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Gardening in North West England

The North West is cool and one of the wettest parts of England, with mild coastal winters but high rainfall inland and over the hills. Moisture-loving and hardy plants thrive here; give Mediterranean plants sharp drainage and a sunny, sheltered spot.

❄️ Frost dates

Last spring frost: mid May
First autumn frost: mid October

Approximate — always check your local forecast.
🌱 Soil & growing conditions

High rainfall keeps soils moist, and uplands tend to be acidic and peaty. Excellent for moisture-lovers and ericaceous plants — improve drainage on heavy ground.

🌿 Hardy plants for North West England

Reliable, hardy plants well suited to North West England gardens (81 plants).

Alder Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula)

Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris)

Carrot (Daucus carota)

Common Alder (Alnus glutinosa)

Common Rose (Rosa gallica)

Dog Rose (Rosa rugosa)

Fern (Dryopteris filix-mas)

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Heather (Calluna vulgaris)

Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)

Mint (Mentha)

Primrose (Primula vulgaris)

Rosebay Willowherb (Epilobium angustifolium)

Willow (Salix viminalis)

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yew (Taxus baccata)

Apple (Malus domestica)

Bearded Iris (Iris germanica)

Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)

Blueberry 'Duke'

Blueberry 'Spartan'

Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)

Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)

Bramble (Rubus ulmifolius)

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Clematis (Clematis)

Common Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)

Common Hazel (Corylus avellana)

Common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)

Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)

Daffodil (Narcissus)

Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea)

Elder (Sambucus nigra)

English Oak (Quercus robur)

Field Maple (Acer campestre)

Goat Willow (Salix caprea)

Gorse (Ulex europaeus)

Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus)

Holly (Ilex aquifolium)

Honeysuckle 'Graham Thomas'

Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum)

Honeysuckle 'Serotina'

Laburnum (Laburnum anagyroides)

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

Pear (Pyrus communis)

Peony (Paeonia lactiflora)

Privet (Ligustrum vulgare)

Red Campion (Silene dioica)

Rhododendron

Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)

Strawberry 'Cambridge Favourite'

Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa)

Strawberry 'Hapil'

Strawberry 'Honeoye'

Strawberry 'Pegasus'

Strawberry 'Rhapsody'

Strawberry 'Symphony'

Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa)

Wild Service Tree (Sorbus torminalis)

Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)

Wisteria 'Amethyst'

Wisteria 'Prolific'

Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis)

Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra)

Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)

Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum)

Camellia (Camellia japonica)

Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

Hebe (Hebe pinguifolia)

Lavender 'Hidcote'

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender 'Munstead'

Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis)

Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo)

Thyme 'Silver Queen'

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Wood Anemone (Anemonoides nemorosa)

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