These 14 plants are listed as winter-hardy choices, but no plant is guaranteed to survive every winter or thrive in every yard. Match the plant’s species or cultivar to your USDA hardiness zone, then check its light, soil, drainage, exposure, and mature size. The list and plant-specific guidance below are reported by Martha Stewart’s September 30, 2024 article; use them as a starting point, not a promise.
What “survive winter” means
Winter survival is not the same as flowering all winter or keeping leaves year-round. Deciduous trees lose their leaves, herbaceous perennials may die back and return, and bulbs often flower in early spring. Evergreens keep foliage, but winter sun and wind can still damage it.
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is a guide to where perennial plants are most likely to thrive. Its zones are based on average annual extreme minimum winter temperatures, in 10°F increments with 5°F half-zones; the 2023 map uses weather data from 1991–2020. A zone is not a record low or a guarantee against an unusual cold snap. Check your location on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and confirm the range for the exact species or cultivar you intend to plant.
14 plants listed for winter interest
The ranges and care notes below are those reported in Martha Stewart’s article. They are not independent guarantees for every cultivar or site. “Winter interest” may mean evergreen foliage, flowers, attractive stems, or a plant that returns after dormancy.
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| Plant | Listed USDA zones | Winter character | Reported site notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hellebore (Helleborus spp.) | 3–9 | Evergreen foliage; flowers may appear in winter or early spring, depending on climate. | Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-draining soil. |
| Dwarf snowball (Viburnum tinus) | 6–8 | White blooms may appear from November or December. | Mulch over roots is recommended. The article says established plants can withstand temperatures down to 14°F; treat that as article-attributed guidance, not a universal cultivar limit. |
| Golden barberry (Berberis thunbergii ‘Aurea’) | 4–7 | The article describes winter foliage and berries. | It reports tolerance down to 5°F. Check local suitability before planting; this is not a recommendation for every region. |
| Ornamental kale (Brassica oleracea) | 2–11 | Colorful foliage provides a seasonal display. | The article reports cold tolerance down to 5°F. It is an annual or seasonal display plant, not a permanent perennial. |
| Daphne (Daphne spp.) | 4–9 | Small shrubs with late-winter or spring flowers. | Moist but well-draining soil. |
| Barrenwort (Epimedium) | 4–8 | Perennial groundcover; foliage may color in fall and winter, with flowers in spring. | Confirm the particular species or cultivar’s requirements before planting. |
| Glory of the snow (Chionodoxa luciliae) | 3–8 | Early flowers can appear while snow remains. | Full to partial sun; moist, well-draining soil. |
| Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) | 3–9 | Perennial valued for its flowers and relationship to monarch butterflies. | Full sun; dry, well-draining soil. |
| Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) | 5–9 | Deciduous tree known for fall color; it does not keep its leaves through winter. | Partial sun; moist, well-draining soil. |
| American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) | 3–9 | Deciduous hardwood tree. | Shade; moist, well-draining soil. |
| Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) | 3–8 | Evergreen needles. | The article gives a mature size of 50–80 feet high and 20–40 feet wide. Allow for that scale when choosing a planting location. |
| Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) | 3–8 | Herbaceous perennial; seedheads can feed birds into winter. | Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil. |
| Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) | 3–7 | Early-flowering bulbs. | Full to partial sun; well-draining soil. |
| Camellia (Camellia spp.) | 7–9 | Evergreen shrub that may bloom in late winter. | Partial shade; moist, well-draining soil. Choose a variety whose bloom season suits your needs. |
How to choose plants for your yard
Start with the exact plant and your zone
Compare your USDA zone with the listed range, then check the plant label for the species or cultivar. A broad species range does not mean every cultivar has the same hardiness. Plants near the cold edge of their range may be vulnerable during exceptional cold.
Match the site, not just the temperature
Check sunlight, soil moisture and drainage, wind exposure, snow cover, and the planting spot’s microclimate. A sheltered bed beside a building may differ from an exposed, windy corner. A plant in a suitable zone can still struggle if its soil stays wet or its light is wrong.
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Choose the kind of winter interest you want
- Evergreen foliage: Hellebores, camellias, and eastern white pines are among the listed options. Evergreen does not mean immune to winter injury.
- Winter or early-season flowers: Dwarf snowball and hellebore may flower in winter; glory of the snow and snowdrops are early bloomers.
- Structure and wildlife value: Purple coneflower seedheads can remain for birds, while deciduous trees provide form even after leaves fall.
- Seasonal color: Ornamental kale offers a winter display but should not be mistaken for a perennial that returns year after year.
Protecting evergreen plants from winter burn
Evergreen leaves and needles can lose water to winter sun and wind while frozen ground prevents roots from replacing it. Penn State Extension describes this as winter desiccation or winter burn. Choose a site with appropriate exposure and keep the plant’s moisture needs in mind, especially when conditions are dry before the ground freezes. See Penn State Extension’s guidance on evergreen injury.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Winter interest does not depend on flowers
Flowers are only one way a garden can remain engaging in winter. Iowa State University Extension highlights dried perennial seedheads and stems, evergreen trees and shrubs, hellebores, and persistent fruit as sources of seasonal interest. Leaving some healthy stems and seedheads in place can also provide food or shelter for wildlife. See Iowa State Extension’s winter-interest guidance.
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