Potted plants are a great way to add some green to your home, even in winter. But not all plants are created equal when surviving the colder months. Here are a few of our favorites if you’re looking for perfect plants for winter pots.

Pansies

Pansies are one of the most popular winter flowers. They are known for their bright, cheerful colors and ability to withstand cold weather. Pansies are perfect for adding a splash of color to your winter pots. They are easy to care for and require very little maintenance.

Snapdragons

Snapdragons are one of the best plants to have in your winter pots. They are hardy and can withstand the cold temperatures that often come with winter. Plus, they add a splash of color to your pots that can brighten up any drab winter day.

Mums

Look no further than the mum if you’re looking for a plant that will thrive in a winter pot. This hardy plant can withstand cold temperatures and will continue to bloom throughout winter. While mums are typically associated with fall, they can make a beautiful addition to any winter pot. Here are some tips for selecting and caring for your winter mum:

When selecting a mum for your winter pot, choose one already blooming or close to blooming. This way, you’ll have flowers to enjoy right away. Mums come in various colors, so choose one that compliments your other plants or décor.

To keep your mum healthy throughout the winter, water it regularly and fertilize it every few weeks. When the temperature drops at night, move your pot indoors to protect it from the cold.

With proper care, your winter mum will continue to bloom all season long!

Ornamental kale

Ornamental kale is a beautiful, winter-hardy plant that makes a stunning addition to any pot or container garden. This cool-season annual is known for its colorful leaves, which range in green, purple, and white shades. Ornamental kale is relatively easy to care for and can tolerate colder temperatures better than most other plants.

When selecting a pot or container for your ornamental kale, ensure it is large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots. Kale prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Water the plant regularly, but allow the soil to dry out somewhat between watering. Fertilize every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

You can replant your ornamental kale in the ground or a larger pot. By summer, the plant will begin to bolt (flower and produce seed), so you may want to remove it from your garden.

Dusty Miller

Consider dusty miller if you’re looking for a plant that will add some winter interest to your pots. This perennial has silvery-gray leaves covered in a fine layer of dust, hence its name. Dusty miller is a low-maintenance plant that is tolerant of full sun and partial shade. It’s also drought-tolerant once established, making it a great choice for those who don’t want to fuss over their plants too much. When planting, give dusty miller room to spread out since it can get fairly large. Once established, it’s an easy plant to care for and will provide year-round interest in your garden.

How to plant and care for winter pots

Assuming you would like a content section for the subheading “How to plant and care for winter pots”: 

When the temperatures drop, and the leaves change color, it’s time to start thinking about your winter pots. Here are some tips on how to plant and care for them:

1. Choose the right plants. Some plants, like succulents, can survive the winter outdoors with minimal care. Others, like tropical plants, will need to be moved indoors. Consider what kind of plants you want in your pot and research whether or not they can withstand cold weather.
2. Prep the pot. Once you’ve chosen your plants, it’s time to prep the pot. Make sure it has drainage holes so that excess water can escape and doesn’t sit in the bottom of the pot, where it could freeze and damage the roots. You may also want to consider lining the bottom of the pot with gravel or rocks to help with drainage.
3. Plant! Now that your pot is ready, it’s time to plant your chosen plants. Be sure to dig a hole that’s big enough for each plant’s root ball and backfill it with soil. Gently tamp the soil, so it’s snug but not too tight around the roots. Water well after planting.