Important to consider before planting perennials in the nordic garden:

• Which climatic zone garden is located in? For example, my garden is located in the zone V (for Sweden). Practically it means that I am buying/chosing prefarably plants which can grow in the zone V and higher.
• Try to avoid open, windy locations. Plant bushes/trees (here they grow long...) around the garden, or just make a willow fence (at least 1,6 m high) or any other type of wind protection. This will help to make a microclimate in the garden.
• If draining of soil is weak (water stays on the surface) try to mix soil with sand.
• I do not assume that all plants sold in garden centers here will survive the climate. I double check with books and ask when buying a new plant.

  Important note: In some garden centers there are plants marked "E-planta" available. It means that they have been tested and certified for our northern climate. Among "E-planta" marked you will find: bushes, trees, Clematis sp. and more. Plants are tested and their growth is adapted to late springs and early winters.

Important note: height and flowering time is given for nordic garden. More south flowering time is different!

Aconitum cammarum Height: up to 2 meters Flowering: August Place: Sunny NOTE: Poisnous Care: usually young stems are attacked by aphids. The only way to take care of it and save future flowers is to remove aphids by hand and wash the plant with a stream of water. This treatment has to be repeated few times. Attracts lots of insects!

Delphinium hybr. Height:up to 180 cm Flowering: July-August (depending upon the type) Place: Sunny Care: Supports for plants have to be prepared, the sooner the better. I have made prenament supports from willow branches. Otherwise long stems have a tendency to break easily. There are plenty of different varietes of Delphinium, which planted together are giving very nice effect. Attracts lots of insects!

Campanula sp. Height: 20-30 cm (other sorts higher) Flowering: June-August Place: Suny/Half sunny There are many different varietes of Campanula sp. which can grow in northern Sweden. Usually the color of flowers is light to deep lila, white or pink. Not much problems with taking care of them. Often they seed themself like: Campanula glomerata and can became a temporary "weed"...

Polygonum multiflorum

Height: 60-80 cm Flowering: Maj-June Place: Half sunny preferable Decorative during whole season. With time the plant will create dense groups.

Papaver orientale

Height: 50-100 cm Flowering: June-July Place: Sunny Very short flowering time. Leafs are gone short afterwards as well.

Veronica spicata (blue) and Anthemis tinctoria (yellow) Height: up to 80 cm Flowering: July-August Place: Sunny Features: Thise two perennials fit well together. Not much problems to take care of them. Very long flowering time.

Astrantia major Height: 40-90 cm Flowering:June-August Place: Sunny/Half sunny Feature: flowers very long. Red variety exists also. Good as "filling in".

Gentiana septemfida Height: 20-30 cm Flowering: August Place: Sunny Note: Suitable for the stone garden or plant bed border. Wonderful deep blue flowers in the late summer.

Aquilegia caerulea Height: 50-80 cm Flowering: June-July Place: finds itself by self seeding Note: most popular is one with blue colored flowers. Leafs are very decorative in bouquests.

Trollius sp. Height: 80 cm Flowering: May-June Place: Sunny/Half sunny Note: Requires a bit more moisture in the soil. Good place is near the pond.

Convallaria majalis Height: 20 cm Flowering: June Place: Half sunny feature: wonderful smell! Note: red fruits are poisnous. Do not let children to eat them.

Anaphalis margaritacea Height: 30-60 cm Flowering: July-August Place: Sunny Note. drought resistant. Flowers are very suitable for winter dry arrangements.

Primula sp. Height: 10-20 cm Flowering: May-June Place: Sunny Note: Flowers of some primulas can be used in salads!

Perennials which are more sensitive (in my garden) and require some consideration where to plant

• Chose protected place with good draining
• Cover with lots of branches after first frost
• Additionally cover some with plastic box (leaving a space for air circulation)
• Keep them covered during first weeks of spring, when risk of forst is still there

Echinops sp. Height: 100-120 cm Flowering: July/August Features: a bit hairy leafs, can hurt. But flowers will attract lots of insects. Nice in dry arrangments. I am trying a variety "Arctic glow" (white). They can be easily grown from seeds.

Meconopsis betonicifolia Height: 60-100 cm Flowering: June/July Features: Comes from China and Tybet and is hardy. Needs wet summers and dry winters. In first year it is good not to let it flower, it will strengthen the plant. It seeds itself. Wonderful blue flowers.

Brunnera macrophylla Height: 30-50 cm Flowering: May/June Features: Really big and decorative leafs, while flowers are rather small. Comes from Kaukas, but it did not survive one of the winters in my garden. I am searching for a best spot for a new plant.

Echinacea sp. Height: 80-100 cm Flowering: August Features: needs really sunny and protected place, otherwise flowers are too late and never really developed. This one is really a challange for me. Planted on the south side, close to the summer house. I try variety "White Swan", but no clue yet if it makes it here.

Photos & text by Joanna