Frost-Proof Perennials

by Tammy Sons – September 19, 2023

A Gardener's Guide to Resilient Plants

Gardening enthusiasts often face the challenge of selecting plants that can withstand varying weather conditions, especially in frost-prone regions. Frost-proof perennials answer this problem, offering beauty and resilience year after year. In this article, we will explore several frost-proof perennials, including the vibrant blanket flowers, elegant hostas, delicate lily of the valley, hardy purple coneflowers, colorful creeping phlox, and versatile yarrow. These plants survive frost and thrive, adding charm and vibrancy to your garden.

Blanket Flowers (Gaillardia)

Blanket flowers, scientifically known as Gaillardia, are native to North and South America and are cherished for their striking, daisy-like blooms. These perennials are exceptionally frost-resistant, ideal for gardens in colder regions. Blanket flowers come in various colors, including red, yellow, and orange shades, often with vibrant bi-colored petals. Their serrated petals resemble the patterns of Native American blankets, giving them their name. These hardy perennials prefer well-drained soil and total sun exposure, making them low-maintenance additions to your garden. Blanket flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding a lively touch to your outdoor space. Deadheading, spent blooms encourage continuous flowering throughout the growing season, ensuring a colorful display even in the face of frosty temperatures.

Hostas (Hosta spp.)

Hostas are renowned for their lush foliage and elegant, shade-loving nature. These perennials are excellent for gardens in frost-prone areas because they can endure chilly temperatures and even light frost without significant damage. Hostas are prized for their captivating foliage, which varies in shades of green, blue, and variegated patterns. To maximize their frost resistance, plant hostas in well-drained soil and provide them with partial to full shade. Their low-maintenance nature and deer resistance make them popular choices for gardeners. Hostas also produce lovely, bell-shaped flowers in the summer, adding charm to your garden.

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)

The delicate fragrant lily of the valley, or Convallaria majalis, is a classic choice for frost-proof perennials. This plant is celebrated for its charming, bell-shaped white flowers that bloom in spring. Despite its delicate appearance, the lily of the valley is surprisingly resilient to frost and cold temperatures. These perennials thrive in partial to full shade and prefer well-draining, humus-rich soil. They form spreading colonies, creating a lush, fragrant carpet in your garden. The Lily of the Valley symbolizes purity. It is often used in floral arrangements due to its enchanting fragrance and timeless beauty.

Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea)

Purple coneflowers, scientifically known as Echinacea purpurea, are robust and enduring perennials, making them a reliable choice for frost-prone gardens. Their vibrant, daisy-like flowers come in shades of pink, purple, and white, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies throughout the growing season. Plant purple coneflowers in well-drained soil, giving them full sun to light shade. These perennials are frost-resistant and drought-tolerant, making them an excellent addition to low-maintenance landscapes. They are also cherished for their medicinal properties, as they are believed to boost the immune system.

Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)

Creeping phlox, or Phlox subulata, is an incredibly cold-tolerant ground-covering perennial. This low-growing plant forms dense mats of colorful, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, blue, and white. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest in your garden. To ensure the best performance in frost-prone areas, plant creeping phlox in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. These perennials are perfect for rock gardens, slopes, or as an edging plant. Their ability to withstand cold temperatures while maintaining vibrant blooms makes them valuable to any frost-proof garden.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow, scientifically known as Achillea millefolium, is a versatile perennial known for its fern-like foliage and flat clusters of tiny flowers in various colors, including white, yellow, pink, and red. This hardy plant thrives in cold climates and is well-suited for frost-resistant gardens. Plant yarrow in well-drained soil with full sun exposure to promote healthy growth. Yarrow is not only frost-proof but also drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for xeriscaping. Its feathery foliage and unique, long-lasting flowers add texture and color to your garden, attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies.

Adaptability 

Frost-proof perennials are essential for gardeners in regions with cold winters, offering a resilient and beautiful way to enhance their outdoor spaces. Blanket flowers, hostas, lily of the valley, purple coneflowers, creeping phlox, and yarrow are excellent choices for those looking to create gardens that withstand frost while providing vibrant and colorful displays throughout the year. With proper care and placement, these perennials will thrive and contribute to the long-lasting beauty of your garden, even in the face of frosty weather.

Frost-proof perennials are a testament to nature's ability to adapt and endure in the harshest conditions. These hardy plants survive cold temperatures and often thrive, becoming beacons of color and life when the world around them seems frozen. They are the resilient warriors of the garden, offering hope and beauty even in the depths of winter. The key to their success lies in their adaptability, whether it's the bold and vivid blooms of blanket flowers, the lush foliage of hostas, the fragrance of lily of the valley, the hardy charm of purple coneflowers, the ground-covering beauty of creeping phlox, or the versatility of yarrow. These frost-proof perennials are a gardener's dream, providing enduring beauty and a touch of nature's strength to your outdoor spaces.

Products from the article

Blanket Flower - TN Nursery

Blanket Flower

Blanket Flower is a perennial wildflower known for its vibrant, daisy-like blooms with red or yellow petals and dark center disks. Often found in prairies and gardens, it attracts pollinators and adds color to landscapes. This plant is the perfect choice when craving warmth. This radiant wildflower with an extended blooming season will light up your garden with a kaleidoscope of glowing colors.  Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata) Thrives In Drought and Full Sun Blanket Flower, or Gaillardia, is a sun-loving perennial with stunning two-toned daisy-like blooms. The name "Blanket Flower" interestingly comes from its warm yet vibrant red and yellow blooms, which are similar to the blankets Native Americans make.  This wildflower plant belongs to the Asteraceae (daisy) family and is native to North and South America. It is commonly found in Arizona, California, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, and Colorado. Blanket Flowers Resembles Daisy Perennials While it may resemble a daisy, blanket flowers are related to sunflowers and brighten up the dullest landscapes. The plant is usually paired with other drought-tolerant plants and showy grass to enhance the visual interest of the entire landscape. Moreover, blanket flowers for sale come in various warm shades and a few fabulous shades, making them a statement piece in the garden. Features of Blanket Flower Plant The plant grows best in total sun exposure, sandy areas, and poor soil. The poorer the soil, the more blooms it will grow.  The blanket flower features blooms in various colors, such as orange, purple, red, yellow, and White. Depending on the season, the foliage can be either blue-green or gray-silver.  This ornamental plant can reach 1-3 feet in height and 1-2 feet in width. Water the plant every other day during the first growing period until you see flowers. Once established, it's easy to care for and does not require regular watering to stay alive.  The Blanket flower is an ecosystem booster, so it loves pollinators, birds, and other wildlife Though people with sensitive skin may experience skin irritation, the plant is non-toxic to humans and animals. This vibrant perennial pairs well with low-maintenance and drought-tolerant perennials, like Butterfly Weed, Yarrow, and Daylily. So, along with blanket flower plants for sale, check out other companion plants at T.N. Nursery.  How Long Does A Blanket Flower Live  Blanket flowers live approximately 2 to 3 years in optimal climates and conditions. However, they self-seed and germinated every year and manifested their presence around the garden.  Why are they called Blanket Flower  They are named so due to the resemblance of their multi-colored and beautiful flowers to a patterned blanket. The flowers have lush reds, oranges, and yellows, providing a warm, bright view all through the season.  Does Blanket Flower Multiply  Indeed, blanket flowers reproduce both by seeds and by rhizomes. They can form larger clusters in time, giving the garden excellent bloom spots more often.  Does Blanket Flower Need To Be Deadheaded  Deadheading is not mandatory for growing blanket flowers, but this practice promotes more blooms and keeps the plants neat. Blanket flowers grow in well-drained soils and prefer minimal fertilization. During spring, you should only apply a small portion of a balanced fertilizer to encourage growth. Too much fertilizer may hamper the bright blooms.
$6.99
$6.99
Lily Of The Valley - TN Nursery

Lily Of The Valley

Lily Of The Valley is a delicate perennial plant with nodding, bell-shaped white flowers and fragrant, sword-shaped leaves. It creates a charming ground cover in shaded garden areas and offers various benefits when integrated into landscaping designs. Its graceful appearance, sweet fragrance, adaptability, and contributions to outdoor spaces' visual and sensory aspects make it a prized addition to gardens. Lily Of The Valley is a classic. It is associated with purity, virtue, humility, and compassion. The proper scientific name is Convallaria majalishe, and the plant is related to good fortune, joy, hopefulness, happiness, prosperity, and blessings. The herbaceous perennials begin to bloom in mid-May and continue to maintain a delightfully fragrant display until summer officially arrives in mid-June. With its exquisitely tiny bell-shaped, ornamental flowers, the shrub has a low-key and understated beauty. Rather than a profuse explosion of showy blossoms, these plants have a quietly powerful presence. They can grow almost anywhere, whether in a valley or not. Slim curving stems give expression to glossy, deep green leaves that gently cradle sweet clusters of delicate, refined flowers. Each bell-shaped blossom hangs from a stem like a precious ornament, while the captivating scent delights the senses. The Symbolic Significance Of Lily Of The Valley (Convallaria majalis) They are associated with May Day. They symbolize a beautiful awakening after a long winter of darkness and hardship. The airy little flowers refresh the weary soul and promise a return to happiness and new hope. When the pretty white bells burst into view, they remind us that warm summers always follow dark winters with their alluring fragrance. Lily Of The Valley Is Used In Perfumes  When the alluring fragrance of them was converted to perfume and cologne in 1954, it inspired a line of products. Then, in 1956, Dior marketed it under the name Diorissimo. It was an instant hit for men and women alike. The lily was Dior's favorite flower and his lucky charm. The Unique Attributes Of Lily Of The Valley Lily Of The Valley can produce a thick carpet of ground cover while filling the air with a captivating scent. The deep green leaves make fabulous bouquets and cut flowers. With their curving stems, the plants can produce up to 12 tiny flowers with up to six tiny petals. The clusters are often included in bridal bouquets. Some bouquets consist entirely of them. The engaging blooms make a lovely statement when used to adorn wrapped gifts for weddings and showers. Where Does Lily Of The Valley Grow Best  It grows in partially shaded to shaded areas in well-drained soil. They prefer a cool, moist area, which makes it suitable for woodland gardens or shaded borders.  Does Lily of the Valley smell like garlic?  Lily of the Valley does not have any garlic-like fragrance at all. However, the plant has a good floral fragrance that is quite refreshing. Can Lily of the Valley be in full sun?  Lily of the Valley can withstand full sun in regions that get cold all year. In warm areas, excessive sun causes the leaves to wilt or may hinder the plant's growth.  How long does Lily of the Valley last?  The flowers of Lily of the Valley can last from two to three weeks in late spring. Its foliage maintains an eye-appealing view all through the growing season.  How Does Lily Of The Valley Smell  Lily of the Valley has a unique fragrance; it is sweet and fresh with some hint of citrus. This is commonly used in perfumes and is well appreciated for its relaxing and mood-boosting features.
$6.99
$6.99
Yarrow - TN Nursery

Yarrow

Yarrow has fluttery green leaves and tufts of tiny brightly colored flowers. This hardy herb is perfect for those who appreciate beautiful plants that don’t require much work, fertilizers, or maintenance. Yarrow Plants are Easy to Plant and Maintain Yarrow is easy to plant, which is why beginners and expert gardeners alike love it. It likes well-drained soil and works well in arid, sandy environments. Once planted, yarrow needs little watering and attention because it is drought-tolerant and hardy. Bloom Time and Color of the Achillea Millefolium For a sustained display of color, arrow blooms late spring through early fall for a sustained display of color. Its flowers, which range from white and yellow to pink and red, are arranged in hoop-topped bouquets that attract butterflies and bees. This extended flowering period makes yarrow a valuable addition to any garden, providing months of summer color. Shape, Foliage, and Life Cycle of Yarrow Plants The plant spreads into a mound with feathery, fern-like leaves that remain green year-round. Yarrow usually reaches 1 to 3 feet in height and gracefully blooms in borders, meadows, or wildflower gardens. TN Nursery's yarrow plants are supplied as strong perennials, meaning they will continue to produce year-round when maintained. Long-Lasting Beauty Yarrow is not only easy to propagate but also tough. Its perennial life cycle means that it will come back again and again, bringing sustainable beauty to your garden. Gardeners who want a long-lasting, easy-care plant that blooms for months and brightens up any yard will love yarrow. Place this long-lasting perennial in your garden and see its beauty year after year.  
$8.99
$8.99
Blanket Flower - TN Nursery

Blanket Flower

Blanket Flower is a perennial wildflower known for its vibrant, daisy-like blooms with red or yellow petals and dark center disks. Often found in prairies and gardens, it attracts pollinators and adds color to landscapes. This plant is the perfect choice when craving warmth. This radiant wildflower with an extended blooming season will light up your garden with a kaleidoscope of glowing colors.  Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata) Thrives In Drought and Full Sun Blanket Flower, or Gaillardia, is a sun-loving perennial with stunning two-toned daisy-like blooms. The name "Blanket Flower" interestingly comes from its warm yet vibrant red and yellow blooms, which are similar to the blankets Native Americans make.  This wildflower plant belongs to the Asteraceae (daisy) family and is native to North and South America. It is commonly found in Arizona, California, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, and Colorado. Blanket Flowers Resembles Daisy Perennials While it may resemble a daisy, blanket flowers are related to sunflowers and brighten up the dullest landscapes. The plant is usually paired with other drought-tolerant plants and showy grass to enhance the visual interest of the entire landscape. Moreover, blanket flowers for sale come in various warm shades and a few fabulous shades, making them a statement piece in the garden. Features of Blanket Flower Plant The plant grows best in total sun exposure, sandy areas, and poor soil. The poorer the soil, the more blooms it will grow.  The blanket flower features blooms in various colors, such as orange, purple, red, yellow, and White. Depending on the season, the foliage can be either blue-green or gray-silver.  This ornamental plant can reach 1-3 feet in height and 1-2 feet in width. Water the plant every other day during the first growing period until you see flowers. Once established, it's easy to care for and does not require regular watering to stay alive.  The Blanket flower is an ecosystem booster, so it loves pollinators, birds, and other wildlife Though people with sensitive skin may experience skin irritation, the plant is non-toxic to humans and animals. This vibrant perennial pairs well with low-maintenance and drought-tolerant perennials, like Butterfly Weed, Yarrow, and Daylily. So, along with blanket flower plants for sale, check out other companion plants at T.N. Nursery.  How Long Does A Blanket Flower Live  Blanket flowers live approximately 2 to 3 years in optimal climates and conditions. However, they self-seed and germinated every year and manifested their presence around the garden.  Why are they called Blanket Flower  They are named so due to the resemblance of their multi-colored and beautiful flowers to a patterned blanket. The flowers have lush reds, oranges, and yellows, providing a warm, bright view all through the season.  Does Blanket Flower Multiply  Indeed, blanket flowers reproduce both by seeds and by rhizomes. They can form larger clusters in time, giving the garden excellent bloom spots more often.  Does Blanket Flower Need To Be Deadheaded  Deadheading is not mandatory for growing blanket flowers, but this practice promotes more blooms and keeps the plants neat. Blanket flowers grow in well-drained soils and prefer minimal fertilization. During spring, you should only apply a small portion of a balanced fertilizer to encourage growth. Too much fertilizer may hamper the bright blooms.
$6.99
$6.99
Lily Of The Valley - TN Nursery

Lily Of The Valley

Lily Of The Valley is a delicate perennial plant with nodding, bell-shaped white flowers and fragrant, sword-shaped leaves. It creates a charming ground cover in shaded garden areas and offers various benefits when integrated into landscaping designs. Its graceful appearance, sweet fragrance, adaptability, and contributions to outdoor spaces' visual and sensory aspects make it a prized addition to gardens. Lily Of The Valley is a classic. It is associated with purity, virtue, humility, and compassion. The proper scientific name is Convallaria majalishe, and the plant is related to good fortune, joy, hopefulness, happiness, prosperity, and blessings. The herbaceous perennials begin to bloom in mid-May and continue to maintain a delightfully fragrant display until summer officially arrives in mid-June. With its exquisitely tiny bell-shaped, ornamental flowers, the shrub has a low-key and understated beauty. Rather than a profuse explosion of showy blossoms, these plants have a quietly powerful presence. They can grow almost anywhere, whether in a valley or not. Slim curving stems give expression to glossy, deep green leaves that gently cradle sweet clusters of delicate, refined flowers. Each bell-shaped blossom hangs from a stem like a precious ornament, while the captivating scent delights the senses. The Symbolic Significance Of Lily Of The Valley (Convallaria majalis) They are associated with May Day. They symbolize a beautiful awakening after a long winter of darkness and hardship. The airy little flowers refresh the weary soul and promise a return to happiness and new hope. When the pretty white bells burst into view, they remind us that warm summers always follow dark winters with their alluring fragrance. Lily Of The Valley Is Used In Perfumes  When the alluring fragrance of them was converted to perfume and cologne in 1954, it inspired a line of products. Then, in 1956, Dior marketed it under the name Diorissimo. It was an instant hit for men and women alike. The lily was Dior's favorite flower and his lucky charm. The Unique Attributes Of Lily Of The Valley Lily Of The Valley can produce a thick carpet of ground cover while filling the air with a captivating scent. The deep green leaves make fabulous bouquets and cut flowers. With their curving stems, the plants can produce up to 12 tiny flowers with up to six tiny petals. The clusters are often included in bridal bouquets. Some bouquets consist entirely of them. The engaging blooms make a lovely statement when used to adorn wrapped gifts for weddings and showers. Where Does Lily Of The Valley Grow Best  It grows in partially shaded to shaded areas in well-drained soil. They prefer a cool, moist area, which makes it suitable for woodland gardens or shaded borders.  Does Lily of the Valley smell like garlic?  Lily of the Valley does not have any garlic-like fragrance at all. However, the plant has a good floral fragrance that is quite refreshing. Can Lily of the Valley be in full sun?  Lily of the Valley can withstand full sun in regions that get cold all year. In warm areas, excessive sun causes the leaves to wilt or may hinder the plant's growth.  How long does Lily of the Valley last?  The flowers of Lily of the Valley can last from two to three weeks in late spring. Its foliage maintains an eye-appealing view all through the growing season.  How Does Lily Of The Valley Smell  Lily of the Valley has a unique fragrance; it is sweet and fresh with some hint of citrus. This is commonly used in perfumes and is well appreciated for its relaxing and mood-boosting features.
$6.99
$6.99
Yarrow - TN Nursery

Yarrow

Yarrow has fluttery green leaves and tufts of tiny brightly colored flowers. This hardy herb is perfect for those who appreciate beautiful plants that don’t require much work, fertilizers, or maintenance. Yarrow Plants are Easy to Plant and Maintain Yarrow is easy to plant, which is why beginners and expert gardeners alike love it. It likes well-drained soil and works well in arid, sandy environments. Once planted, yarrow needs little watering and attention because it is drought-tolerant and hardy. Bloom Time and Color of the Achillea Millefolium For a sustained display of color, arrow blooms late spring through early fall for a sustained display of color. Its flowers, which range from white and yellow to pink and red, are arranged in hoop-topped bouquets that attract butterflies and bees. This extended flowering period makes yarrow a valuable addition to any garden, providing months of summer color. Shape, Foliage, and Life Cycle of Yarrow Plants The plant spreads into a mound with feathery, fern-like leaves that remain green year-round. Yarrow usually reaches 1 to 3 feet in height and gracefully blooms in borders, meadows, or wildflower gardens. TN Nursery's yarrow plants are supplied as strong perennials, meaning they will continue to produce year-round when maintained. Long-Lasting Beauty Yarrow is not only easy to propagate but also tough. Its perennial life cycle means that it will come back again and again, bringing sustainable beauty to your garden. Gardeners who want a long-lasting, easy-care plant that blooms for months and brightens up any yard will love yarrow. Place this long-lasting perennial in your garden and see its beauty year after year.  
$8.99
$8.99

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