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Landscaping

7 Types of Plants to Grow in the Cold

See which plants withstand the cold well and how to grow them in gardens, pots, and balconies during the coldest months of the year.

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at May 28, 2025, 7:05 AM

05 min de leitura
Erica.

Erica. (COMPO)

Not all plants suffer with the arrival of cold weather — some actually stand out precisely in the cold seasons. If you have a garden in a mountainous area or want to maintain the beauty of the landscaping even in winter, it's worth betting on resistant species adapted to mild temperatures. Below, we selected seven ideal options for cold climates, with practical tips for cultivating each one.

1. Lavender


Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia).

Lavanda. (Unsplash/Divulgação)

In addition to being fragrant, lavender is one of the most cold-resistant ornamental plants. Native to the Mediterranean region, it adapts well to mild or moderately harsh winters and remains beautiful even on cloudy days, as long as it receives enough sunlight.

  • Cultivation: Well-drained and alkaline soil.
  • Care: Full sun and spaced watering. Avoid waterlogging.

2. Camellia


Camélia.

Camélia. (Chanel/Divulgação)

Classic in temperate climate gardens, the camellia is known for blooming in winter. Its large and showy flowers appear in shades of white, pink, or red, bringing sophistication to landscaping even on the coldest days.

  • Cultivation: Acidic, fertile soil with good moisture retention.
  • Care: Partial shade and regular watering without waterlogging.

3. Cyclamen


Cyclamen.

Ciclamen. (Germigarden/Divulgação)

Delicate and with high ornamental value, cyclamen is a plant that blooms in the cold. Its colorful petals and heart-shaped leaves make it a great choice for pots, planters, or small indoor arrangements.

  • Cultivation: Light, well-drained substrate and cultivation in pots.
  • Care: Bright location without direct sunlight. Water from below to avoid wetting the bulbs.

4. Erica (Heather)


Erica.

Erica. (Museu Municipal de Ourém/Facebook/Divulgação)

With a wild appearance and small flowers, Erica — or heather — is a plant that tolerates cold and even light frosts well. Often used in rock gardens or borders, it helps create cozy settings on gray days.

  • Cultivation: Beds or pots with slightly acidic soil.
  • Care: Full sun and frequent watering, keeping the soil moist.

5. Hydrangea


Hortensia.

Hortência. (Amazon/Divulgação)

As a symbol of cold climate cities, like Campos do Jordão, hydrangea is a plant that needs to go through winter to bloom intensely in the summer. Its voluminous and colorful inflorescences in blue, pink, or lilac beautify any landscape.

  • Cultivation: Acidic, moist soil with good drainage.
  • Care: Morning sun and afternoon shade. Regular watering during the growing period.

6. Rosemary


How to grow rosemary

Alecrim. (Pixabay/Divulgação)

Best known as a seasoning, rosemary also plays an important role in landscaping, especially in sensory gardens and ornamental gardens. It is a rustic plant, with a strong aroma and great cold tolerance.

  • Cultivation: Sandy, well-drained soil, preferably in a sunny location.
  • Care: Moderate watering. Avoid excess moisture in the soil.

7. Azalea


Azalea. Ideal plant for decorating projects or gardens

Azaleia. (Divulgação/Divulgação)

Colorful and abundant, the azalea is one of the few plants that bloom during winter. Its flowers come in different shades, from white to magenta, forming dense clumps ideal for borders or pots.

  • Cultivation: Acidic, organic-rich soil.
  • Care: Full sun or partial shade. Frequent watering without waterlogging.
CASACOR Publisher is a creator of exclusive content, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.