If you’ve ever struggled with your front porch looking a little bare once the holidays are over, you’re not alone. Summer flowers fade, autumn mums don’t last, and suddenly your planters are sitting empty in the cold. The good news is that winter planters don’t need to be dull or lifeless.
The best thing about winter planters is that they let you get creative with texture, color, and natural elements that thrive in the cold. Below you’ll find 20 easy and beautiful winter planter ideas you can mix and match. Each one adds instant curb appeal without being high-maintenance.
What Flowers Not To Use In A Winter Planter
Not every flower can handle the cold months, so it’s important to pick wisely to avoid a wilted, sad-looking display. Most traditional summer blooms like petunias, marigolds, impatiens, and zinnias will not survive frost and freezing temperatures. Even some fall favorites, like regular mums or pansies, can struggle in harsh winter weather, depending on your climate.
Helpful tips:
- Stick to hardy plants and evergreens that thrive in cold conditions instead of trying to force summer blooms to last.
- Avoid delicate tropicals like hibiscus or fuchsia – they’ll usually die quickly in winter.
- If you want a pop of color, choose plants like winter pansies, hellebores, or ornamental kale that are built for frost.
- Remember, artificial flowers can fill gaps for color, but pair them with natural greenery to keep the look cozy and realistic.
When to Plant Your Winter Planter
Timing is everything when it comes to winter planters. You want your display to last through the cold months without struggling to survive the first frost. Typically, the best time to assemble a winter planter is late fall, after your summer plants have faded but before the harshest freezes hit. This ensures your evergreens and hardy fillers have the best start.
Helpful tips:
- Check your local frost dates and plan to plant a week or two before the first heavy frost.
- If using potted plants that are frost-sensitive, consider starting them in containers indoors and moving them outside once it’s safe.
- Layering plants with taller evergreens in the back and smaller fillers in front gives your planter a balanced look that lasts all season.
- Mulching the base of the planter can help protect roots from freezing temperatures and extend the life of your arrangement.
20 Winter Planter Ideas
Below I have listed 20 of my favorite winter planter ideas that are easy to recreate and will add some festive flair to your front porch!
1. Evergreen Branches With Pinecones
Filling a planter with fresh evergreen cuttings is one of the simplest ways to add color and life to your porch.
Mix in different varieties like spruce, cedar, or fir to get a layered look. Tuck pinecones between the branches for a rustic touch that feels festive but not overdone.
A clever way to make it last longer is by misting the greens occasionally so they don’t dry out too quickly.
2. Red Twig Dogwood Accents
Red twig dogwood branches bring a bold pop of color against winter greens.
Their natural red bark looks stunning when placed upright in a planter, almost like nature’s version of holiday décor.
Pair them with cedar or boxwood for contrast, or even mix in birch logs for extra height.
It instantly brightens up gray winter days. I love the look of these glowing red branches catching the light at sunset.
3. Lanterns Tucked Into Planters
Instead of filling a planter completely with greenery, try placing a lantern right in the center and arranging evergreens around it.
Pop a battery-operated candle inside and you’ve got instant glow at night.
This is a clever way to add light without hanging up string lights. A simple way to style this is with black metal lanterns for a modern farmhouse look, or gold lanterns for a warmer vibe.
4. Birch Logs for Height
Tall birch logs are perfect for creating height in your planter without needing delicate flowers. Cluster them in threes for a balanced look, then surround the base with greenery.
They give off that Nordic cabin feel that works so well in winter. The best way to DIY this is by using a mix of different log sizes to keep it from looking too stiff.
I love the look of birch against dark evergreens, it’s so crisp!
5. Frosted Artificial Picks
If you want something truly low-maintenance, frosted artificial greenery picks are a lifesaver.
They give the illusion of snow-dusted branches, even if your area rarely sees snow.
Mix them into fresh greens or use them on their own for a clean look.
A clever way to style this is by choosing picks with subtle sparkle that reflect holiday lights. It feels festive without being overly “Christmas-y.”
6. White and Silver Color Scheme
Leaning into white and silver tones gives your planter a wintry elegance.
Think silver-painted pinecones, frosted eucalyptus, and white berry picks. A simple way to style this is by using a gray or white planter base to keep the palette consistent.
This is the perfect wintery vibe because it feels fresh and calming, almost like a snowy morning.
Above is a good example of how neutral tones still feel cozy when layered right.
7. Berries for a Pop of Red
Red berries instantly liven up a winter planter, and you don’t have to rely on real ones that may not last.
Faux berry picks hold their color and shape all season long.
Tuck them into a bed of greenery for a cheerful touch that feels very classic.
I love the look of red berries peeking out against dark evergreens, it’s a little detail that makes a big difference.
8. Mini Christmas Trees in Pots
Instead of empty planters, place small potted evergreens right inside and decorate them like mini Christmas trees.
Add string lights, bows, or even just a few ornaments for charm.
The best way to DIY this is by choosing hardy dwarf evergreens that can last outdoors through cold weather.
This idea works especially well by the front door for a welcoming feel.
9. Rustic Wooden Crates as Planters
Swap out traditional pots for rustic wooden crates or boxes.
Line them with plastic to protect the wood, then fill with greenery, logs, and pinecones.
This is such a clever way to bring farmhouse charm to your porch. A simple way to style this is by stacking two crates of different sizes for extra dimension.
10. Planters With String Lights
Adding a strand of outdoor-safe string lights transforms any planter into a glowing focal point.
Wrap them loosely around birch logs or weave them through greenery.
The best thing about this idea is that it works both day and night. Above is a good example of how just a little warm light makes everything feel more inviting.
11. Magnolia Leaves for Warmth
Magnolia leaves bring in a glossy green with warm brown undersides, which adds a unique contrast.
They look beautiful mixed with evergreens or even styled alone for a Southern-inspired winter planter.
A clever way to keep them looking fresh is to spray them with a clear floral sealant.
I love the look of magnolia leaves paired with white berry picks, it feels elevated without much effort.
12. Dried Hydrangeas in Winter
If you saved your hydrangea blooms from summer, winter is the perfect time to reuse them.
Their papery texture adds softness and volume to planters. Mix them with evergreens for a vintage, cottage feel.
The best way to DIY this is to spray them lightly with metallic paint for a frosted look.
This is such a vibe because it ties summer memories into your winter décor.
13. Oversized Bows as Focal Points
Sometimes all a winter planter needs is a giant bow.
Choose velvet or plaid ribbon and tie it around the planter itself or use it as a centerpiece on greenery.
A simple way to style this is by coordinating the bow color with your door wreath.
Above is a good example of how one bold bow can pull the whole porch together without needing too many extras.
14. Rustic Metal Buckets as a Winter Planter
Instead of ceramic pots, try galvanized metal buckets for a cozy farmhouse feel.
Fill them with cedar, pinecones, and berry picks for a casual but charming display.
This is a clever way to reuse old containers you might already have. I love the look of mismatched metal buckets lined up on porch steps; it feels collected and homey.
15. Dried Citrus Garland in Winter Planters
Dried orange slices aren’t just for the tree, you can use them in winter planters too.
String a little garland around the edge of the pot or tuck slices in among the branches.
It has such a great aesthetic because it adds a natural, old-world feel and a subtle scent if you use real citrus. The best way to DIY this is with thin slices dried in the oven until crisp.
16. Snow-Dusted Planter Fillers
If you want your planter to look like it just came out of a snowy forest, use artificial snow spray on greenery and pinecones.
It adds instant charm, even if your climate doesn’t get much snow.
A simple way to style this is to focus on the tips of the branches so it looks more natural.
Above is a good example of how just a touch of white softens everything.
17. Winter Herbs for Texture in a Winter Planter
Rosemary, thyme, and sage can all handle cooler weather, and they bring amazing fragrance to a winter planter.
Mixing herbs with evergreen cuttings adds texture and a little practicality too.
I love the look of rosemary in particular, it almost mimics miniature Christmas trees. This is a clever way to sneak in greenery you can actually use in the kitchen.
18. Painted Pinecones for Color
Gather pinecones and spray paint them in metallic shades or even bold colors like deep blue or burgundy. Mix them into your planter for a fun twist that stands out.
The best way to DIY this is by using a matte finish for modern style or glitter spray for holiday sparkle.
This is such a vibe for a Winter Planter because it feels both crafty and chic.
19. Hanging Winter Baskets
Don’t forget about hanging planters!
Fill baskets with cedar, berries, and even faux snow-dusted branches for a porch display that frames your entryway.
A simple way to style this is by adding ribbon tails that sway in the wind.
20. Natural Woodland Theme Winter Planter
For a more organic look, go all-in with woodland elements: moss, branches, pinecones, and even antler-style sticks.
Keep the palette earthy with greens, browns, and creams.
This is such a vibe because it feels like bringing the forest right to your doorstep.
The best way to DIY this is by layering textures instead of worrying about symmetry. I love the look of these planters in pairs by a rustic cabin door.
Helpful Winter Planter Table
| Step | What to Do | Helpful Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Choose Your Container | Pick a sturdy, weather-resistant planter that can handle freezing temperatures. | Consider ceramic, wood, or metal. Avoid thin plastic that can crack. Ensure drainage holes to prevent root rot. |
| 2. Select Hardy Plants | Stick to evergreens, winter pansies, hellebores, ornamental kale, boxwood, or rosemary. | Mix in berries, pinecones, or frosted artificial picks for texture and color. Avoid delicate summer flowers like petunias, impatiens, or tropicals. |
| 3. Layer Your Plants | Start with taller elements in the back, medium plants in the middle, and low fillers at the front. | Taller elements: birch logs, small evergreen trees, or red twig dogwood. Medium: winter pansies, boxwood. Front: moss, pinecones. |
| 4. Add Decorative Elements | Enhance with lanterns, bows, string lights, dried citrus, berries, or frosted accents. | Keep a consistent color palette. Use elements that complement your porch décor for a polished look. |
| 5. Prepare the Soil | Use high-quality potting soil suitable for winter plants. Add mulch or moss. | Ensure soil is slightly moist but not soggy. Mulch helps protect roots from freezing temperatures. |
| 6. Plan Timing and Placement | Plant in late fall, just before the first heavy frost. Choose a spot with some sunlight but sheltered from harsh winds. | Check local frost dates. Adjust timing for your climate zone. |
| 7. Maintenance Tips | Water sparingly. Remove dead leaves or flowers to keep planters looking fresh. | Mist evergreens occasionally if using cut branches. Less is more for winter watering. |
If you liked this post, why not check out our other winter posts such as 22 Winter Vegetables That Can Survive the Cold and Frost
