Depending on where you live, you can enjoy outdoor containers that provide neighborhood appeal from the outside and a focal point from the inside. You don’t need to wait until spring in order to create some beautiful planters. 

In southern climates, cool-weather annuals give outdoor spaces a burst of color that will take you through the winter months. Here’s a combo that is as beautiful as it is long lasting through the cool weather months. 

Petunias

Pair red or pink-and-white petunia varieties for winter cheer. Get a double whammy of color by selecting a pinwheel variety. 

Pansies and Violas

Pansies and violas come in a wide variety of colors: white, yellow, blue, purple, and pink. Varieties of pansies offer old-fashioned, watercolor looks as well as startling clear single colors. Violas deliver masses of smaller flowers. Mix them together with other cool-weather annuals, packed into a bowl for an outdoor centerpiece. 

Dusty Miller

Dusty Miller is loved for its textural additions to winter containers. Their furry, frosty looking leaves are an excellent filler in mixed containers. For another cool-weather filler in white, try sweet alyssum.

In northern climates, when the temperatures regularly hover below freezing, get creative with cut greens, bare Birch twigs, and branches laden with red berries, such as holly. Pack a planter or urn with to create a bouquet that looks festive for the winter holidays, but lasts into the new year. No watering needed and the color will last for months. 

Written by Karen Weir-Jimerson