I need advice on hardy plants, please.

[PsammeadPaintedTheLion]

There is a strip of garden down one side of our house which is problematic. It is south facing, and has no shade whatsoever all day.

Where we are, in winter the temp gets down to -20 at times, in summer up to +40.


Grass does not take there. The only thing that grows are thistles! I need some ideas on how to make it look nicer. Right now it looks dreadful.

[ThoseAwfulCurtains]

What grows in similar conditions in the wild where you are?

[PsammeadPaintedTheLion]

Not sure. There does not seem to be much around which matches our conditions as usually there is some shade. I'll keep an eye out though, thanks for the idea.

[HaveYouSeenHerLately]

Are you overseas?

[shovetheholly]

What about something like prairie plants? They generally grow in areas that experience a wide variety of temperatures, and ought to thrive in your conditions. It's worth checking the hardiness of each variety, as you're going to need some tough cookies for -20!!

I think when you have real temperature extremes like that, getting the soil right is really, really important. I would hazard a guess that this could be why grass is struggling - very hardy varieties should be enjoying those conditions. You may have very compacted earth that needs digging - and you may need to add drainage (grit) and organic matter (compost).

[PsammeadPaintedTheLion]

Thanks very much for the advice, that's really great.

Yes, we are overseas if the uk is your starting point!

[HaveYouSeenHerLately]

Sorry for the daft question, my brain had given up last night

I'm rather inexperienced in this area but I tried googling for 'plants that survive extreme heat and cold' and it threw up a few interesting articles. I enjoyed reading the one about Texas

Can you find any similar articles for your location?

[HaveYouSeenHerLately]

I've added some taller obelisk structures in my south-facing bed which throw a little shade as the sun moves round.

For some reason I have visions of a beautiful wall of bougainvillia in summer, based on many trips to Greece But it wouldn't survive those colder temperatures

[PsammeadPaintedTheLion]

Not a daft question at all

Some tall plants is a good idea.