Several Perennials Lost to Winter Kill

I lost quite a few perennials over winter this year.  Some were well-established plants and others were rated as hardy for the area (zone 5).  What did I do wrong?

You did nothing wrong.  You, many other gardeners, and professionals (myself included) lost an interesting variety of perennials.  Some hardy and even a few native plants died while other, what we thought less hardy, plants survived.  In speaking with other horticulturists we can not find a common thread or pattern to the winter kill.  I think the combination of hot dry summer weather followed by a cold open winter may have been too much stress for some plants.   In any case it is a good reminder that despite our best efforts a challenging growing climate can always leave us surprised.  Try to look at your plant loss as opportunities to try something new the next season. 

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