Five plants that are ‘hard to kill’ and perfect for the cold winter weather

Even the most skilled of will know that the winter months can wreak havoc on your plants. 

The temperatures can make it difficult for , trees and flowers to thrive and grow – and often, if you don’t put in the work, they won’t survive until the spring. 

But if you still want your garden to look presentable whilst the weather is chilly outside, you’ll be happy to know that there are certain plants you can add that are able to withstand the colder climes. 

Gardening experts at have lifted the lid on five ‘hard to kill’ plants that could be worth picking up. 

Described as ‘easy-care plants that do the work for you’, here is a list of the expert-recommended pieces of greenery. 

Pyracantha

Pyracantha is a pretty shrub with attractive flowers and magnificent red, yellow or orange berries in autumn and winter.

Often found growing up against a wall or a fence, it makes an excellent evergreen hedge and can withstand the colder winter temperatures. 

It also provides colour across the seasons, with white blossom in spring, dense green leaves, and a bounty of vibrant berries in a choice of yellows, oranges or reds.

Callicarpa

Known as the beauty berry, Callicarpa bears dense clusters of small, jewel-like, purple-blue berries, against bare stems. Its dark green foliage also puts on a good show in autumn, turning golden and red before falling.

Callicarpas are medium-sized shrubs and look good in a mixed border, or planted as a specimen near a path or window. 

Cotinus coggygria 

Also known as the ‘smoke tree’, this specimen has rounded, deep purple leaves which become redder in autumn and large, feathery and pink in summer. 

Shrubs come in all sizes and can be used as focal points, hedges, ground cover, backdrops and more. Many shrubs are great for wildlife, providing valuable food and shelter, which is extra important during the winter. 

Japanese Azalea 

Part of the Rhododendron family, Japanese Azaleas boast beautiful big flowers in the spring, but they can still thrive during the winter. 

They’re known as ‘semi-evergreen’ as they produce small green flowers during the colder months that are then replaced in the spring. 

This makes the Japanese azalea a great decorative garden plant even in winter.

Euonymus alatus

Finally, this plant – another shrub – is a great option to add into your garden this winter. 

Also known at the burning bush, this plant really comes into its own during the colder months, with its leaves turning a vibrant strawberry red. 

It’s a popular choice for this time of year as the plant is tough and versatile, meaning it can survive all the way until spring.