The Perfect Spring Planters that Thrive in a Cold Climate

Last Updated on September 7, 2024

Deck out your front porch with spring planters that thrive in those ever-changing months after winter.

Spring has become my absolute favorite season. I love watching the grass turn green and the trees and flowers begin to bloom. Plus, after hibernating all winter, I get so excited to get my spring front porch decor out! The problem is, I live in a cold climate that snows on and off for about half the year. 

A few years ago, after an unseasonably warm spring, I had my front porch planters filled with beautiful impatiens in late April. But it snowed the weekend before Memorial Day and completely crushed them! 

I decided to hold on real flowers until June just to play it safe. But I don’t want to keep my winter front porch decor out until June. I needed spring front porch decor that would look great on warm, sunny days but not get demolished during spring snowstorms. If you live in a cold climate or just want spring front porch decor that is simple, adorable, and withstands all weather, check out my ideas below!

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Spring Planters for Front Door

I discovered the Nantucket Self-Watering Planters 3 years ago, and I’m obsessed! They come in two different sizes (16” and 32”). I own two of the 16” and one 32” planter. They’re decked out with impatiens, one of my favorite flowers, all summer long. 

These planters are made of polyethylene, which makes them insanely easy to clean. If you love the classic look of coastal style, these planters are a must have!

For spring, I decided I wanted faux trees to place in the two 16” planters, and I stashed the 32” planter in the garage. I just love this look when I’ve seen similar spring planters. Topiary trees are the perfect transition between winter and summer. In fact, they would honestly look great year-round. I always opt for real plants when I can, but these faux cedar trees are low maintenance and will survive any weather Colorado decides to throw at them. 

These faux cedar trees come in a set of two are 3 ft tall and UV resistant. Our front porch actually doesn’t get a ton of sunlight (hence why I opt for impatiens in the summer). But just in case, it’s nice to know they are protected.

How to Decorate with Spring Planters

I love my planters so much because they are incredibly versatile. I change out our front porch decor every season, and they have worked beautifully. If you have other planters or these just aren’t your style, you can create a similar look with alternative planters too!

1. Fill Your Planter with a Soil Base

Because my planters have flowers in them June-Sept, they’re already filled with a soil base. You can also use mulch as an alternative filler.

2. Dig a Hole in the Center of the Planter

Use a spade to carve out a hole in the soil in the center of your planter. Do this in grass so you don’t get dirt all over your front porch! Just toss the dirt on the grass and use it to fill back in once you’ve placed your tree.

Make sure the tree is perfectly centered and the pot that the tree comes in is even with the top of the planter. I just run my hand across the top to make sure they’re in line. 

3. Top it Off with Mulch

I think of mulch like beauty concealer for your yard. It just makes everything look better! Even out the soil across your planter and fill in the top with fresh mulch. Then voilà, you’re done!

Spring Front Porch Decor

When it comes to spring front porch decor (or any decor for that matter), I like to keep things simple. You won’t find wooden signs or statues on my porch. There are just a few key pieces that are musts for creating the perfect spring front porch.

Doormat

I can’t help myself when it comes to doormats. I change them out every season! It’s an inexpensive way to keep your front porch looking cute and welcoming. It’s like a facial for your front porch! I buy all of our doormats at Target. 

Rug

A doormat is great, but it looks so much more stylish when you layer it with a cute rug! I have had the same blue and white striped rug since we bought our house, and it stays through every season. 

Be sure your front porch rug is made for the outdoors. This one is 100% polypropylene, so it’s completely waterproof. We just power wash it a couple times a year to keep it looking new. 

Wreath

A wreath is a must-have for your front door! I own 3 wreaths: one for the fall season, one for Christmas, and one for spring/summer. If you want to simplify things, use the same wreath for spring and summer unless you really want to differentiate them. For me, the same one works for both!

With the exception of my Christmas wreath, which my best friend hand made for me, all of my door wreaths are from Target. Hearth and Hand are my favorite wreaths, but Studio McGee has cute ones too. 

Planters

Last but definitely not least, your spring front porch decor is not complete without planters! Planters are a staple for your front porch. Find some you love that you can swap out with different decor each season.

The weekend after I took these pics, we had a big spring snow storm. Below you can see how perfect these planters and trees are in the snow. They really create the perfect winter wonderland!

I hope this post gave you some good spring front porch decorating inspiration. For more outdoor decorating tips, clicks HERE

This post is about spring planters that thrive in cold and warm weather. .