How well do stormwater green infrastructure respond to changing climatic conditions?

•Four rain gardens plant species, with distinct morphological traits were studied.•The effects of extended drying and cold climatic conditions were analysed.•The extent of the decline on nutrient and E. coli treatment performance was species-specific.•Some species such as Miscanthus sinensis adapted better than others.•Mix of plant species may ensure system resilience to changing climatic conditions.