5 Lovely Plants That Do Well in Indiana Winters

Every year there’s a danger of your plants becoming injured during the winter cold temperatures. Damage can be caused by overnight frost or prolonged periods of cold weather. You may experience a loss of early flowers to leaf burn or the death of the entire plant. Here are several plants that resist freezing cold weather and that are recommended for cold regions of the US:

Here are 5 hardy, cold resistant plants for Indiana gardeners:

 

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Adnophora Liliifolia

Also known as the Ladybell or Grannybell, this perennial spreads both by aggressive runners as well as by seeds. Large groupings can be very striking, with bell-like purples hanging delicately atop light green foliage.

The plants bloom from late summer right into autumn. The stems are tall and strong, and the plant itself tolerates a variety of soils and exposure to light. Well-drained, moist, rich soils are preferred.

Deadheading prevents reseeding while deep roots prevent subdivision. The plant grows to 18” high and 12” wide.

 

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Agastache

The Hyssop, also known as the Hummingbird Mint, is a perennial plant family that attracts plenty of butterflies and hummingbirds.

Hyssops enjoy the  full sun and tend to blossom somewhere between mid-summer and autumn, are excellent container plants, and are very drought resistant.

They grow upright and produce tall flowers. To encourage more blooming remove spent spikes. Also, the plants come through winter best if you do NOT cut back.

Most Hyssop plant species spread by seed, so you need to deadhead to prevent reseeding. For Indiana gardens, recommended species include the; Agastache foeniculum, Blue Fortune, Black Adder, and Tutti Frutti.

 

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Asiatic Lilies (also Oriental lilies)

These lilies bloom in pinks, reds, whites, and yellows. You can differentiate Oriental lilies from Asiatic lilies by observing a few features.

For instance, Orientals are generally larger with larger blooms and bloom later than Asiatics. Asiatic lilies, on the other hand, are available in more colors and multiply faster.

They are also easier to grow compared to Orientals. Nevertheless, both varieties are very hardy and strong. Most varieties grow to 4” tall. Protect using snow cover in severe colds; a 3-inch mulch is recommendable.

 

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Bee Balms

Also known as the Monarda, this is another excellent plant for Indiana winters. They are very easy to grow but can be susceptible to mildew. Therefore, grow in fertile, dry condition in the sun.

There are several species to choose from. The “Gardenview Scarlet” has a red mophead of flowers and grows to 3 feet. “Marshall’s Delight” has a spiked, globe-shaped pink head with mint foliage.

Divide every two to three years in spring or fall to discourage crown rot, and thin periodically to reduce mildew.

 

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The Columbine (Aquilegia)

These are graceful flowers with spurs extending from the base of the bloom though not all species have spurs. They attract butterflies and hummingbirds but are known to resist rabbits and deer.

They make an irresistible attraction when combined with low growing greenies such that the Columbine flowers rise above the green leaves for a lovely display. Aquilegia flowers can be single or bi-colored in red, blue, or white.

Although these plants are very hardy, you’ll still need to protect your garden during the cold season. Mulching around the base of the plants and in flowerbeds will protect your beds and plants from the snow, and the plants will survive the Indiana winters.

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