17 Winter Container Plants That Will Brighten Up a Bleak Garden

Stone garden arrangement with spring flowers in large concrete plant pots. Close up of helleborus flowers also known as snow rose. — Credit: NRuedisueli / Getty Images

There's no denying that the garden can look bleak in winter. Summer and fall-blooming varieties have lost their flowers and many trees drop their leaves once temperatures begin to dip. But you can still add charm to your landscape with winter container plants. Many frost-tolerant varieties flourish in containers during winter, providing color and texture when everything else in your yard is past its prime. Ahead, we're sharing expert-recommended winter container plants that will survive the chilly season.

01 of 17

Red Twig Dogwood

Red twig dogwood (Cornus sericea) can survive in areas that experience freezing winter temperatures. "Its red leaves (or gold if you go with the yellow variety) provide a striking contrast against a snowy background," says Justin Hancock, horticulturist for Costa Farms. "No pruning is required over the winter, but you may want to water it if the soil in the container dries out." It's a wonderful addition to large containers.

Zones: 3 to 8
Size: 6 to 9 feet tall x 8 to 12 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; acidic, well-draining soil

02 of 17

Green-and-Gold

Green-and-gold (Chrysogonum virginianum) provides a beautiful and enduring display even in the middle of winter, with its striking evergreen foliage that forms a spreading mat, says Mary Phillips, head of native plant habitat strategy and certifications at the National Wildlife Federation. In early spring it will yield beautiful yellow daisy-like blooms.

Zones: 5 to 9
Size: 6 to 12 inches tall 36 to 48 inches wide
Care requirements: Partial to full shade; average, moist soil

03 of 17

Moss Phlox

Moss phlox (Phlox subulata) is a deer-resistant ground cover that produces lush, evergreen foliage that remains vibrant throughout winter, says Phillips. In early spring, a profusion of delicate blooms forms. "Phlox’s cold-hardy nature and compact growth habit make it an ideal choice for winter containers in zones 3 to 9," she says.

Zone: 3 to 9
Size: 6 inches tall x 24 to 36 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun; moist, well-drained soil

04 of 17

Hellebore

Hellebores (Helleborus spp.) add elegance to winter containers with their bell-shaped blooms that stay healthy even in snowy conditions. "This versatile perennial is available in various foliage textures, bloom colors, and blooming periods," says Phillips.

Zones: 3 to 9
Size: 1 to 2 feet tall x 1 to 2 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-draining soil

05 of 17

Dusty Miller

Dusty miller (Jacobaea maritima) has silver, velvety leaves that offer texture and contrast in winter containers. Laura Walsh, director of marketing for Oasis Forage Products especially loves how this plant looks alongside winter pansies (Viola hiemalis). "These plants grow well in cool temperatures, and their resilient nature and unique colors make them ideal for growing in cutting garden containers and arranging indoors, creating a cozy winter display," she says.

Zones: 7 to 11
Size: 12 inches tall or more x 12 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; slightly moist, well-drained soil

06 of 17

Viola

Another beautiful pairing for pansies is viola (Viola spp.). "In areas that only get heavy frosts, pansy and viola are charming, colorful choices that can flower throughout the winter months," says Hancock. "They’re one of the best plants for customizing your look because they come in just about every color you could ask for, from white to dark, purple-black. Keep them well watered and fertilize periodically over the winter for the biggest bloom show."

Zones: 3 to 8
Size: 4 to 10 inches tall x 4 to 10 inches wide
Care requirements: Full to partial sun; moist, well-draining soil