Frost tolerant plants that thrive in cold weather
Frost can be a gardener's biggest challenge. One cold night is all it takes to damage delicate foliage or kill off tender new growth. But don't worry: not all plants are afraid of a chill. In fact, many species not only survive frost, they thrive in it.
Whether you live in a frost-prone area or are prepping your garden for winter, this guide will help you discover the best frost-tolerant plants for Australian conditions, including hardy flowering shrubs, trees, grasses, and groundcovers that can handle sub-zero temperatures with ease.
What is frost and why does it matter?
Frost forms when cold air causes surface temperatures to drop below 0°C, freezing the moisture on leaves and stems. This can:
- Damage or blacken tender foliage
- Kill new buds or shoots
- Ruin flowering and fruiting cycles
- Lead to dieback in sensitive species
The key to a resilient winter garden is planting species that can naturally tolerate frost, especially if you're in areas like Canberra, Orange, Armidale, the Adelaide Hills, or elevated parts of Victoria, NSW and QLD.
Best frost-tolerant plants for Australian gardens
1. Camellia japonica
Known for its beautiful winter blooms, Camellia japonica handles frost surprisingly well once established. Our overview of camellia bushes explains the difference between the japonicas and the earlier-flowering sasanquas, and the full camellia range shows the flower forms available.
- Position: Morning sun, protection from harsh afternoon light
- Height: 2 to 4m
- Flowers: Red, pink, white, blooming from autumn into winter
- Bonus: Great in pots or hedges
2. Chinese pistachio (Pistacia chinensis)
The Chinese pistachio is a stunning deciduous tree with blazing autumn colour and excellent frost tolerance.
- Height: 6 to 8m
- Foliage: Fiery red and orange in autumn
- Frost rating: Down to -6°C
- Best for: Driveways, feature trees, country properties
3. Lomandra longifolia
A hardy, strappy-leafed grass perfect for borders, mass planting, or erosion control. Our Lomandra longifolia care guide covers the annual cut back that keeps clumps looking fresh rather than thatchy.
- Height: 50cm to 1m
- Tolerates: Frost, drought, poor soil
- Low maintenance: No pruning needed
- Varieties to try: 'Tanika', 'Nyalla', 'Katrinus Deluxe'
4. Correa (native fuchsia)
A native shrub with tubular flowers loved by birds and bees, and tough as nails in frost. 'Dinner Bells' is one of the most free-flowering forms, and you will find similarly hardy options throughout our Australian native shrubs range.
- Height: 1 to 2m
- Flowers: Pink, red, or green in winter
- Frost rating: Very high
- Great for: Shady gardens, native hedging, winter interest
5. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Mediterranean by origin, lavender copes surprisingly well with cold, especially in well-drained soil. English lavender is the most cold-hardy of the group.
- Height: 50cm to 1.2m
- Foliage: Silvery grey
- Flowers: Purple spikes, excellent for pollinators
- Varieties to try: English lavender ('Munstead' or 'Hidcote') for the best frost resistance
6. Crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
This deciduous favourite handles cold nights with ease and rewards you with dazzling blooms in summer. Browse the crepe myrtle range, and see our crepe myrtle care guide for the winter pruning that drives the following summer's flowering.
- Height: 3 to 8m depending on variety
- Foliage: Autumn colour plus winter branch interest
- Frost rating: Moderate to high once established
- Flowers: Pink, white, purple, red in summer
7. Dianella caerulea (flax lily)
An Australian native grass-like plant with brilliant blue flowers and berries, such as the blueberry lily. Our dianella care guide covers division and the light trim that keeps clumps dense.
- Height: 40 to 60cm
- Best for: Borders, native gardens, understorey planting
- Toughness: Drought and frost-tolerant
8. Sedum (stonecrop)
Perfect for low borders or pots, sedum varieties are incredibly resilient and frost-hardy.
- Height: 15 to 50cm
- Foliage: Succulent leaves
- Flowers: Pink, red or yellow clusters in late summer
- Tip: Let them die back naturally in winter, as new growth appears in spring
9. Box hedge (Buxus microphylla)
A classic choice for formal gardens and frost-prone areas alike. Our English box and buxus care guide covers clipping times and the box blight to watch for in humid seasons.
- Height: 50cm to 1.5m
- Uses: Edging, parterre gardens, topiary
- Frost rating: High
- Water: Low needs once established
10. Maple trees (Acer spp.)
Japanese and ornamental maples love a cold snap and reward you with breathtaking autumn displays. In fact a proper winter chill deepens the colour, as our Japanese maple care guide explains.
- Height: 2 to 10m depending on species
- Foliage: Spectacular reds, oranges, and yellows
- Frost rating: High
- Best in: Well-drained, partly shaded positions
Tips for gardening in frost zones
Even with frost-tolerant plants, a few extra measures can improve survival and performance.
Choose local or cold-adapted species
Plants native to your climate or grown locally are more likely to withstand winter extremes.
Improve soil drainage
Wet, soggy soil in winter amplifies cold damage. Raise beds and improve drainage with compost or coarse sand.
Mulch generously
Apply 5 to 7cm of mulch around the base of plants to insulate roots from extreme cold.
Water in the morning
If a dry spell hits, water early in the day so moisture is absorbed before the overnight drop in temperature. Watering habits should change with the season, which our guide to adjusting your plant watering schedule in winter sets out clearly.
Avoid pruning too late
Don't heavily prune frost-sensitive plants in late autumn, because tender regrowth is vulnerable to frost damage.
Final thoughts
You don't need to sacrifice beauty or variety just because your garden experiences frost. With the right plant selection, your garden can flourish even through the coldest months. From flowering shrubs to hardy natives and show-stopping trees, frost-tolerant plants offer year-round interest, resilience, and colour. Many of them earn their keep twice over, since several also appear in our guide to plants that change colour throughout the year.
Ready to plant?
Every plant on this list is grown at our nursery and delivered Australia-wide with expert support and our 30-day healthy plant guarantee. Browse our hardy plants for tough spots and build a garden that shrugs off the cold.
