November 14, 2023, 4:21 pm | Read time: 4 minutes

Autumn is the final season of the year, known for its vibrant and colorful display. However, these colors are more commonly found on trees rather than in garden beds. In winter, beds and pots are typically filled with wilted, brown plants. But with the right hardy plants, you can bring color to your balcony or garden even in the colder months.

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When we talk about “hardy plants,” it means they can generally withstand the cold winter here. Important: Even in winter, you should care for the plants and water them regularly according to their needs.

1. Christmas Rose

When temperatures drop below freezing, Christmas roses collapse. This is their way of protecting themselves from the cold, but they do not die. A protective layer of fir branches can still help them. The winter plant survives temperatures down to minus ten degrees Celsius unscathed. However, an important note for households with children and pets: Christmas roses are toxic.

Care Tips:

• Use nutrient-rich and lime-rich soil
• Regularly remove old leaves
• Fertilize twice a year with organic material

Also interesting: 10 Plants for Garden and Balcony That Bloom in Winter

2. Winter Heath

Winter heath looks very similar to other heather plants, but its leaves are needle-shaped. It is available in white or more vibrant colors such as red and violet. This winter plant displays its colorful blooms as early as November, but its main blooming phase is in February and March. It can withstand temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius.

Care Tips:

• Use well-drained, sandy-loamy soil
• Regularly trim branches
• Water regularly even in winter

Also interesting: Overwintering Dipladenia – How the Tropical Plant Survives the Cold Season

3. Horned Violet

This variety is smaller than the pansy but looks very similar. At the end of the small flowers (about three centimeters in diameter) are short spurs, which give the horned violet its name. The winter plant can withstand temperatures down to minus 15 degrees Celsius.

Care Tips:

• Sunny to partially shaded location
• Use loose, humus-rich soil
• Cover with fir branches or fleece due to bare frost

Also interesting: How to Plant Winter Purslane in the Garden?

4. Winter Jasmine

Winter jasmine impresses with its bright yellow flowers. It is also the only species in its genus that is hardy. By opening its flowers gradually, the plant protects itself from frost.

Care Tips:

• Sunny to slightly shaded location
• Fertilize every spring with mature compost to boost growth
• Regularly prune as a ground cover

Related: Hardy Ground Covers for the Garden – The Most Beautiful Varieties

5. Chinese Winter Bloom

The Chinese winter bloom is not suitable for balcony boxes as a hardy plant because the shrub can grow up to three meters high and two meters wide. What makes this winter plant special is that its foliage turns yellow-green to even golden yellow in the fall. Although it is hardy, it should be somewhat protected to prevent the branches from freezing.

Care Tips:

• Sunny to partially shaded location
• Use loose, humus-rich soil
• Regular pruning is not necessary

Also interesting: Tips for Properly Caring for the Blooming Christ’s Thorn

6. Glory of the Snow

Another hardy plant is the bulb plant. It is particularly low-maintenance. You can simply leave the star hyacinth to its own devices after planting; it requires no special care and is therefore ideal for hobby gardeners who have little time or no green thumb.

Care Tips:

• Use humus-rich soil
• Partially shaded location
• Requires little maintenance

7. Winter Aster

Also interesting: Planting Bulbs Using the Lasagna Method

Winter asters are known as garden chrysanthemums. They are hardy plants, and the blooming period for many varieties extends until frost. The winter plant is available in many different, vibrant colors, making it a standout in boxes and beds.

Care Tips:

• Sunny and warm location
• Regularly supply with nutrients
• Use nutrient-rich and lime-rich soil