March is one of the smartest months to plant hardy perennials. While many gardeners wait for full spring warmth, experienced growers know that cool soil and light frost can actually encourage stronger root development.
If you want a garden that comes back bigger and better every year, these 12 frost-tough perennials deserve a spot in your beds right now.
🌿 Why Plant Perennials in March?
- 🌱 Cooler temperatures reduce transplant shock
- 🌧️ Natural spring rain helps root establishment
- ❄️ Frost-tolerant plants develop stronger root systems
- 🌸 Earlier blooms compared to late planting
Planting early gives roots time to settle before summer heat arrives.
🌼 12 Frost-Tough Perennials to Plant Now
1️⃣ Coneflower (Echinacea)
- Zones: 3–9
- Tolerates light frost easily
- Attracts pollinators
- Drought-resistant once established
A March planting ensures deeper roots before summer.
2️⃣ Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
- Zones: 3–8
- Handles chilly nights
- Blooms mid-to-late summer
Thrives when given a head start in cool soil.
3️⃣ Peonies
- Zones: 3–8
- Prefer cool planting conditions
- Long-lived (20+ years)
March is ideal for root division planting.
4️⃣ Hostas
- Zones: 3–9
- Frost-hardy foliage
- Perfect for shade gardens
Plant early so roots anchor before leaves fully emerge.
5️⃣ Sedum (Stonecrop)
- Zones: 3–9
- Extremely cold tolerant
- Drought resistant
Perfect for low-maintenance landscapes.
6️⃣ Daylilies
- Zones: 3–10
- Tolerate late frosts
- Multiply quickly
Early planting promotes stronger blooming later.
7️⃣ Bleeding Heart (Dicentra)
- Zones: 3–9
- Loves cool weather
- Early spring blooms
Plant before temperatures rise.
8️⃣ Lavender (Cold-Hardy Varieties)
- Zones: 5–9
- Requires good drainage
- Prefers cool establishment period
Choose English lavender for better frost tolerance.
9️⃣ Salvia
- Zones: 4–10
- Cold-tolerant varieties available
- Excellent pollinator plant
Thrives when planted before intense heat.
🔟 Coreopsis
- Zones: 4–9
- Frost resistant
- Long bloom period
Great for sunny beds.
1️⃣1️⃣ Yarrow (Achillea)
- Zones: 3–9
- Handles cold snaps
- Drought tolerant
Excellent for low-water gardens.
1️⃣2️⃣ Columbine (Aquilegia)
- Zones: 3–8
- Cold hardy
- Spring blooming
Plant early for strong establishment.
🌡️ What Counts as Frost-Tough?
These perennials can tolerate:
- Light frost (28–32°F / -2°C to 0°C)
- Short cold spells
- Cool soil temperatures
However, newly planted perennials should still be mulched lightly if a hard freeze is expected.
🧤 March Planting Tips for Success
- Loosen soil deeply before planting
- Add compost for root support
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Mulch lightly to regulate temperature
- Avoid over-fertilizing early
❓ FAQs
Can I plant perennials if frost is still in the forecast?
Yes—if they are frost-tough varieties. Protect during extreme cold.
Is March too early?
Not for hardy perennials. It’s often the best time.
Should I fertilize immediately?
Light compost is enough. Avoid heavy nitrogen early.
🌼 Final Thoughts
March isn’t just cleanup month—it’s opportunity month.
By planting frost-tough perennials now, you give your garden a powerful head start. Strong roots, resilient growth, and bigger blooms all begin with early action.
