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The 10 Best Winter-Proof Perennials

In the darkest depths of winter, thoughts of springtime blooms get us through. And so, to set our cold climate gardens up for success, we asked our friend Kate Karam, editorial director of Monrovia to curate the hands-down prettiest perennials—that also happen be much tougher (read: polar vortex-proof) than they look.

The 10 Best Perennials to Plant This Spring (According to the Experts)


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Everydaylily® Pink Wing Daylily

This vibrant garden star is one of the hardiest daylily varieties you can find. It blooms early and all season long, and with its dwarf scale, it’s a great choice for borders or containers.

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Bronze Carpet Stonecrop

We swoon for this vibrant, trailing succulent. Bonus points: In mild winter regions, it behaves like an evergreen (read: is colorful year round).

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Bowl Of Beauty Herbaceous Peony

It doesn’t get lovelier than a lush, pink peony! With sturdy, upright stems and thick foliage, this variety keeps itself protected from the elements.

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Snowdrop Anemone

This shade-tolerant, forest-native plant likes to make itself right at home under a canopy of trees. Hot tip: Plant near the house—the light fragrance is divine and meant to be enjoyed.

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Evolution™ Green Eye Coneflower

If you’re looking for long-lasting color, these sturdy blooms are just the ticket: There’s a continuous profusion of bright blooms from late spring through late fall.

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Walker's Low Catmint

This frilly, herbaceous perennial looks amazing when planted at container edges or when cascading off of garden walls. (And the dainty periwinkle pops are such a pick-me-up.)

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Moonbeam Threadleaf Tickseed

Whether tucked in a hanging basket or container garden, these creamy, cheery blooms atop airy green foliage deliver big-time on charm.

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Sum And Substance Hosta

Hello, bold landscape feature we’ve been looking for. This extremely popular hosta variety has large, leathery leaves that turn gold as summer approaches.

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Winter Dreams™ Double Fantasy Christmas Rose

The ultimate cocktail: Beautiful and deer-and rabbit-resistant! Plant this stunner in a shaded area and enjoy its magical, ruffly white petals all season long.

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Blue Ribbons Bush Clematis

Psst The blooms on this herbaceous perennial are much larger and more prolific than similar varieties. Plus, after blooming, the indigo flowers turn to lovely silvery seed heads—which stay put into early winter.

The 10 Best Plants for a Colorful Winter Garden