Cold Hardy Plants for the North

For the person who loves to garden, but is unfortunate enough to live in a northern climate, there are many alternatives to use that won't suffer or die with autumn's first frost. Much research has been done and many cold hardy varieties of popular plants are available. First of all, the gardener needs to know in what growing zone they are located. There are eleven hardiness zones in the United States. Local nurseries are familiar with hardiness zones, and will only stock plants that will survive in their zone. If shopping for plants from the Internet, it may be necessary to determine what zone your garden is in. Even within one state, there may be as many as four different hardiness zones, so be sure to choose only plants that will survive in your area. You can find a complete hardiness zone map at http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html.

In addition to choosing plants that will survive your state's temperature fluctuations, make sure to consider other climate factors, including soil conditions, humidity, daytime length, wind and rainfall.

That being said, if the northern gardener likes the look of a particular plant, with some research, you should be able to find a plant that will survive in your northern climate.

Here are a few cold hardy plants for the north:

Cold hardy bamboo - The Asian look of bamboo is quite desirable among gardeners. While bamboo is technically a grass, and you would think it would be hard to kill grass, most bamboo cannot survive in the north. There are many cold hardy bamboo plants available, in either low bush or higher stalking plants. I've personally used Bamboo Headquarters, and can say that even after two years, my bamboo plants are doing well.

Grapes - Not all grapes are created equal, and few will survive a northern winter. If you are interested in growing grapes, cold hardy wine grape stock can be obtained from nurseries in New York and Minnesota.

Fruit Trees - Many tender fruit trees cannot be grown in the north. However, cold hardy varieties of pear, peach, apricots and plums are available for those interested in growing and harvesting their own fruit.

Palms - As hard as it may be to believe, there are several palms that are cold hardy. These palms are said to survive climates to 0 degree F.

Camellias - Originally from the semi-tropical climates of China and Japan, there are cold hardy camellias that can survive temperatures of -15 degrees. These include camellia japonica, which can survive in Zone 6 climates.

Magnolias - The cold hardy magnolia trees of the north are not the same as its southern cousins, but if you like the look of the huge, plate-like petals in the spring, it is possible to grow a cold hardy version. The foliage is not as waxy as those trees in the south, but northern magnolia trees are handsome nonetheless.

Yucca - This spiny shrub, more at home in the Southwest, can be successfully grown in northern climates, even to Zone 4.

Hibiscus - If you like the look of tropical hibiscus, try growing its cold hardy cousin, the rose of Sharon. The shrub can survive most tough winters, and its late summer blossoms resemble hibiscus.

Citrus - Hardy oranges are available that can survive to Zone 5. Some plants will survive temperatures to 10 degrees F. Even though some citrus is cold hardy, they do need to be protected from the elements when the temperatures dip below 25 degrees.

Rhododendron - Several plants have been developed for colder climates, and can grow into magnificent specimens. Rhododendrons need to be planted in sheltered areas, preferably south facing.

A great online resource for cold hardy tropical plants can be found here.

Carefully choose plants for the cold hardy north, and give your garden an extra dimension.