November 14, 2023, 4:21 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Autumn is the last season of the year, known for its vibrant and colorful hues. However, these are more often found on trees rather than in garden beds. In winter, beds and pots are usually filled with wilted and therefore brown plants. But with the right hardy plants, color can come to the balcony or garden.
Hard to believe, but even in the cold and frosty winter months, there are plants that bloom colorfully. By choosing such hardy plants, the garden or balcony looks only half as gray and dreary in December, January, and February. Plant enthusiasts can find an overview of suitable plants in this article.
Overview
7 Hardy Plants for Outdoors
When we talk about “hardy plants,” it means they can generally withstand the cold winter in this country. 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 zero, Christmas roses collapse. This is how they protect 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. But an important note for households with children and pets: Christmas roses are poisonous.
Care Tips:
- use nutrient-rich and lime-rich soil
- regularly remove old foliage
- 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 differ as they appear needle-like. You can get them in white or in more vibrant colors such as red and violet. This winter plant displays its colorful blooms as early as November, but the main blooming phase is in February and March. It can withstand temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius.
Care Tips:
- use well-drained and 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 still looks very similar. At the end of the small flowers (about three centimeters in diameter) are short spurs. These give the horned violet its name. The winter plant withstands temperatures down to minus 15 degrees Celsius.
Care Tips:
- sunny to partially shaded location
- use loose and 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. The flower is also the only one of its genus that is hardy. By opening the flowers gradually, the plant protects itself from frost.
Care Tips:
- sunny to slightly shaded location
- fertilize every year in spring with mature compost to boost growth
- also 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. The special feature of this winter plant is that its foliage turns yellow-green to even golden yellow in autumn. Although it is hardy, it should be placed in a somewhat protected location to prevent the branches from freezing.
Care Tips:
- sunny to partially shaded location
- use loose and humus-rich soil
- regular pruning 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 undemanding. You can simply leave the star hyacinth to itself after planting; it requires no special care and is therefore particularly suitable for hobby gardeners who have little time or no green thumb.
Care Tips:
- use humus-rich soil
- partially shaded location
- requires little care
7. Winter Aster
Also interesting: Planting Bulbs with the Lasagna Method
Winter asters are so-called garden chrysanthemums. They are hardy plants, and the blooming period for many varieties extends up to the frost. The winter plant is available in many different, bright colors, making it a special eye-catcher in boxes and beds.
Care Tips:
- sunny and warm location
- regularly supply with nutrients
- use nutrient-rich and lime-rich soil