Gardening in Calgary: Choosing the Right Plants

Selecting the right plants for your Calgary garden can be a challenge. Calgary’s climate, with its short growing season and unpredictable weather, requires hardy varieties. This guide highlights some of the best perennials, annuals, and shrubs that thrive here, ensuring a beautiful and resilient garden.

Understanding the Calgary Climate

Calgary is located in climate zones 3a and 3b, meaning it experiences cold winters and relatively short summers. The average last frost date is typically in late May, and the first frost can occur as early as September. This necessitates selecting plants that can tolerate frost and thrive in cooler temperatures. Resources like the Calgary Horticultural Society offer valuable local advice. Also, consider researching general cold-climate gardening tips for additional guidance.

Top Perennials for Calgary

Perennials are a fantastic choice as they return year after year, providing consistent beauty with minimal effort. Some excellent options include:

• Daylilies (Hemerocallis): These are incredibly hardy and come in a wide range of colors.
• Coneflowers (Echinacea): Drought-tolerant and attractive to pollinators.
• Peonies (Paeonia): Long-lived and produce stunning blooms.
• Hosta: Provides lush foliage and thrives in shady areas.

Consider visiting local nurseries like Greengate Garden Centres to see which perennials are currently in stock and well-suited to local conditions.

Annuals to Brighten Your Garden

Annuals provide instant color and vibrancy. While they need to be replanted each year, they offer a diverse range of options to experiment with. Here are some recommendations:

• Petunias: Available in numerous colors and varieties, perfect for hanging baskets and containers.
• Marigolds: Easy to grow and provide bright, cheerful blooms throughout the summer.
• Geraniums: Hardy and heat-tolerant, ideal for sunny spots.
• Nasturtiums: Edible flowers and leaves, adding a unique touch.

Shrubs That Thrive

Adding shrubs provides structure and year-round interest. Here are a few reliable choices:

• Lilac (Syringa): Fragrant and beautiful, a classic choice.
• Potentilla: Compact and long-blooming, available in various colors.
• Spirea: Versatile and easy to care for, with attractive foliage and flowers.
• Dogwood (Cornus): Offers colorful stems in winter, adding visual appeal to the landscape. Consider varieties like Red Osier Dogwood.

Tips for Gardening Success

To maximize your success, consider these tips:

• Amend your soil: Calgary’s soil can be heavy clay. Adding compost or other organic matter improves drainage and fertility. Many local landscaping suppliers like Eagle Lake Landscape Supply offer soil amendments specifically for local gardens.
• Water deeply and regularly: Especially during dry periods.
• Mulch around plants: Helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Protect plants from frost: Be prepared to cover tender plants during late spring or early fall frosts.

By choosing the right plants and following these tips, you can create a beautiful and thriving outdoor space that you’ll enjoy for years to come. Consider researching companion planting techniques to further enhance your garden’s health and productivity.