Gas Plant (Dictamnus albus)
In south-central Wisconsin, we can expect our first fall frost sometime in early to mid-October. The morning after is always something of a shock. Tomato plants, annuals and tender perennials are suddenly wilted and dead or dying. In the following weeks, as I trim away black stalks and carry mushy tomatoes to the compost pile, I come to appreciate the perennials that can withstand some cold and still look beautiful, even if they’re not in bloom. Here are a few of my favorites.
Striatum Geraniums (Geranium sanguineum)
Winterberries (Ilex verticillata ‘Red Sprite’)
Siberian Tea (Bergenia cordifolia)
Yellow Fumitory (Corydalis lutea)
Pinks (Dianthus deltoides ‘Arctic Fire’)
Gas Plant
I remember gas plants (Dictamnus albus) from my childhood, not because my parents grew them, but because Norma Kassirer writes about them in what was then one of my favorite books, Magic Elizabeth. On hot summer evenings, Elizabeth’s family would light the gas plants in their garden. The gas plants in my garden don’t work as candles, and I’ve never quite believed the legend that a lighted match will cause them to emit sparks. But they look good all summer and in fall turn a lovely gold. Frost doesn’t seem to bother them at all.
Striatum Geranium
I have several of these Striatum Geraniums (Geranium sanguineum) growing in the front of my borders. They bloom prolifically in June and repeat continuously all summer long. The frost turns their leaves a beautiful dark maroon-red.
Winterberry
Winterberries (Ilex verticillata ‘Red Sprite’) are new to my garden this year. I first noticed the berries in late summer, while leaves still clothed the shrubs. Now that the leaves are gone, the glowing red berries add welcome color to my border.
Siberian Tea
Cold weather seems to bring the best out of Siberian Tea (Bergenia cordifolia), too. Their leathery leaves develop a purple tinge after the first frost and carry the color into winter. In early spring, they send up long-lasting spikes of small magenta flowers.
Yellow Fumitory
Yellow fumitory (Corydalis lutea) has been one of my favorite plants in the shade garden this year. It has bloomed prolifically all summer, and is still in bloom today. Its leaves have never shown any signs of fatigue or wear. And it has reseeded itself, so I can look forward to a spectacular performance from its progeny next season.
‘Arctic Fire’ Pinks
I planted these Pinks in my rock garden three years ago. After they bloom, I have been shearing them fairly harshly. They come right back, bloom sporadically throughout the summer and hold their healthy foliage well into fall. This one is still blooming in November!
Comments are welcome! Please share the best of the cold-tolerant plants from your garden!
