Best plants for a Scandi-style backyard – 7 gorgeous suggestions from landscape designers for a Nordic-inspired look

While Scandinavia may be far from home, it can be a great source of inspiration when planning a stunning outdoor space. And what better place to start than choosing plants that perfectly capture the Nordic aesthetic?

'If you’re looking to create a garden with that effortless, natural beauty often found in Scandinavian landscapes, the key is to embrace simplicity, texture, and plants that thrive in the northern climate,' says Emilie Bausager, a Danish-British garden designer. 'Think soft, muted tones, relaxed yet structured planting, and species that can handle a bit of neglect while still looking beautiful year-round.'

Below, you'll find seven planting picks recommended by the experts, for a Nordic-inspired vibe in your yard. Whether you plan to create a dedicated Scandi-style wellness area or want to transform your entire backyard, these seven plants are definitely worth a spot on your shortlist.

1. Yarrow

Emilie Bausager's first recommendation is Achillea millefolium, otherwise known as common yarrow, which is generally suitable for hardiness zones 3-9.

'This is a dream plant for softening a planting scheme,' she says. 'Its feathery foliage and flat-topped flower heads bring a wild, meadow-like feel without looking messy. Plus, it’s tough as nails – drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and brilliant for pollinators.' She recommends mixing it with ornamental grasses for an airy, natural look, using it in a gravel garden, or letting it weave through other perennials to create a soft, romantic feel.

Wherever you plant it, ensure it has good drainage and plenty of sunshine. But before you add it to your garden, it's best to note that yarrow can be considered invasive in some US regions, so double-check, first.

Achillea millefolium 'Sunny Seduction' is available from Nature Hills.

Emilie Bausager

Emilie Bausager is a Danish-British garden designer and artist based in London and Copenhagen. She blends historical influences with a Scandinavian approach to sustainability, creating unique and evocative landscapes. Her designs emphasize natural harmony, ecological awareness, and artistic expression.

2. Creeping Thyme

If you've read about pink lawns or drought-tolerant ground covers, you're probably familiar with Thymus serpyllum, suitable for hardiness zones 4-9.

Emilie says it's a 'perfect ground cover that smells amazing and is completely fuss-free. It thrives in poor soil, needs barely any water, and creates a natural carpet of tiny flowers that bees go mad for.'

She recommends tucking it between stepping stones for a lush, fragrant path, letting it spill over the edges of raised beds or rock gardens, or even using it as an alternative to grass in small areas for a low-maintenance, sensory experience.

3. Birches

The Betula genus – known as birch – is a group of deciduous trees and shrubs recommended by Swedish landscape designer Annika Zetterman. 'Betula can be seen as national trees in the Nordics, with many varieties in the wild, depending on where you are,' she says.

'Betula species are admired for their elegant, slender form,' Annika continues, highlighting how their bark, which peels in papery layers, provides interest year-round. 'Betulas can be used as solitary trees in a lawn, or integrated in planting. Using several trees captures the white stems even more.'

Birch trees are generally suited to hardiness zones 2-9 (depending on variety). They tend to prefer moist but well-draining soil, but always check the label of your chosen variety to get conditions just right. If you need to prune your birch tree, do so during its dormant season. There is a range of birch tree varieties available from Nature Hills.

Annika Zetterman

Annika Zetterman is one of Scandinavia's most influential landscape designers. She creates captivating gardens with a love for the land, within the Nordics and beyond. Annika is the author of the bestselling book New Nordic Gardens, published by Thames & Hudson.

4. Water Avens

Water avens (Geum rivale), suitable for hardiness zones 3-7, is another suggestion from Emilie. 'When it first emerges it can almost go unnoticed, but slowly the flowers unfurl and a rich peachy tone is revealed,' she says. 'It thrives in damp, shady spots where other plants might struggle but can also work dotted through a sunny area.'

She suggests planting it near ponds or water features for a soft, natural look, mixing it with ferns and shade-loving grasses for a woodland vibe, or scattering it through borders to add a touch of warmth and movement.

5. Anemones

Annika highlights how anemones resonate with 'Nordic simplicity' with their pale colors and delicate appearance.

She suggests mixing several different types for flowers from spring until late autumn, which will support the pollinating community of birds, butterflies, bees, and various other insects.

'Depending on variety and height, they can be used in the front, middle, or back of a border.' Her examples include 'Wild Swan' (which is available from Burpee) and Anemone nemorosa. Carpets of the latter can be seen on Nordic forest floors during spring, she adds.

Anemones tend to suit hardiness zones 4-8 (depending on variety) and are often a good choice for partially shaded spots, with moist but well-draining soil. Like yarrow, note that they have potential to spread and some varieties can be considered invasive in some regions.

6. Tufted Hair Grass

'If you want a dreamy, ethereal look, this grass is a must-have,' says Emilie. 'It forms soft, flowing mounds that catch the light beautifully and look stunning in all seasons, especially when covered in frost or backlit by the sun. Grasses in general can help to give that Scandinavian feel, as much of the landscape is coastal and covered in flowing grasses.'

She suggests planting Deschampsia cespitosa in drifts for a natural meadow-like effect, mixing it with wildflowers and perennials for soft contrast, or using it near paths or seating areas to create a sense of movement.

It is best suited to hardiness zones 4-9, in a planting spot with moist but well-draining soil in full sun to part shade. Try Deschampsia cespitosa 'Northern Lights' from Nature Hills, an award-winning, variegated variety that turns pinkish in spring and fall.

Annika also recommends ornamental grasses for a Scandi-style backyard, noting how they are ideal in mass for a modern garden, or used to create pausing moments in perennial plantings, allowing flowering plants to be pronounced. Her suggestions include Calamagrostis brachytricha and Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Overdam'.

7. Ferns

Annika says that by adding ferns, you can invite the natural landscape into a space. She highlights their interesting textures and feathery beauty, and how their rich green tones evoke the lushness of dense and vibrant forests of the north.

Ferns often thrive in the same conditions as woodland plants, which means adequate moisture and protection from harsh sun. Their cold-hardiness varies depending on variety. 'Many ferns are suitable for a shade garden or shade spaces,' Annika notes, adding how shade is priority in many gardens these days as it's vital for protecting people and wildlife.

Try her recommendations of Polystichum braunii, Asplenium scolopendrium, or Athyrium niponicum (available from Nature Hills), which is also known as the Japanese painted fern.

FAQs

How should you combine plantings in a Scandi-style backyard?

'A Scandinavian-inspired garden isn’t about perfection – it’s about creating a space that feels natural, calming, and connected to the landscape,' says Emilie. When choosing plants, she recommends going for a mix of structure, soft textures (like grasses), and wild beauty (like yarrow and geums).

Remember to use a variety of heights for a well-balanced space. Consider choosing a peaceful and harmonious garden color scheme, too.

How else can you create a Scandinavian vibe for your backyard?

'Using organic materials like gravel, wood and stone will reiterate this naturalistic look and ground a space,' says Emilie. 'Try and allow for formats that reveal the nature of the material, stone with rough-hewn edges, and wood with a substantial weight to it.

'The balance between the meadow-like planting and unrefined materials will show the beauty yet strength of nature, which is what Scandinavian gardens are all about.'

Considering other looks for your backyard? Take a look at our Japanese garden ideas for more inspiration.