5 very hardy perennial plants unaffected by frost
A selection of cold-hardy perennials for very cold climates
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It can sometimes be difficult to find the ideal perennial plant for a garden in a cold region. Some perennial plants are hardy and ideal in a semi-continental or continental climate, that is a climate where summers are very hot and winters harsh, such as in Alsace. But what does ‘hardy‘ mean? It refers to a plant’s resistance to cold and frost. This is also called ‘hardiness’. Discover our selection of 5 hardy perennial plants that tolerate temperatures below -15°C.
Wood sage 'Schneehügel'
Among aromatic, melliferous perennials, Wood sage ‘Schneehügel’ delights bees and butterflies. This robust, easy-to-grow perennial has a compact, mound-like habit. Scented leaves are ovate, puckered to the touch and dark green. Flowering is abundant from June to September, with white flowers in spikes forming at tips of long shoots.
Salvia nemorosa ‘Schneehügel’ is a perennial for sunny positions and tolerates both drought and frost. This very hardy plant does not tolerate overly wet soils that could prove fatal. Spent flower spikes should be cut regularly during flowering. At end of winter, simply cut back dry clumps.
White flowers of Wood sage ‘Schneehügel’ are best showcased when paired with summer asters, fleabanes or grasses such as Stipa.
Geranium 'Rozanne'
Geranium ‘Rozanne’, also called crane’s-bill, is an excellent groundcover. It is the most famous of hardy geraniums and tolerates cold. It is very floriferous; its long flowering lasts from May until first frosts. This perennial forms a creeping clump about 30 cm high by 50 cm wide. Leaves are lobed, a soft green, and the bicoloured flowers are blue-violet with a white centre.
This geranium can be planted in full sun or partial shade, on banks or at front of borders. Preferring light, moist, fertile soils, it will nevertheless tolerate heavy soils. Easy to grow, this hardy perennial requires little care. Clump should simply be cut back in autumn or at the latest by end of winter. Mulch plant when temperatures fall below -20°C.
In sunny positions, Geranium ‘Rozanne’ pairs perfectly with Astrantias, Gauras or grasses such as Carex.
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Columbine 'Crimson Star'
Columbine ‘Crimson Star’, Latin name Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Crimson Star’, has an elegant and graceful flowering. Reaching about 60 cm high and 40 cm wide at maturity, finely divided bluish-green leaves create an airy effect. From May to June, these unusually shaped flowers are borne on long stems and their petals are extended into long spurs. Columbines occur in many colours. Columbine ‘Crimson Star’, by contrast, has large bicolour white and carmine-red flowers. A striking colour contrast!
This easy, very hardy columbine is comfortable in a sunny position, provided it is not scorching, or in partial shade. Soil should be light (loose, easy to work), rich in humus and not too dry. It looks splendid planted in groups at woodland edge, in a mixed border or in a cottage garden. Plant in autumn or early spring and space plants about 20–30 cm apart. Remove spent flowers regularly to prevent plant becoming exhausted producing seeds. At end of season, cut back flowering stems.
Columbines combine very well in partial shade with Hostas and ferns, or in sunny positions with bellflowers and Euphorbias, for example.
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Care of perennial plantsChinese peony 'Sarah Bernhardt'
Chinese Peony ‘Sarah Bernhardt’, or Paeonia x lactiflora ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ in Latin, is a timeless classic often found in our grandmothers’ gardens. This herbaceous species, whose branches die back completely in winter, has a bushy habit. Long-lived, it is remarkably hardy. This hardy perennial can reach 80 cm to 1 m in height. Its divided leaves are dark green in colour. From May to June very large double, highly fragrant flowers appear, fresh pink with a silvery edge. The older this peony gets, the more spectacular the flowering. It is an ideal perennial plant for creating charming bouquets.
Chinese Peony ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ should preferably be planted in autumn in a sunny position, sheltered from wind, in a border or as a specimen. Soil must be well drained, rich and cool. It requires little maintenance. However, provide stakes to support branches during flowering and regularly remove faded flowers.
This perennial can be accompanied by old-fashioned roses, lupins or garden irises. Spring bulbs can brighten your border while waiting for the peony’s flowering, and autumn asters will round off the season.
Stipa barbata
Stipa barbata, also called Angel’s Hair or bearded Stipa, is a tufted grass with an upright habit. Its flexible, fine mid-green leaves are evergreen. Beauty of this perennial is revealed when wind blows: foliage then dances in a graceful, airy movement. During summer long, feathery inflorescences appear, silvery-white, turning golden in autumn, hence name Angel’s Hair. Stipa appears even more luminous when sun enhances pale highlights of the hairy tuft.
Easy to grow, Stipa barbata has very good disease resistance. Planted in sun, it is ideal in dry, even stony and poor soil, preferably calcareous. This perennial can be used in mixed borders, along paths, as patio edging or in pots. Stipa is hardy down to below -15°C except in heavy, waterlogged soil. In winter, simply comb tuft by hand to remove dead foliage.
It will add an airy touch to a border of oxeye daisies, scabious, autumn sedums and yarrow. You can also pair Stipa with mauve-coloured bushes such as Afghan sage, lavender or Bluebeard.
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