# 15 Perennial Plants That Can Overwinter Naturally

**By LeiStella** · 2024-12-12

It can be disheartening to invest in beautiful perennials only to see them succumb to harsh winter conditions. Selecting the right species is crucial to ensure year-round vitality and minimize the need for labor-intensive overwintering practices. Whether you aspire to create a tropical ambiance in a temperate region, add winter interest, or achieve early spring blooms, our curated list of cold-hardy perennials offers a variety of options that can thrive with minimal intervention.

## 1.[Peon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peony)y

Northern gardeners can rely on [peonies](https://www.bhg.com/gardening/flowers/perennials/all-about-peonies/) to provide a spring festival of color. These plants are tough enough to survive long, frigid winters. [Peonies are available in a wide variety of flower forms and colors](https://www.bhg.com/gardening/flowers/perennials/peony-types/), so you should have no trouble finding one or more that fits in with the rest of your garden's design.

-   Light: Full sun to partial shade
-   USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
-   Soil: Medium moist,well-drained soil
-   Mature Size: Up to 3 feet tall and wide

## 2.[Collards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collard_\(plant\))

Among the cole crops, collards stand out for their exceptional winter hardiness. Some varieties can thrive in temperatures as low as 0°F. Additionally, cool-season collards mature quickly, often within 40 to 65 days, making them an excellent choice for rapid harvest.

-   USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11
-   Days to maturity: 40 to 65
-   Light: Full
-   Soil: Moist, well-drained
-   Mature size: 8-14 in. tall, 12-18 in. wide

![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0612/6292/1970/files/2_aa8a9afd-b936-4c2f-a0a3-60d2a61691bf.jpg?v=1733992698)

## 3.[Winter Heath](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erica_carnea)

One of the most cold-tolerant heathers, winter heath is native to the European Alps and can withstand temperatures as low as -20°F. It provides early color and sustenance for pollinators. Ensure it has protection from strong winds and intense winter sunlight.

-   USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
-   Flower Color: Pink, cream, white
-   Light: Full, partial
-   Soil: Moist, well-drained
-   Mature size: Up to 12 in. tall

## 4、[Hostas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosta)

Easy-to-care-for, leafy hostas are perfect [plants for a shady spot](https://www.thespruce.com/plants-that-grow-in-full-shade-4767389) in your yard. Many species grow back the following year, even when temperatures reach as low as -40°F in winter. Pick hostas when you’re looking to achieve a lush, tropical feel in regions that are anything but balmy.

-   USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
-   Flower Color: White, purple, pink
-   Light: Partial, shade
-   Soil: Loamy, well-drained
-   Mature size: 6–48 in. tall, 10–60 in. wide

## 5.[Iceland Poppies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papaver_nudicaule)

For regions with severe winters, Iceland poppies are an excellent choice. These robust plants offer vibrant color in spring and early summer, even when temperatures plummet to -50°F. Note that these plants are toxic to both humans and pets.

-   USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-7
-   Flower Color: Pink, red, orange, yellow, white
-   Light: Full, partial
-   Soil: Fertile, well-drained
-   Mature size: 1–2 ft. high, 1–2 ft. wide

## 6.[Ostrich Ferns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matteuccia)

[Ferns](Ferns,%20particularly%20ostrich%20ferns,%20are%20perfect%20for%20adding%20dramatic,%20textural%20elements%20to%20shaded,%20damp%20areas.%20Ostrich%20ferns%20are%20exceptionally%20cold-hardy,%20capable%20of%20surviving%20temperatures%20as%20low%20as%20-40%C2%B0F.), particularly ostrich ferns, are perfect for adding dramatic, textural elements to shaded, damp areas. Ostrich ferns are exceptionally cold-hardy, capable of surviving temperatures as low as -40°F.

-   USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7
-   Light: Partial, shade
-   Soil: Fertile, moist
-   Mature size: 3-6 ft. tall, 5-8 ft. wide

## 7.[Panicle Hydrangea](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hydrangea-paniculata/)

Even when winter temperatures drop to close to -30°F, you can still enjoy an impressive burst of blooms from fast-growing, flowering panicle hydrangea shrubs the following summer. They are more cold-tolerant than many other [types of hydrangea](https://www.thespruce.com/top-hydrangea-varieties-4129245).

-   USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
-   Flower Color: White, pink, green
-   Light: Full, partial
-   Soil: Loamy, well-drained
-   Mature size: 8–15 ft. tall, 6–12 ft. wide

## 8.[Winter Pansies](https://www.marthastewart.com/how-to-grow-winter-pansies-8414032)

Colorful winter pansies will continue to flower through frost and snow cover, providing temperatures don’t drop below 25°F. They’re a popular choice for adding a pop of color when most other plants are dying back.

-   USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-10
-   Flower Color: White, pink, red, purple, yellow, blue
-   Light: Full, partial
-   Soil: Loamy, well-drained
-   Mature size: 6-12 in. tall, 9-12 in. wide

![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0612/6292/1970/files/3_77def592-2fdd-46ef-93a8-4cf39c8d0f89.jpg?v=1733992736)

## 9.[Purple Coneflowers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinacea_purpurea)

It’s true that blooming purple coneflowers do best in hot, dry regions. However, these adaptable North American native prairie plants can overwinter in areas where temperatures drop down to -40°F.

-   USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
-   Flower Color: Purple, pink
-   Light: Full, partial
-   Soil: Well-drained
-   Mature size: 2–5 ft. tall, 1–2 ft. wide

## 10.[Purple Saxifrage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saxifraga_oppositifolia)

Spring-blooming purple saxifrage is a resilient evergreen mat-forming perennial. A popular plant for rock gardens, it grows in chilly arctic and alpine environs where temperatures can drop to -50°F.

-   USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-7
-   Flower Color: Purple, magenta
-   Light: Partial
-   Soil: Loamy, well-drained
-   Mature size: Up to 2 ft. tall

## 11.[Eastern Red Columbines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquilegia_canadensis)

Cool temperatures mean more flowers on your eastern red [columbine plants](https://www.thespruce.com/botany-of-columbine-flowers-2132551). When they die back in winter, they will still flower next spring even if they have to withstand -40°F temperatures. Be aware that columbine species are toxic to humans.

-   USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
-   Flower Color: Red
-   Light: Full, partial
-   Soil: Moist, well-drained
-   Mature Size: Up to 3 ft. tall

## 12.[Red Maples](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acer_rubrum)

Fast-growing red maple trees are known for their stunning [fall color](https://www.thespruce.com/most-colorful-trees-for-fall-4020741). They are also cool weather lovers, and you don’t need to worry about winter root damage, even when temperatures drop to -40°F.

-   USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
-   Light: Full, partial
-   Soil: Well-drained
-   Mature Size: 40-70 ft. tall, 30 -50 ft. wide

## 13.[Red Twig Dogwoods](https://www.thespruce.com/red-twig-dogwood-shrubs-2132727)

When you want to add a splash of color to your [winter landscape](https://www.thespruce.com/winter-landscaping-ideas-8730696), the striking red bark of the red twig dogwood makes a real statement. Even when temperatures drop below -30°F, this shrub will still produce beautiful blooms that provide early nourishment to pollinators in the spring.

-   USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
-   Flower Color: White
-   Light: Full, partial
-   Soil: Moist
-   Mature Size: 6–9 ft. tall, 8–12 ft. wide

## 14.[Roseshell Azalea](https://www.gardenia.net/plant/rhododendron-prinophyllum-roseshell-azalea)

This vigorous, cold-hardy rhododendron shrub can overwinter in temperatures as low as -25°F. You’ll then be rewarded with clusters of beautiful, late spring blooming, funnel-shaped flowers that produce a heady clove fragrance. Like all [rhododendron species](https://www.thespruce.com/rhododendron-growing-guide-7109537), the roseshell azalea is toxic to people and pets.23

-   USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
-   Flower Color: Pink
-   Light: Partial
-   Soil: Moist, well-drained
-   Mature Size: 3–8 ft. tall, 3–8 ft. wide

## 15.[Chives](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chives)

Many herbs are grown as annuals or on bright windowsills indoors to survive the winter. Common chive is an adaptable, low-maintenance, hardy herb, and some cultivars can survive even when temperatures drop as low as -30°F. The frost-tolerant bulbs actually prefer a cold winter to promote good growth the following spring. Like other plants in the allium family, chives are toxic to pets.4

-   USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
-   Flower Color: Purple
-   Light: Full, partial
-   Soil: Loamy, well-drained
-   Mature Size: Up to 15 in. tall

**Tags:** Climate Change, planting, Winterization

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> Source: [RainPoint](https://www.rainpointonline.com/blogs/lawn-garden/15-perennial-plants-that-can-overwinter-naturally)