No matter what my yard looks like, I can always rely on my containers to put on a dazzling display that infuses a seasonal feel to my patio and front door. As the temperatures start to take a turn once again, I’m seeking inspiration to transition fall containers to winter.
If you’re also a keen container gardener, I promise that extending your display by making seasonal adjustments will bring joy and brighten up your yard for the darkest months. It’s quite easy to transition containers, too. Many fall plants can remain through winter, while others will need to be swapped out. You can also add festive embellishments for the holidays.
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(Image credit: Natalia Greeske / Alamy Stock Photo)
5 Ways to Transition Fall Containers to Winter
Even if you’ve recently transitioned summer hanging baskets to fall, these ideas will spruce up your containers for the frostiest season, so you have color and interest for the harshest months of the year.
1. Choose Evergreens for Lasting Structure
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The key to achieving a beautiful winter garden is choosing frost-hardy plants that can withstand the coldest temperatures.
For garden designer Lee Miller, it’s all about carefully selecting some reliable evergreens for containers.
‘When I transition fall containers to winter, I tend to keep the plants which are cold-hardy for the backbone of the arrangement,’ she says. ‘These include dwarf evergreen shrubs, such as dwarf Alberta spruce, juniper, and boxwood.’
These shrubs for containers will ensure there is interest right through the winter season, and they’ll look particularly beautiful when touched by frost.
You can buy Dwarf Alberta Spruce from Fast Growing Trees
See the range of juniper at Nature Hills
See the range of boxwood at Nature Hills
Lee Miller
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Garden Designer
Lee Miller is a garden designer, consultant, garden coach, speaker, and award-winning garden blog author from the south shore of Long Island, who has been involved in the horticultural industry for over 29 years. She is the author of six gardening books, including her most recent addition, The Houseplant Guide: How to Easily Select & Maintain Indoor Plants. Lee is also a National Garden Bureau Member.
2. Use Seasonal Stems
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When you transition fall containers to winter, it doesn’t have to be all about living plants. You can also carefully arrange festive stems and the best foliage for Christmas decor.
‘For a wintery touch, I like to add fresh cuttings of holly, winterberry, cedar, juniper, or pine around the perimeter of pots,’ Lee describes. ‘For a further touch of elegance, red twig dogwood or curly willow branches function as vertical thrillers.’
When taking stem cuttings, make sure to use essential pruning tools. These Fiskars bypass pruners from Amazon will help make clean, sharp cuts.
‘This is a low-maintenance option, and you can also add pinecones,’ says Lee.
‘Fill your container with soil or sand to anchor the arrangement, and have fun combining the different elements for a wonderful winter display,’ she adds.
3. Opt for Winter Blooming Plants
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While many of the best fall flowers for pots are frost hardy and will last into winter, those less hardy are likely to die back soon.
In this case, you should swap them for the best winter plants for pots, including those that flower in the coldest of temperatures.
‘I like to use flowering kale and cabbage, combined with the different colors of heucheras,’ Lee suggests.
Other winter flowers for pots include heather (plants available on Amazon) and winter pansies (plants available on Amazon). Hellebores are also a great option for some elegant blooms.
You can likewise use the plants to create a winter window box.
4. Swap Pots for Frost-Resistant Materials
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A bit more of a practical idea on this list of ideas to transition fall containers to winter, but equally one that will enhance your winter container display, considering the materials of your pots.
‘I recommend using frost-resistant fiber cement planters (like these from Amazon),’ says Laura Janney, CEO of The Inspired Garden Masterclass.
‘If you only have non-frost-resistant or breakable containers, I recommend bringing them to a sheltered spot so they don’t get damaged. I’ve seen winds knock over some beautiful heavy pots.’
Other containers suited to frosty conditions include barrel planters (like these from Amazon), which also bring a rustic feel to winter displays.
Laura Janney
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Garden Designer
Laura Janney is a renowned landscape architect and designer, and CEO of The Inspired Garden Masterclass. Laura has left her mark on the cottage garden landscape design scene, winning the 2023 Houzz Best in Design award for her work in the New York area.
5. Dress Up Containers for Christmas
(Image credit: Natalia Greeske via Alamy)
Alongside using festive stems, why not use ornaments and embellishments for a Christmas pot?
‘You can add some sparkle to your container by using seasonal picks from your local craft store,’ says Laura.
Things like these wreath fillers (from Amazon) can easily be inserted into winter containers.
‘You can even add outdoor fairy lights,’ Lee suggests.
Shop for waterproof, outdoor fairy lights on Amazon to add to your containers.
FAQsDo My Winter Containers Need Watering?
Yes, winter containers will still need watering, though much less frequently than summer containers. Plants growing in containers are more susceptible to drying out quickly. However, you should be careful not to overwater, especially when frost is forecast. This can cause oversaturation, rot, or cause roots to freeze. Our guide to watering plants before frost has more information.
There’s still time to plant container plants that will bloom by Christmas, too. Use the below container gardening essentials to make your efforts a success:
This potting is specially formulated to support potted plants. It’s well-draining and packed with essential nutrients.
This concrete plant pot will withstand frost and it has a drainage hole for moisture management.
Use this soil moisture meter to identify if it’s time to water your container plants.
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