Inside Santa’s Real Garden – Meet the Magical Plants of the Far North
Ever wondered what Santa Claus grows in his own garden? Wonder no longer…
When we imagine Santa’s garden at the North Pole, it’s easy to picture endless snow and icy landscapes. Not to get too Sir David Attenborough about it, though, life persists in even the most extreme winter conditions.
Yes, the plants of the far north have evolved to survive the coldest environments on Earth. It’s little wonder, then, that so many gardeners are inspired by the resilience and charm of polar plants, incorporating tiny evergreens, mosses, and super-hardy shrubs into container gardens or rockeries.
“Many shrubs in extreme winter conditions have evolved to hug the ground, insulated by snow. These low-growing plants not only survive but add unexpected texture and colour to a frozen landscape,” says Andrew Bunting, VP of Horticulture for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and author of The Plant Lover's Guide To Magnolias (available on Amazon).
It’s a whimsical way to evoke the North Pole, even if you don’t have sub-zero temperatures in your backyard. To help you on your way, here are some plants you might imagine growing in Santa’s garden...
1. Reindeer Moss (Cladonia rangiferina)
Not technically a plant, but a lichen, Andrew explains that reindeer moss carpets the ground in cushion-like tufts of soft, pale green-grey hues.
As the name suggests, it’s a vital food source for reindeer in the Arctic, so Andrew suggests it's a good one for Santa to grow in his real garden. It's not purely practical, though; even if you don't have Rudolph and co to feed, it's a plant that should bring a touch of icy woodland charm to any backyard.
2. Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Bearberry, also known by the name kinnikinnik, is an evergreen perennial that hugs the ground, its glossy leaves providing year-round structure. In winter, Andrew says that its bright red berries serve as a vital food source for (gulp!) bears, but they also add a splash of festive color to any wintry landscape.
You'd best believe, then, that Santa would be a fan.
Recreate Santa's real garden in your own backyard:
3. Arctic Willow (Salix arctica)
A tiny, hardy willow, Arctic willow survives in the harshest conditions, growing just inches high. Again, Andrew notes that it’s a critical food source for Santa's hard-working reindeer – but, more importantly, it's a model for gardeners seeking low-growing winter interest in even the chilliest USDA Hardiness Zones.
4. Dwarf Conifers
It makes sense that Santa would have some sort of evergreen tree in his garden, and Andrew says Siberian dwarf pine and miniature spruces are perfect for adding vertical interest without overwhelming a snowy or container-filled backyard.
Better still, they also maintain structure and color throughout winter, making them a planting must for Santa and regular non-magical entities alike.
5. Arctic Poppy (Papaver radicatum)
One of the few flowers that can bloom in polar conditions, the Arctic poppy (also known as the Iceland poppy) adds a cheerful splash of yellow to frost-hardy gardens and evokes the resilience of Arctic flora.
As such, Andrew says it's all but a guaranteed staple of Santa's real garden. Especially as the blooms will self-sow for a constant supply of these lovely flowers; after all, St Nick is far too busy to be replacing annuals each growing season.
6. Arctic Cotton Grass (Eriophorum angustifolium)
With its delicate white, cotton-like seed heads floating above slender stems, Arctic cotton grass (seen at the top of this article) looks as though it’s been dusted with snow. Native to Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, it thrives in cold, wet environments and adds movement and softness to stark winter landscapes.
In an imagined North Pole garden, its bobbing plumes would sway gently in the polar breeze, catching the light like frost... but ideally grown in a pot, so its snowy, festive appearance could be enjoyed without it overwhelming neighboring plants.
Take care to do the same if you fancy a controlled slice of Santa’s frozen world in your own backyard.
Even if your winters aren’t extreme, you can use these plants (or their hardy garden equivalents) to create a mini North Pole scene that's guaranteed to thrive in even the very coldest climes.
Combine low-growing evergreens, mosses, and bright berries, then, for texture, color, and a magical touch that will make your winter garden feel like Santa’s very own backyard.
Hey, if it's good enough for the man in red, it's good enough for us!
