22 Winter Planter Ideas to Brighten Your Outdoor Entry

Winter streets look bare and empty. Your home entry too? Most homeowners struggle to make their entryways look fresh during cold months. The porch sits empty where summer flowers once bloomed.

But what if your winter entry could be more eye-catching than your summer garden? With the right plants and containers, your front door area can shine even in January.

You’ll enjoy coming home to a welcoming space that stands out in your neighborhood. Winter planters can add color, texture, and life to those short gray days.

This article shows you winter planter ideas that work in real homes. From classic evergreens to creative DIY options, you’ll find choices for every style and budget. Let’s bring some life back to your winter entry.

What Plants Can Stay Outside in Winter?

Several types of planters can stay outside in winter, provided they are made from durable materials and are properly cared for. Here are some options that can withstand cold temperatures:

1. Concrete Planters

• Durability: Concrete is highly durable and can withstand extreme cold. It is often resistant to cracking in freezing temperatures if it is sealed properly.
• Tip: Make sure to use planters that are designed for outdoor use and ensure proper drainage to prevent water from freezing inside the planter.

2. Fiberglass Planters

• Durability: Fiberglass is lightweight and highly resistant to cracking or breaking in freezing temperatures. It’s a great option for winter outdoor planters.
• Tip: Choose planters with UV protection to prevent discoloration from sunlight exposure during winter months.

3. Metal Planters (Galvanized Steel or Stainless Steel)

• Durability: Galvanized steel or stainless steel planters are sturdy and can survive winter conditions, as they don’t crack in the cold.
• Tip: Be cautious of rust over time, especially if exposed to snow or ice. Opt for powder-coated or rust-resistant finishes.

4. Wooden Planters (Treated or Cedar)

• Durability: Pressure-treated wood, cedar, or redwood are naturally resistant to moisture and decay, making them suitable for winter outdoors. However, regular maintenance (sealing and treating) is required to protect them.
• Tip: Ensure proper drainage, and elevate the planter off the ground to prevent moisture buildup from the frozen soil.

5. Resin or Plastic Planters

• Durability: High-quality resin or plastic planters are lightweight, weather-resistant, and won’t crack or break in cold temperatures. They are often designed to be UV-resistant, making them perfect for the winter months.
• Tip: Opt for thicker-walled resin or plastic planters for added durability.

22 Winter Bloom Creative Outdoor Planter Ideas

1. Classic Evergreen Planters

Green plants bring life to winter settings. These plants stay green when others lose their leaves. You can mix tall and short evergreens for visual appeal.

Pine, spruce, and boxwood work well in cold weather. They need little care and look good all season. Add some pebbles on top of the soil for a clean look. These plants suit both modern and traditional homes.

2. Winter Flowering Planters

Some flowers bloom even in cold weather. Pansies and cyclamen add bright spots of color to gray winter days. Plant them in groups for better visual impact.

Choose pots that match your home’s exterior colors. Water these plants less often in winter. They attract attention to your front door area. Combine with small evergreens for balance. Use mulch to keep roots warm.

3. DIY Pinecone and Branch Planters

Natural items create warm, welcoming looks. Collect pinecones and branches from your yard or nearby parks. Clean them with a soft brush before using.

Place them in wide, shallow containers. Mix in some artificial elements if needed for fullness. Brown tones complement most home exteriors. Add small lights for evening glow. These cost almost nothing to make.

4. Succulent and Cactus Planters for Winter

These tough plants handle cold better than you might think. Many succulents change color in winter, adding visual interest. Their unique shapes stand out against snow. Plant them in well-draining soil.

Use stone or clay pots that won’t crack. Group different types together for texture variety. They need very little water in winter. Succulents work well in sunny spots.

5. Ornamental Grass Planters

Grasses move with the wind, bringing your entry to life. Their seed heads catch snow in pretty ways. Tall grasses make strong focal points. Short ones work as fillers around other plants.

Choose types that hold their form through winter. They sound nice when breezes blow through them. Grasses add height without blocking views. They need almost no care once planted.

6. Large Statement Planters with Bold Plants

Big plants in big pots make strong first impressions. Holly and ornamental cabbage stand out even from the street. Choose pots that can handle freezing without breaking.

Place these on either side of steps or doors. One large planter often looks better than several small ones. Bold leaf patterns catch the eye. Consider the mature size when selecting plants.

7. Hanging Planters for a Vertical Touch

Hanging pots save ground space and draw eyes upward. They work well on porches with overhead beams. Use chain or rope that can handle winter weather.

English ivy and creeping Jenny drape nicely over edges. Check soil moisture often as hanging pots dry faster. Make sure hooks are strong enough for wet soil weight. These add charm without taking up floor space.

8. Winterberry and Holly Planters

Red berries pop against winter’s white and gray backdrop. These plants attract birds to your entry area. Plant berry bushes in fall for winter show. Combine with evergreens for color contrast.

The berries last for months in cold weather. Some varieties hold berries even after leaves drop. They make cheery welcome statements. Most berry plants need little pruning or care.

9. Vintage or Rustic Planter Ideas

Old items given new purpose add character. Try metal milk cans, wooden crates, or worn boots. Each tells a story while holding your plants. Look for items with good drainage options.

Rust and worn paint add to the charm. These suit country and farmhouse home styles well. Pair with simple plant choices for balance. They start conversations with visitors.

10. Lantern and Candle Planters

Light brings warmth to winter’s early darkness. Battery candles offer safe glow without fire risk. Place lanterns among low plants in wide containers. The light bounces off leaves and snow at night.

Use metal lanterns that can handle outdoor conditions. This setup works for months with little change needed. The warm glow welcomes guests after sunset. Light creates magic in winter gardens.

11. Miniature Winter Garden Planters

Small scenes tell big stories in compact spaces. Tiny evergreens create the base of these mini gardens. Add small paths made from pebbles or crushed shells. Little benches or animals bring these gardens to life.

Use moss for ground cover between plants. Create hills with soil for visual interest. These fit on steps or small porches. They bring joy through their charming details.

12. Frosted or Snow-Dusted Planters

White touches make planters look winter-fresh all season. Spray plants lightly with fake snow for lasting effect. Choose white-edged plants like variegated holly.

Silver and blue-toned plants enhance the cool look. White containers strengthen the snowy theme. These work well in shady spots. The look stays neat throughout the season. They glow under nighttime lighting.

13. Planters with Everlasting Decorations

Items that last all winter reduce maintenance needs. Twigs, pinecones, and seed pods stand up to harsh weather. Spray-paint some items silver or gold for spark.

Mix these with slow-growing plants for fullness. Stack items at different heights for visual flow. These stay looking good when living plants might struggle. They need no water or care. These suit busy homeowners.

14. Mixed Mixed-media planters for Texture and Color

Different materials create rich visual interest. Combine smooth stones, rough bark, and soft moss. Add metallic touches for light reflection. Layer textures like you would layer clothes.

This approach works even with few plant types. Each material brings its own winter beauty. The variety keeps eyes moving across the display. These planters reward close inspection.

15. Planters with Bright Winter Berries

Berry plants bring color when flowers can’t bloom. Red, orange, and purple berries stand out against snow. Birds visit these planters, adding movement and life.

Most berry plants need little special care. The color lasts for months in cold weather. Mix berry plants with small evergreens. These make your home look cared for. Plant them in fall for best winter showing.

16. Colorful Ceramic Planters for Winter Brightness

Bold pots fight winter’s gray days with happy colors. Blue, yellow, and red containers pop against snow. Choose thick-walled ceramics that resist cracking.

Bright pots make even simple green plants look special. Group same-colored pots for stronger visual impact. Use color themes that match your home’s trim. These lift your mood during short winter days. They show your style.

17. DIY Holiday-Themed Planters

Seasonal touches keep your entry fresh and timely. Add small ornaments among the plants for Christmas feel. Switch to hearts and red accents for February.

Small flags work for patriotic holidays. These changes take minutes but refresh your look. Keep the base plants neutral for easy theme changes. These make guests feel welcomed to celebrations. They show your home’s friendly spirit.

18. Winter Planter Boxes for Entryway Benches

Plants soften the hard edges of outdoor seating. Long boxes fit neatly against bench backs. They create cozy, room-like feelings outdoors. Choose plants that won’t drop mess onto seats.

These define outdoor sitting areas clearly. Add scented plants near seating for bonus appeal. They turn plain benches into garden features. These make your porch more usable in good weather.

19. Repurposed Items for Planters

Old things find new life holding winter plants. Cracked tea pots drain well and add charm. Old toolboxes bring work-worn texture to entries. Children’s wagons make movable plant displays.

Each item brings its history to your home’s story. Look for items wide enough to hold several plants. These cost little but bring much style. They show your creative thinking.

20. Minimalist Winter Planters

Simple designs create calm, clean looks. One perfect plant in one perfect pot makes strong statements. Black or white containers set off plant forms well. Focus on plant shape rather than flower color.

Space these planters with room to appreciate each one. Clean lines match modern home designs. They offer rest for winter-weary eyes. These never look cluttered or busy.

21. Container Garden Ideas for Winter Interest

Small plant groups create scene-like settings. Choose plants with different heights for natural look. Include plants that move in the wind. Create mini-hills in the soil for more natural feel.

These look like tiny parts of bigger landscapes. They work in tight spaces where gardens can’t fit. Look at plant tags for size and spread details. These bring garden joy during winter months.

22. Frost-Proof Planters for Cold Weather

Some materials handle cold better than others. Thick concrete lasts for decades without cracking. Fiberglass looks like stone but weighs much less. Wooden planters with metal liners resist weather damage.

Check drainage holes to prevent ice expansion problems. Raise pots on feet to reduce freeze-thaw cycles. These save money over time. They form the backbone of winter displays.

Maintenance Tips for Winter Planters

• Water your planters when the weather is above freezing to prevent the soil from drying out. Avoid watering during freezing temperatures, as water can freeze in the planters and harm the roots.

• Move planters to a sheltered spot to protect them from extreme cold and wind. Use burlap, frost blankets, or specialized planter covers to shield plants from frost.

• Ensure proper drainage in the planters to prevent water from collecting and freezing, which can damage roots. Check that drain holes aren’t clogged by ice or debris.

• Trim any dead or damaged leaves and stems to keep plants healthy. Remove spent flowers or foliage to maintain a neat appearance.

• For container plants that might outgrow their pots during the winter, consider repotting into larger containers with fresh soil.

• Add a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to insulate the soil and protect the roots from freezing. Refresh the soil in spring for optimal plant health.

• Inspect planters regularly for pests that might thrive in warm indoor environments (if indoors) or winter-damaged plants. Use natural pest control methods to avoid harming winter plants.

Conclusion

By choosing the right materials and following these maintenance tips, you can ensure your outdoor planters stay safe and beautiful throughout the winter season.

Creating winter planters brings joy during the coldest months. They welcome you home and greet your guests with color and life when the rest of the landscape sleeps.

What works best for your home? Consider your climate, how much time you have for care, and which materials will last in your area. The simplest option might be a pair of evergreen planters. Or you might enjoy changing seasonal displays that reflect each winter holiday.

What’s your next step? Start small with one idea that fits your style. Take a photo of your entry and think about what would look best in that space. Visit a local garden center to see what plants are still fresh. Then get your hands dirty and make your winter entry shine!

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Put in Outdoor Planters After Christmas?

After Christmas, you can plant evergreen shrubs, winter-hardy flowers like pansies, or decorative branches for winter interest.

What Plants Can I Put in My Pots for Winter?

Cold-tolerant plants like ornamental kale, pansies, heathers, and winterberry shrubs are great for winter pots.

What Is a Good Outdoor Winter Plant?

Evergreens like holly, boxwood, and spruce are excellent choices for outdoor winter plants due to their resilience to cold temperatures