Plant Care

Will my outdoor plants survive a UK winter?

Every outdoor plant page shows an RHS hardiness rating. H4 to H7 plants stand a UK winter outdoors in the ground. H3 plants need protection in hard frosts, such as fleece or a sheltered spot. H1 and H2 plants are tender and should come under cover before the first frosts.

Many hardy exotics go dormant, drop their leaves or die back to the ground over winter and return in spring. That is normal and healthy. If you order in autumn or winter your plant may arrive cut back or dormant, which is the best time to plant. Our page What to Expect Through the Seasons explains what each type does.

Last updated 22 September 2026

More about Plant Care

Are any of your plants poisonous to children?When should I plant out, and how deep?Will my plants survive if I go on holiday?Should I repot my plant into the decorative pot I bought?Do plants come with care instructions?What do your pot sizes mean, and how big will my plant be?

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