Soil and plant selection for rain gardens along streets and roads in cold climates: Simulated cyclic flooding and real-scale studies of five herbaceous perennial species

•Soil mixtures and plant species were studied for use in cold-climate rain gardens.•A container experiment and field investigation were conducted.•Plants were exposed to flooding events and a drought period.•Significant differences between species in container study and road environment.•Results provide guidance for rain gardens in urban road environment in cold climates.