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Decor Tips

Winter Container Gardens That Thrive in Cold

Last Updated September 16, 2024

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beautiful garden. All you need are some containers to put your plants in. Let’s take a look at some wonderful winter container garden ideas.

1. Choose the Right-Sized Containers

The containers you select should be large enough to allow for growth, since winter isn’t a great time to transplant your plants. Even winter-hardy container plants should be left in their container over the colder months, whether kept indoors or out.

Select a pot that is roughly two inches larger than the current pot that your plant is in, if it’s a smaller plant. However, if you already have it in a pot that is bigger than 10 inches, you’ll want a new planter that is at least three inches larger. This gives the plant plenty of space to grow when the warmer weather hits, and ensures there is enough room for the roots to spread out.

Grey Iron Rectangle Metal Planter Set Of 2 | Plant Stands | Trough | Vertical Garden | Tall

$131

Grey 23 Inch Metal Planter Set Of 2

$94

Grey Iron Round Metal Planter Set Of 2 | Tall | Drainage Holes

$79

Grey 24 Inch Metal Planter Set Of 3

$191

6' Phoenix Palm In White Square Metal Planter

$145

26 Inch White Round Metal Planter

$229

6' Birdnest Palm Tall In White Square Metal Planter

$145

15 Inch Grey Round Metal Iron Planter | Drainage Holes

$110

17 Inch Metal Pink Pig Planter

$100

16 Inch Silver Metal Iron Rectangle Tall Planter

$64

6 Inch & 8 Inch Black Set of 2 Mesh Metallic Planters

$48

6 Inch & 8 Inch Black Set of 2 Maze Metallic Planters

$48

#2. Use Decorative Planters

Are your plants still in those plain plastic pots they originally came in? If so, you will want to move them to new pots as soon as possible, preferably before the winter weather sets in.

Which planters should you choose? That depends on your own personal taste and what your home décor is like. Wooden planters are warm to look at, and the wood also helps protect the plant’s roots. You may prefer something in ceramic or metal, however, so the choice is really up to you.

If you find that you’re running out of space for all your plants, as plant lovers are wont to do, try getting creative. Choose planters that look great and place them on top of bookshelves or end tables.

8 Inch Beige Ceramic Planter With Wood Stand

$51

Mother In Law's Tounge In Cream Ceramic Planter

$75

Grey Ceramic Planter Set Of 2

$115

Grey Ceramic Planter Set Of 2

$111

Hawaiian Palm In White Ceramic Planter

$59

Mini Aloe In White Ceramic Planter

$37

White Ceramic Round Planter Set Of 2

$132

Grey Ceramic Round Planter Set Of 2 | Drainage Holes

$126

Grey Ceramic Rectangle Planter Set Of 2 | Drainage Holes

$113

17 Inch Grey Planter Set Of 2

$126

8 Inch Skyblue Striped Planter W/ Wood Stand

$50

10 Inch Skyblue Striped Planter W/ Wood Stand

$68

3. Select Winter-Hardy Container Plants

The best container plants for winter are those that stay green throughout the cold months. If your container garden is outdoors, you want plants that can handle the cooler weather and still look good.

Some examples of plants that you should consider include:

Ivy: As long as the weather isn’t too far below freezing, ivy will stay beautiful in a container all winter long.

Winter-blooming pansies: These colorful flowers will bloom any time there’s a thaw, and the plants handle outdoor cold weather with ease.

Ornamental cabbage: This beautiful plant actually needs a good frost in order to display its best colors.

Skimmia japonica: An evergreen shrub, this plant produces bright red berries and dark green foliage during the winter months.

Violas: If you want pretty flowers, violas will bloom throughout the cold months and give you a lovely view.

These plants all do well in colder weather and will stay bright and beautiful for you.

Grey 18 Inch Fiber Clay Wood Planter Set Of 2

$70

2 Piece Set Solid Fiber Clay Wood Square Planters | Plant Stands | Tall | Drainage Holes

$82

4. Turn Plants Into Indoor Decorations

Most plants will thrive indoors, so even if you generally keep them outside, you may wish to bring the less hardy options inside for the coldest nights. Adding more plants to your indoor space will not only make your rooms seem friendlier but also boost the energy in your home. Consider hanging them from the ceiling with hanging planters, or simply place them on assorted surfaces to brighten up your space.

Growing a garden in the winter may sound impossible, but it’s far from that. Whether you decide to keep your plants indoors or not, you’ll find that a winter container garden is a wonderful way to surround yourself with greenery throughout the year.

42" Hosta Plant In Round White Planter

$156

5' Artificial Bird Of Paradise Plant

$245

56" Hosta Plant In Round White Planter

$189

14" Artificial Peperomia Plant

$70

20" Green Artificial Potted Plant

$68

15" Green Faux Snake Plant Sanseveria In White Porcelain Pot W/ Stone Filler

$44

17" Green Variegated Faux Snake Plant Sanseveria In White Cylinder Pot W/ Stone Filler

$44

Green Aloe Plants In Round Tan Resin Planter

$134

20" Green Artificial Zz Zamioculcas Snake Plant In Grey Cement Pot

$39

12" Green Artificial Table Top Plant

$47

Aloe Plants In Antique Gold Ceramic Planter Set of 3

$64

16" Green Rectangle Artificial Plant

$33

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Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.