Select Your Zone

I

Northern Lapland

Extreme cold tolerance required. Minimum temperatures can drop below -45°C.

Starter Kit:

  • Dwarf Birch (Betula nana)
  • Arctic Willow (Salix arctica)
  • Reindeer Lichen (Cladonia rangiferina)
  • Cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus)
  • Lapland Rhododendron (Rhododendron lapponicum)
II

Central Lapland

Very cold winters with temperatures reaching -40°C. Short growing season.

Starter Kit:

  • Mountain Birch (Betula pubescens)
  • Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)
  • Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea)
  • Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)
  • Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum)
III

Northern Finland

Cold winters, typically -35°C minimum. Moderate growing season length.

Starter Kit:

  • Norway Spruce (Picea abies)
  • Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)
  • Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
  • Labrador Tea (Rhododendron tomentosum)
  • Bog Rosemary (Andromeda polifolia)
IV

Central Finland

Cold winters around -30°C. Reliable snow cover provides insulation.

Starter Kit:

  • Silver Birch (Betula pendula)
  • European Aspen (Populus tremula)
  • Juniper (Juniperus communis)
  • Heather (Calluna vulgaris)
  • Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)
V

Southern Interior

Moderate cold, typically -25°C minimum. Longer growing season.

Starter Kit:

  • Common Alder (Alnus glutinosa)
  • European White Elm (Ulmus laevis)
  • Hazel (Corylus avellana)
  • Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa)
  • Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella)
VI

Southern Coast

Milder winters, around -20°C minimum. Maritime influence moderates temperatures.

Starter Kit:

  • European Beech (Fagus sylvatica)
  • Common Oak (Quercus robur)
  • European Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)
  • Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum)
  • Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
VII

Southwest Archipelago

Mild winters, rarely below -15°C. Strong maritime influence.

Starter Kit:

  • Small-leaved Lime (Tilia cordata)
  • Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra)
  • Spindle Tree (Euonymus europaeus)
  • Primrose (Primula veris)
  • Wood Violet (Viola reichenbachiana)
VIII

Åland Islands

Mildest winters in Finland, typically above -10°C. Longest growing season.

Starter Kit:

  • Common Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)
  • Field Maple (Acer campestre)
  • Wild Cherry (Prunus avium)
  • Woodland Strawberry (Fragaria moschata)
  • Sweet Woodruff (Asperula odorata)

Understanding Zone Ratings

Hardiness zones are based on average annual minimum winter temperatures. However, microclimates within your garden can create warmer or colder conditions. Factors like elevation, proximity to water, urban heat islands, and wind exposure all influence local conditions.

Beyond Zone Numbers

While zone ratings provide a starting point, successful plant selection also considers soil type, drainage, light availability, and wind patterns. Plants listed for your zone are proven survivors, but thoughtful placement and care improve their chances of thriving.