Cold climate gardening can be challenging, with gardeners facing short growing seasons and the possibility of frosts occurring late in spring or early in late summer or fall. Successful cold climate gardening involves using plants that bloom early and tolerate cool temperatures.
Choosing Hardy Perennial Plants
Cool climate perennials come in many heights and widths. Choose a variety of blooms when picking plants for cold regions. Grow delicate and frilly flowers when choosing hardy perennial plants that are members of the Dianthus family, such as Sweet William and carnations. The herb yarrow provides frilly foliage and delicate blooms when used for cold climate gardening. Local garden centers can help with plant choices when you're growing hardy perennials. Retail plant technicians there will explain necessary conditions for growing hardy perennials. Ask which varieties are most tolerant of your garden conditions. Some cool climate perennials perform best in an area sheltered from winds.
Plants for Cold Regions
Many short border or groundcover plants for cold regions spread and fill in bare areas in the cool season garden. Hardy perennial plants often used for their spreading potential include the following:
Taller plants for the back of the cold climate gardening bed may include:
Don't forget to plant spring flowering bulbs, like daylilies, for their range of colors. Additional cool climate perennials to choose for color include the following:
Choosing cool climate perennials that are frost tolerant for the garden when cold climate gardening is key to your success. Many varieties are available to fit the bill when growing plants for cold regions. Adding an abundance of these cool climate perennials will make your cold season garden pop with colors and textures.
