So, we’re looking at our gardens, as the tender new shoots of perennials emerge and grow at rapid fire pace…..love this time of the year! But, today I am watering everything, except the lawn. The planting beds are DRY, and it is WARM, so it’s time to give everyone a drink. As I look around at my gardens, some are very deep shade, some are morning sun, some are a mix, and some are full sun all day. Planting always requires some trial and error, but sometimes the areas that cause grief are those with full exposure. And added heat.

I decided to include a short list of some perennials that grow well in these conditions, and are hardy to our northern zone 1 to 3 climates. Oddly, even with 5 months of winter, we have areas in this land that see almost desert like conditions. I spent several years living in such an area, and there are vast differences in the plants that will or will not grow in extreme heat. I know it is hard for some people to visualize anywhere in Canada reaching temperatures in the high 30’s (Celsius) but trust me….we get them! And landscaping stops above 35 degrees!!!

Here is my short list, hardy to heat and to drought…..next time, shade!