Plants for continental climate

Plants have evolved by specializing in specific climates and / or micro climates. The influence of the sun, the frequency and duration of rainfall, temperatures, wind and even the altitude or proximity to the sea are factors that determine how much they can grow and when, their flowering and, ultimately, all aspects of their life. .

Therefore, one way to save time and money is by choosing species that we know will survive in our area, taking into account the climatic conditions that exist. So, this time we will tell you what are the plants for continental climate.

How is the continental climate characterized?

Continental climate is one in which winters are cold with moderate or intense frosts and hot summers. Therefore, plants have developed adaptation mechanisms to both low temperatures and heat; and even to periods of drought if they are near the Mediterranean. In autumn, when the weather begins to cool down, there are many that go to rest: this they do either by dropping their leaves, or simply by stopping their growth.

If we talk about the rains, an average of 400 and 600 mm fall per year, although they can be overcome. These occur especially between the months of spring and autumn, which is why it is when gardens that are under the influence of this climate are usually most beautiful.

And with that said, let's see what are some of the plants that we can grow in an area with a continental climate:

Selection of plants for continental climate

If in the place where you live the summers are hot and the winters very cold, you are interested in having plants that adapt well to those conditions, such as the following:

Japanese maple (Acer palmatum)

El japanese maple is a deciduous shrub or tree that grows to a maximum height of 12 meters. Its leaves are palmate, green, red, purple, orange, or bicolor depending on the cultivar. It blooms in spring, before the leaves sprout or at the same time as the leaves. It tolerates well winter frosts (late spring ones, they hurt if it has already started to sprout) of up to -18ºC, and it needs shade or semi-shade.

Camellia (Camellia japonica)

La camellia is an evergreen plant that It is normally grown as a low shrub of about 2 meters, but it can be made into a 10 meter high tree. It has simple, dark green leaves and produces many pink or white flowers 5-8 centimeters in diameter. It grows slowly, but that is not a problem because it blooms from a young age. It can live both in semi-shade and in shade. Withstands frosts down to -10ºC.

Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)

El horse chestnut It is a very large deciduous tree, which can be 30 meters high, develop a crown 4-5 meters wide, and that also has leaves up to 30 centimeters in diameter. Its flowers are white and are grouped in inflorescences that appear in spring. It lives well in places with a continental climate, with temperatures down to -20ºC in winter and 35ºC in summer.

celinda (Philadelphus coronarius)

La celinda it is a deciduous shrub 1-3 meters high. It has ovate or elliptical and green leaves, and its flowers are white and aromatic; in fact, its smell may be reminiscent of orange blossom. It is not a demanding plant: it can live both in full sun and in shade, and withstands frosts down to -25ºC.

Common cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

El common cypress It is an evergreen conifer widely used as a hedge in gardens. It grows to a height of between 25-30 meters, and can be pyramidal (the 'Stricta' variety) or horizontal. Its growth is neither very fast nor very slow, as it grows at a rate of about 15-20 centimeters / year. Now, its beauty and easy cultivation make it one of the most cultivated trees. It resists frosts down to -18ºC.

Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)

La lilac, or lilo, it is a small deciduous tree that reaches a height of 7 meters maximum, and that usually has two or more trunks of about 20 centimeters thick. It grows slowly at first, at a rate of about 10 centimeters / year, but then it does so at a somewhat faster rate. It has green leaves, about 12 centimeters long by 8 centimeters wide, and during spring lilac flowers sprout (hence their name) grouped in panicles. It supports very well frosts down to -18ºC, and must be in sunny places.

Honeysuckle of the gardensLonicera caprifolium)

The honeysuckle of the gardens it is an evergreen shrub that reaches a height of 1-2 meters. It has green leaves, and in spring it produces aromatic white, yellow or pink flowers that sprout from a terminal stem. You can use it as a climber, since its branches are flexible. Likewise, you should know that it resists frost down to -15ºC, and that it must be placed in full sun.

Margaret of the MeadowsBellis perennis)

The daisy of the meadows it is a small herbaceous plant about 30 centimeters tall when in flower, which is white and measures approximately 4 centimeters in diameter. It blooms during the spring, when the frosts have passed, and soon after it produces fruit with seeds. Taking into account its characteristics, it is interesting to grow it in pots, or on the margin of the lawn. It resists up to -18ºC, but for it to flourish it must be exposed to direct sunlight.

Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia)

El chinese elm It is a semi-deciduous or deciduous tree depending on the temperatures in winter. It grows up to 20 meters in height, and develops a wide crown, composed of green leaves and simple shape. When mature, it produces flowers that usually go unnoticed due to their small size and greenish color, although they can also be whitish or reddish. It has invasive roots, so it should be planted at a minimum distance of ten meters from the pipes. Withstands frosts down to -20ºC.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

Valerian is a rhizomatous herbaceous plant that grows between 20 and 120 centimeters tall. The leaves are pinnate, green, and about four inches long. It blooms in spring and summer, producing a corymb with numerous pale pink florets, as long as it is placed in a place exposed to the sun. Withstands frosts down to -18ºC.

Which of these plants for continental climate did you like the most?