what plants grow well in calgary

Here is just a small sampling of the best perennials for Calgary that we know and trust to thrive and add visual interest to your garden areas:

• Alpine aster: Since this low-growing plant is native to Alberta, it is obviously well-suited to our climate. ...
• Asiatic lily: It’s hard to believe that something this pretty grows in Calgary. ...
• Bearded iris: This perennial grows up to 30 inches tall, making it a nice centrepiece. ...
• Black-Eyed Susans: These hearty plants bloom throughout the summer and into the fall. ...

Full Answer

What are the best plants to grow in the Calgary weather?

Full Shade plants do best in a protected area with a sprinkling of sunlight throughout the day. Tall perennials can provide the shade and protection that these types of plants require. Perennials are plants that die back to their crown every fall but are strong enough to survive the Calgary winter and grow back in the spring.

What are perennials and how do they grow in Calgary?

Perennials are plants that die back to their crown every fall but are strong enough to survive the Calgary winter and grow back in the spring. These lovely plants can make gardening in the spring a lot easier and reduce the amount of work most of us face. There are plenty of perennials that will flourish in the Calgary area.

Can you grow vegetables in Calgary?

Community gardens are becoming quite popular in Calgary, and with that many are beginning to realize that there are lots of food-growing opportunities in the city. Even though we have a tough climate, vegetables are also tough, and lots can withstand all our weather has to throw at them. Growing vegetables in Calgary is very rewarding.

Do roses grow well in Calgary?

While roses aren’t shrubs, strictly speaking, they are among the most popular garden flowers and many different types grow well in Calgary. If you want to add roses to your garden, experts recommend these varieties:

What is the flower in Calgary?

Is summer pholox a good plant?

What can I plant in Calgary?

What to PlantBeets.Cabbage.Carrots.Cucumbers.Kale.Lettuce.Onions.Peas.More items...•

What shrubs grow best in Calgary?

Best shrubs for CalgaryBeautiful cherry bomb barberry shrub.This is a picture of one of the best shrubs for Calgary, a top grafted dwarf Korean Lilac.Bridlewreath spirea with beautiful blossoms.Gold Ninebark.

Can you grow plants in Calgary?

Calgary has a shorter growing season. It's recommended to buy starter plants, instead of growing from seeds, plants that take longer to mature like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and melons.

What plants are native to Calgary?

Native Perennials Are Ideal in an Alberta Landscape!Prairie Crocus. Prairie Crocus flowers in shades of purple and white. ... Kinnikinnick / Bearberry. ... Limelight Sage or Variegated Mugwort. ... Silver Brocade. ... Silver Mound. ... Giant Goat's Beard. ... Bunchberry. ... Magnus Coneflower.More items...•

What zone is Calgary?

Calgary - Zone 4a (previously Zone 3b)

When can I plant perennials in Calgary?

Perennials can be planted anytime from spring to fall. If the ground can be worked you can plant.

When should I plant my garden in Calgary?

Planting Dates for SpringCropBased on Frost Dates Based on Moon DatesStart Seeds IndoorsPlant Seedlings or TransplantsBell PeppersMar 20-Apr 3 Apr 1- 3Jun 5-19 Jun 5-14BroccoliApr 3-17 Apr 3-16May 1-22 May 1-15CabbageApr 3-17 Apr 3-16May 1-15 May 1-1538 more rows

How do I plant a garden in Calgary?

Make your grow-your own dreams a reality with these 10 easy-to-follow tips.Site it right. Starting a garden is just like real estate, it's all about location. ... Follow the sun. ... Stay close to water. ... Start with great soil. ... Consider containers. ... Choose the right plants. ... Learn your frost dates. ... Add some mulch.More items...

What can grow in a garden in Alberta?

If you're new to vegetable gardening, the most straightforward and top vegetables to grow in Alberta are beans, peas, carrots, tomatoes, and potatoes.

Can you grow lavender in Calgary?

I doubt ANY lavender will be sufficiently hardy for long term growth in Calgary! English lavenders (Lavandula angustifolia) are the hardiest varieties with 'Munstead' and 'Hidcote' usually topping the list but a zone 4 is a real push for them and a 3 is probably out of the question.

What are 2 native plants that grow in Alberta?

Here are five locally native plants to consider adding to your property's garden:Lodgepole Pine. Alberta's national tree, the Lodgepole Pine is an iconic part of what's unique about our province. ... White Spruce. ... Aspen Poplar. ... Red raspberry, blueberry, and low bush cranberry bushes. ... Labrador Tea (pictured)

How do you plant perennials in Calgary?

Ideally, soil preparation for the planting of perennial plants will be done in the fall. If this is not possible, however, organic material, such as compost or manure, should be worked into the soil in the spring. This will help the soil retain moisture, improve drainage, add oxygen and improve root growth.

Do boxwoods grow in Calgary?

Calgary Boxwood is also relatively low maintenance; it tolerates most soil conditions and shows some drought tolerance once established. As an added bonus, deer and rabbits tend to leave this dwarf shrub alone. Hardy and adaptable, great option for containers or in the landscape.

Where do spirea bushes grow?

The spirea shrub does best when planted in full sun or light shade. Planting the shrub in full shade results in stunted growth, and a reduction in the number and size of blooms. Position your spirea in an area with well-drained soil, as they do not like wet feet.

Is there a difference between a dogwood tree and a dogwood bush?

They grow fast and provide year-round garden interest with spring flowers, summer berries, and exceptional fall color. However, shrubby dogwoods do not grow the showy bracts that the taller dogwood trees do. Their flowers also appear after the foliage has fully grown in.

Is Viburnum a snowball bush?

Snowball bushes (or snowball bush viburnums) are flowering shrubs with dark green leaves and bushy flowers that change color throughout their life cycle. Their round, clustering appearance makes them look like snowballs, hence the plant's common name.

Container Gardening in Calgary | Planting & Caring For - greengate

When planting your containers don't allow old-school ideas to stifle your creativity. Many people imagine a container full of annuals, but the truth is you can use many different types of plants in your containers to give them a really unique look.

Top 10 groundcovers for Calgary | The Passionate Gardener

10: Moss Phlox (Phlox subulata): This is a low growing plant with fine needle like leaves, that becomes smothered in flowers in late spring. If you’d like inspiration on how to use it, just google “Shibazakura”.

Best plants for Calgary gardens: picks for shade

Article content. Going to the garden centre can be overwhelming, so much to choose from; annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees. There are plants for shade, sun, part sun, part shade.

What is the best flower to grow in a garden?

One of the most popular native wildflowers to grow. The bright, daisy-like golden yellow flowers are ideal for cut flowers in any home. In addition they tolerate heat, humidity and clay soil. Great in containers, borders, a cutting garden or woodland garden.

How long do peonies bloom in Calgary?

Peonies have a beautiful fragrance and a sumptuous beauty. Easy to grow and trouble-free, peonies are know to bloom for a 100 years or more which is why you can find them in some of the oldest communities in Calgary. There are a variety of colours to choose from and their foliage transforms in colour during the fall.

What is the zone of perennials?

This change increased the variety of perennials that you can plant. Most garden centres will carry plants that range in zone from 2 - 7, so be conscious of the choice you make and the zoning of your plant. The lower the number means the plant will survive in harsher climate, the higher the number the milder the climate.

What is the best way to plant a thriller plant?

A good rule of thumb is to choose a thriller ( taller plant at the back ) and filler next ( mid height ) and spiller ( creeper or ground cover ) down in front!

Is Salvia a perennial?

Salvia has dense spikes of indigo blue flowers stand tall above a mound of soft, green foliage. This award winning perennial is a top performer in any landscape. Aromatic and dramatic, the plant thrives in full sun with cooler temperatures overnight. Easy to care for, it holds up well to heat, drought, deer and rabbit making it one of the more versatile perennials.

Is hosta a native plant?

Very popular , this versatile East Asian native is a guaranteed winner. A diversity of colours, heights and textures accompanied with lush foliage, the hosta captures the heart of all gardeners. It has showy spikes of lavender flowers, some are fragrant, and an ability to survive well in deep shade but does require more watering than most shade loving perennials.

Do plants need sun or shade?

Partial Sun or Partial Shade plants get the morning or evening sun, or a lot of shade in the morning followed by a strong midday sun and then subdued sunlight. Full Shade plants do best in a protected area with a sprinkling of sunlight throughout the day. Tall perennials can provide the shade and protection that these types of plants require.

What is the best plant to grow in Calgary?

The globe thistle is fairly adaptable to multiple kinds of soils, making it a great fit for growing in Calgary. The globe thistle works best when it’s paired with flowers that have contrasting textures and foliage.

When do blanket flowers bloom in Calgary?

Blooms can be seen from spring to fall. You may know the blanket flower by a different name as this flower comes in a range of hybrid versions and colors. This plant is also native to the prairies, making it the perfect fit for a flowerbed in Calgary.

Is the globe thistle a perennial?

The globe thistle is an eye-catching perennial due to its bicolor foliage of blue and green. An important note is to dead head globe thistle (the process of removing the flowers that are turning brown or loosing their petals) to prevent self-sowing. The globe thistle is fairly adaptable to multiple kinds of soils, making it a great fit for growing in Calgary. The globe thistle works best when it’s paired with flowers that have contrasting textures and foliage.

What is Mirage landscaping?

Mirage Landscaping is a family-owned company specializing in residential and commercial landscaping services for these southeast Calgary districts and communities:

Can you grow vegetables in Calgary?

Growing vegetables in Calgary does not mean you will be stuck with just a few options that you don’t really like that much. There are a lot of different types of vegetables – and herbs – that will grow well in the city, and add variety to your diet.

Is growing vegetables in Calgary good?

Growing vegetables in Calgary is very rewarding. Nothing beats the feeling of heading out into your own backyard to pick fresh produce for dinner. Not only that, but it teaches children the value of the food they consume, allowing them to see exactly what it takes to go from mere seeds to a feature on their plates.

What perennials grow well in Calgary?

Here is just a small sampling of the best perennials for Calgary that we know and trust to thrive and add visual interest to your garden areas: Alpine aster: Since this low-growing plant is native to Alberta, it is obviously well-suited to our climate. It has blue or white flowers resembling a daisy and does well in full sun.

What is the best perennial for Calgary?

The best perennials for Calgary are those that are native to the prairies. For larger gardens, we suggest mixing in a few pretty flowering shrubs to add height differences. Shrubs are also great for sheltering more delicate plants from harsh weather.

What zone do garden centers in Calgary sell in?

Garden centres in Calgary tend to sell within a wide range of planting zones ranging from zone 2 to 5 , with lower numbers being suited for the harshest climates, and higher numbers (the scale goes up to 8) working well in Canada’s milder environments.

What is the best plant for attracting bees?

Globe thistle: The bright blue, prickly, globed-shaped bloom of this perennial is great for attracting bees. They do best in full sun.

Which flowers bloom in full sun?

It does best in full sun and drier soil. Iceland poppy: Iceland poppies bloom throughout the summer, and have exotic-looking, colourful flowers. They are drought-resistant and thrive in full sun. Peony: With enormous blooms ranging from white to pink to maroon, peonies are simply stunning.

What is Mirage landscaping?

Mirage Landscaping of Calgary is a full-service commercial and residential landscape maintenance and construction company . Contact us for a free quote today.

What is the best shrub to grow in Calgary?

Beautiful cherry bomb barberry shrub. The Cherry bomb barberry shrub is one of the best shrubs for Calgary. Cherry bomb barberry shrubs are a vibrant, burgundy red shrub that has a distinctive look because they maintain a uniform globe shape. Cherry bomb barberry have an inviting welcoming colour but they have sharp thorns, hence the name barberry.

What are some of the most common shrubs in Calgary?

There are many different varieties of spirea in Calgary. Some of these include Gold flame, Little princess, Bridlewreath, False spirea and many more.

Is Korean Lilac hardy?

This shrubs is very hardy and does well in full to part sun locations. Along with the vibrant spring flowers comes a warm and subtle scent that invites guests to your home with a sweet spring perfume. For the best affect, use a top grafted dwarf Korean lilac in areas where an anchor shrub is needed.

Do perennials die in spring?

As you probably know , perennial plants die from the soil up so in spring you are left with nothing above the soil but dead plant growth. Shrubs lose their leaves but their woody stems are still alive in most cases and will grow new leaves in the spring.

Do shrubs retain their woody stems?

Shrubs retain their woody stems throughout the year unlike perennial plants. Before we talk about the best shrubs for Calgary we should first explain the difference between a shrub and other perennials plantings. As you probably know, perennial plants die from the soil up so in spring you are left with nothing above the soil but dead plant growth.

What is the best shrub to grow in Calgary?

Barberry: An outstanding choice for dry Calgary summers, barberry shrubs thrive in arid conditions and produce beautiful pink-burgundy flowers.

What roses bloom in Calgary?

Explorer roses: Named for famous explorers from Canadian history, like Cabot, Champlain, and McKenzie, explorer roses are hardy enough to survive harsh Calgary winters and bloom into full beauty when spring returns.

Why is the Canadian hardiness zone important?

While the Canadian hardiness zone system has been adapted to our country’s cooler climate, it’s important to remember that it is only intended as a rough guide, particularly because of microclimate influences . Microclimates are relatively small, localized areas within a broader region that have different climate characteristics.

What is a good alternative to lilacs?

Hydrangea: These highly durable shrubs are a good alternative to lilacs if you’re looking for something a little lower-maintenance. However, make sure you’re buying a Zone 3 hydrangea, as the Zone 4 variety probably won’t thrive in Calgary. Snowball: These large plants can grow up to 15 feet wide and 12 feet tall, ...

What zone is Calgary in?

For your reference, remember that most of Calgary is in Zone 3, but parts of the region also dip down to Zone 2 or up to Zone 4.

How big do snowball plants get?

Snowball: These large plants can grow up to 15 feet wide and 12 feet tall , producing puffy white flowers that look like snowballs. They are also easy to maintain, making them excellent for beginners. Spirea: Choose from spirea that bloom in spring or summer — both produce beautiful white, pink, and red flowers.

What roses are in the Parkland series?

Parkland Series roses: Prairie Joy, Morden Blush, and Winnipeg Parks are all good bets from the Parkland Series family or roses. Pro tip: choose “own root” plants instead of grafted roses. Chances are you’ll enjoy better results.

Read THIS Before Growing Shrubs in Alberta

Knowing what hardiness zone Alberta is in is critical to understanding the best shrubs that can be grown.

Additional Resources

One of the best ways to help your hydrangea grow and have beautiful blooms for years is to apply fertilizer. But applying fertilizer is tricker than it seems. Check out this article to learn about the BEST fertilizers for your specific hydrangea.

Additional Resources

For the best success in growing Azaleas you should plant them in an area of your yard that is protected against wind, full-sun, long periods of drought, and extremely wet soil.

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Spirea blooms are the longest-lasting blooms on this list. The versatility of this shrub makes it the most popular shrub too. It is perfect as a perennial border, groundcover, and hedges.

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Viburnum shrubs not only offer beautiful colors and are hardy, but are perfect for privacy, small spaces, and almost anywhere else you can think about in your yard.

Additional Resources

While butterfly bushes are beautiful to grow it should be noted that you will attract a lot of pollinators. Because pollinators will become addicted to the nectar and will not visit other native plants make sure to provide them with housing and water too!

Additional Resources

Honeysuckle bushes are not the invasive Honeysuckle that most gardeners know. With that being said, honeysuckle bushes still grow large and should be planted in an area of your yard that has room for it to grow.

What is the flower in Calgary?

The Red Pasque flower was voted as Calgary’s official flower in 1991. Related to the iconic Prairie Crocus, the Red Pasque flower is water-wise and does well under the Calgary sun according to the Calgary Horticultural Society. The red-wine colored flower with a yellow centre adds a pop of colour to your flowerbeds.

Is summer pholox a good plant?

With it’s bunches of blooms, Summer Phlox is a beginner gardener’s dream plant. It’s tried and true and produces spectacular results. Settle this tall plant into the back of your garden for a colourful border. Bonus: It smells great, too.