The rock garden plants that are suitable for our Central European climate come from the high mountainous regions of the world, with the exception of the continents of Australia and Antarctica. In general, the climatic conditions prevailing there are similar to our Central European climate, so that many of the typical rock garden plants are extremely hardy even in the home garden. However, very wet winters can be problematic.

The sedum is hardy

Protect rock garden plants from moisture in winter

In their natural habitat, mountain plants spend the cold season under a blanket of snow, often several meters high, and therefore remain relatively dry, shielded from other external weather influences. This snow cover often remains from October to May, especially in the high mountains, so that typical rock garden plants have a long winter break. During a rainy average Central European winter, many of these plants suffer greatly from excess moisture and therefore have to be protected from it. Possible measures not only against rain, but also against frost are, for example:

  • Glass or plexiglass screens over the plant
  • Fir or spruce branches
  • an anti-freeze fleece

Remember to remove fleece and twigs on sunny days with temperatures above zero so that no light-seeking shoots can develop.

The most beautiful hardy plants for the rock garden

Most rock garden plants feel very comfortable in a sunny spot, but some plants also thrive in darker locations. Above all, sun lovers should be protected from frost, as this can cause the above-ground parts of the plant to freeze to death.

Rock garden plants for sunny locations

The following species have proven themselves in the rock garden in sunny locations:

  • Stonecrop (Sedum): loves drought and absolutely needs good moisture protection
  • Carpet or cushion phlox (phlox): full sun, good drainage. Protection against moisture, especially for game species.
  • Dwarf broom (Genista sagitalis): classic, preference for rather bright locations
  • Houseleek (Sempervivum): Full sun, very dry location; prefers dry, hot planting areas
  • Spurge (Euphorbia): very dry and full sun location, light winter protection required
  • Alpine bells (Soldanella): native mountain plant, needs a lot of sun and a rather damp location
  • Balloon flower (Platycodon): prefers a sunny, rather humid location
  • Cranesbill (Geranium): some alpine species well suited for the rock garden, sunny location
  • Gentian (Gentiana): native spring bloomer with intensive flower colour, sunny and rather humid location
  • Carnations (Dianthus): great wealth of species and varieties. Easy to care for in sunny and rather dry locations

Of course, the list is not complete, because the specialist trade has a very large selection of hardy plants for the rock garden to offer. Naturally, native species are particularly well suited, but plants from regions with similar climatic conditions also thrive here.

Rock garden plants for semi-shady / shady locations

A few rock garden plants also feel at home in rather dark locations. These include these types:

  • Bergenia (Bergenia): thrives in both shade and sun, easy to care for and undemanding
  • Gaultheria (Gaultheria): needs little light, but a moist and acidic soil
  • Moss saxifrage (Saxifraga arendsii or S. hypnoides): beautiful groundcover, prefers damp and shady locations

tips

Mice also feel very comfortable under a warm winter fleece. Therefore, set up mouse traps as a precaution.

Category:

Garden design