has fragrant white or pink flowers in spring, making it an ideal year-round choice for pots. - Hellebores (Christmas Rose)
Hellebores are well-known winter bloomers, often flowering from late fall through early spring. Their blooms come in shades of white, pink, purple, and green, offering a soft contrast to winter landscapes. Hellebores are also shade-tolerant, making them ideal for pots on shaded patios or porches. - Winter Ornamental Kale and Cabbage
These hardy plants add color and texture with their ruffled leaves in shades of green, purple, pink, and white. They thrive in cool weather and can survive frosty conditions. Ornamental kale and cabbage are typically grown for their foliage rather than blooms, creating a bold and dramatic look. - Primroses
Primroses are early bloomers that can handle winter conditions and are often among the first to flower at the end of winter. They come in vibrant colors like red, yellow, blue, and purple, making them perfect for adding a cheerful note to pots. - Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen)
Wintergreen is a low-growing plant with small, round leaves and bright red berries. It’s both decorative and resilient, with the added bonus of a minty fragrance. Wintergreen can handle frosty conditions and is ideal for pots or even as ground cover around other plants.
Tips for Creating Winter-Ready Hanging Baskets and Pots
- Layering for Interest and Insulation
Place taller plants in the center of pots and add trailing plants around the edges. This approach provides a well-rounded look and creates a layer of insulation for more sensitive plants in the center. - Sheltered Locations
Position hanging baskets and pots in areas that provide some shelter from harsh winds, such as near walls or on a porch. This will protect your plants and help them last longer through colder periods. - Consider Adding Moss or Mulch
Adding a layer of moss or mulch on the surface of the soil helps retain moisture and protect roots from extreme temperatures. - Use Frost-Resistant Containers
Make sure your pots are frost-resistant to avoid cracking or breaking. Ceramic, resin, and fiberglass are good options for winter pots.
By choosing a variety of winter-hardy plants and thoughtfully arranging them, you can keep your outdoor spaces colorful and inviting, even during the colder months. With these plants and care tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful, resilient hanging baskets and pots that add a touch of warmth to winter days.