13 Shrubs That Thrive in Cold Weather
Winter might silence many gardens, but that doesn’t mean your landscape has to look dull. Cold-hardy shrubs bring color, structure, and life to your outdoor space even when temperatures drop below freezing.
From evergreens that stay lush through snow to flowering varieties that bloom early in spring, these 13 shrubs will keep your garden thriving through the coldest months.
1. Boxwood
A timeless favorite, Boxwood stays green and structured all year, even under snow. Its dense foliage makes it perfect for shaping into hedges or neat garden borders.
This hardy shrub tolerates freezing temperatures with ease. Just make sure it’s planted in well-drained soil to prevent root rot during wet winters.
2. Winterberry Holly
This deciduous holly may lose its leaves in winter, but its bright red berries steal the spotlight. The vibrant color stands out beautifully against white snow.
It’s great for adding visual interest to garden edges or near fences. Birds love the berries, too, making it both decorative and wildlife-friendly.
3. Red-Twig Dogwood
Even in the dead of winter, Red-Twig Dogwood looks stunning with its fiery red branches. In warmer months, it sports lush green leaves and small white flowers.
It grows well in cold climates and even tolerates wet soil. Plant it in a spot where its bright winter color can really shine.
4. Juniper
Junipers are among the toughest evergreens out there. They stay green and full year-round and come in a wide range of shapes—from creeping groundcovers to tall privacy screens.
They’re drought-tolerant and frost-resistant, making them ideal for rocky or windswept landscapes. Junipers also add a pleasant pine-like fragrance to the garden.
5. Rhododendron
With its leathery evergreen leaves and spring blooms, Rhododendron is both resilient and beautiful. Many varieties can handle snow and freezing temperatures.
Plant it in partial shade and acidic soil for best results. Its lush foliage gives your garden a full, lively look even when other plants are dormant.
6. Hydrangea (Panicle or Oakleaf Types)
Certain Hydrangea varieties, like Panicle and Oakleaf, are surprisingly hardy and can survive harsh winters. Their flowers fade into papery textures that still look lovely in snow.
They’re perfect for garden beds that need structure and seasonal color. Leave the dried blooms through winter for an elegant, frosty display.
7. Yew
Yews are classic cold-weather shrubs that can handle snow, frost, and shade with ease. Their dark green needles stay vibrant even in deep winter.
They’re slow-growing but long-lived and can be shaped into hedges or left natural. Yews are also highly resistant to winter burn, unlike some other evergreens.
8. Cotoneaster
Cotoneaster offers glossy leaves, red berries, and graceful arching stems that look charming year-round. It’s tough, resilient, and incredibly versatile.
It’s great for slopes, borders, or mixed beds. The berries last through winter, providing color and a reliable food source for birds.
9. Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel is one of the few shrubs that actually blooms in the dead of winter, with spidery yellow or red flowers that smell sweet and fresh.
It thrives in cold climates and brings cheerful color to otherwise barren gardens. Place it near entryways or paths to enjoy its early blooms up close.
10. Dwarf Alberta Spruce
This small evergreen has soft, dense needles and a perfectly conical shape that looks like a living Christmas tree. It’s extremely cold-hardy and great for winter containers.
It prefers full sun and needs little pruning. Use it to anchor garden beds or as a symmetrical accent near doors or pathways.
11. Mahonia
Mahonia’s spiky leaves and bright yellow winter blooms make it a standout cold-weather shrub. Many varieties even produce clusters of blue berries.
It thrives in partial shade and adds texture to garden corners. Its evergreen leaves also turn bronze in cold weather for extra color.
12. Arctic Willow
True to its name, Arctic Willow thrives in freezing temperatures and adds a soft, wispy texture to the garden. Its narrow leaves turn silvery in the cold.
It’s great for open areas or alongside driveways where snow accumulates. This hardy shrub handles both wind and frost with ease.
13. Viburnum
Viburnum varieties like Korean Spice or Leatherleaf are reliable winter performers, offering either evergreen leaves or fragrant early blooms.
They’re adaptable and hardy, perfect for adding shape and subtle color to the landscape year-round. Some even keep their berries through the snow season.
Cold-Weather Shrubs: The Secret to a Year-Round Garden
A winter garden doesn’t have to be gray or empty. With a mix of evergreens, berry producers, and early bloomers, you can have texture, color, and life all year long. Cold-hardy shrubs don’t just survive the chill—they bring structure, attract wildlife, and make your outdoor space look beautifully alive even on frosty mornings.
