Landscaping Ideas for Winter

Living in the southern United States offers a unique opportunity to keep your home’s landscapes alive and flourishing throughout the winter. While much of the country is blanketed in snow around this time, the South’s milder climate allows homeowners to experiment with creative winter gardening ideas that bring color, texture, and even fresh produce to their outdoor spaces.

Whether you’re adding a pop of color with winter garden plants or nurturing some delicious vegetables, growing a winter garden can keep your home full of life through the cold months. This guide from Absolute Storage Management will explain the basics of winter landscaping and provide some specific suggestions on what to plant in the winter.

Winter Gardening in the South

Gardening in the winter doesn’t have to be limited to indoor pots sitting on your windowsills. In the South, where temperatures are typically mild in the winter, you can create lively winter landscapes that keep your garden appealing all year. All it takes is choosing the right selection of frost-tolerant plants, evergreens, and winter vegetables that match your home’s style.

What Flowers To Plant In Winter

Planting flowers is an easy way to add color to winter gardens. Hardy varieties of flowers survive mild southern winters and create a cheerful contrast to the often-muted colors of winter. Here are some ideal winter garden plants that thrive in southern winter landscapes:

Pansies

Pansies are a winter gardening favorite thanks to their hardiness and fun colors. These low-maintenance flowers are available in many hues, ranging from bright yellows to deep purples. Pansies can withstand temperatures as low as the upper teens, making them perfect for wintertime gardening.

Snapdragons

Snapdragons are another great choice for your winter garden. Their tall, eye-catching stalks and range of colors add a vertical flair. Plant snapdragons in well-drained soil where they receive ample sunlight so they flourish throughout the winter.

Primroses

Primroses bloom in cheerful, bright colors that stand out beautifully in a winter landscape. Their compact size makes them a great option for flower beds or container gardens. Primroses prefer partial shade, so they’re an ideal choice for areas in your garden that don’t get full sun.

Ornamental Cabbages

Ornamental cabbage and kale are winter garden plants that add a unique style in the form of ruffled leaves of purple, pink, and green hues. These plants are resilient to frost and thrive in flower beds or pots, making them practical and fun choices when deciding what to plant in winter. 

What Shrubs and Grasses To Plant in Winter

Shrubbery and grasses are essential components of any well-designed winter landscape, as they provide structure, color, and texture that can define the entire home. Keep reading for some options to consider for the foundation of your winter garden.

Camellias

Camellias are classic winter garden shrubs that produce large, colorful blooms from late fall through early spring. These shrubs are particularly hardy, providing consistent color even after other plants have faded.

Gardenias

Gardenias are a common choice for winter landscapes because of their glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers. Although they may not flower as boldly in the winter, their evergreen leaves can serve as a lush backdrop for your garden.

Coral Bells

Coral bells, also known as heucheras, are versatile plants. Coral bells in shades of burgundy, bronze, and purple add color and texture to your winter garden. They do best in well-drained soil and can handle cooler temperatures, making them an excellent choice for southern winter landscapes.

Fountain Grass

Fountain grass brings a soft, wispy texture to winter landscapes. Its feathery plumes turn golden or reddish-brown in colder months, contrasting evergreen shrubs and winter flowers. Best of all, fountain grass is easy to care for, making it a simple way to add movement to your garden.

Best Winter Gardening Vegetables

Building a garden should also include planting a variety of winter vegetables. Growing crisp, fresh produce is possible if you choose the right crops and give them the proper care. Below are some winter vegetables to consider planting at home.

Spinach

Spinach thrives in cooler temperatures, making it an ideal choice for a winter garden. This leafy green is fast-growing and easy to maintain, providing a continuous supply of fresh veggies throughout the winter. Keep in mind that it requires partial to full sunlight and well-drained soil.

Carrots

Carrots are another excellent winter vegetable that does well in the South. They prefer cooler weather and can be planted in late fall for a winter harvest. These grow best in loose, sandy soil that allows their roots to develop fully.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a cold-hardy vegetable that can withstand mild frosts—perfect for winter gardening! Plant broccoli in full sun, and ensure it has nutrient-rich soil to promote healthy growth. In a matter of time, you’ll have fresh broccoli heads ready for harvest throughout the season.

Cilantro

Cilantro is a fast-growing herb that thrives in cooler temperatures. It’s an excellent addition to any winter garden and is easy to grow in either pots or directly in the ground.

Upkeep Tips for Growing a Winter Garden

Keeping your winter garden healthy through the start of spring requires some special care. Regular watering is essential—especially in dryer winter climates—as plants still need moisture in cooler temperatures.

Apply mulch around flower beds and vegetable plots to help insulate the soil and retain moisture, and fertilize your plants occasionally to keep them nourished. You should also prune shrubs and trim away any wilted flowers to keep your winter landscape tidy and prevent disease spread.

Rent a Storage Unit for Winter Gardening Equipment From Absolute Storage

Maintaining a winter garden requires a variety of tools and supplies, from pruners to mulch and fertilizers. To keep your equipment organized and clutter-free in your garage or shed, rent a storage unit from Absolute! Our storage facilities are the perfect place to keep tools and supplies such as garden carts or large bags of soil.
Ready to get started? Find an Absolute Storage-managed facility near you to put yourself on the path to a convenient gardening storage solution. You can also explore our FAQ and blog for more helpful insights about self-storage.