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Alberta has a dry climate with low humidity, which can make it challenging to grow certain types of flowers. When starting your flower garden in Alberta it's important to choose flowers that are tolerant of colder temperatures and shorter growing seasons.
A Zone 3 garden refers to a garden that is located in a region with a USDA hardiness zone rating of 3. This means the garden is located in an area with an average minimum winter temperature between -34 to -40 degrees Celsius.
That's cold!
Alberta has a hardiness zone rating of 3 which means we need to grow hardy flowers.
Some of the best flowers for gardens in Zone 3 include Black-eyed Susans, Coneflowers, Daylilies, Lupines, Marigolds, Sunflowers and Zinnias. These flowers are hardy enough to withstand the colder temperatures and shorter growing seasons of north of the 49th parallel. You'll find all of these varieties grown at Horse Hill Flowers.
Black-eyed Susans in Zone 3
Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) are great for any zone 3 garden. They are hardy perennials and cold temperature tolerant. They also have a long blooming period from mid-summer to early fall and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
These beauties are low-maintenance plants that thrive in a variety of soil conditions and sunlight levels. Their yellow pop of colour makes them a welcome addition to fall arrangements and bouquets.
Coneflowers in Zone 3 Gardens
Coneflowers are a great choice for gardens in Zone 3 — they are hardy and can tolerate cold temperatures. They also have a long blooming period and attract pollinators, making them both beautiful and beneficial for your garden.
Growing coneflowers is a great way to add colour and texture to your garden. They are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. The bees will thank you!
Daylilies in Zone 3 Gardens
Daylilies are perennial plants that produce large, showy flowers. They are known for their hardiness and ease of cultivation.
They have a long blooming season and are relatively easy to care for, making them a popular choice for gardeners in Zone 3. Daylilies come in a wide range of colours and are often used in landscaping and as cut flowers. The most common colours are pink, yellow and red.
Lupines in Zone 3 Gardens
Lupines are a great choice for planting in Alberta as they are hardy and can survive in a range of soil types and weather conditions. They are nitrogen-fixing plants which can improve soil health and benefit other nearby plants. Lupines are known for their beautiful blooms which can add colour and vibrancy to any garden or landscape.
You can find Lupines in shades of pink, white or coral, but most are purple.
Marigolds in Zone 3 Gardens
Marigolds are a type of flower that are often used for decoration and as a natural insect repellent in gardens. They come in a variety of colours, including orange, yellow, and red, and are relatively easy to grow.
Marigolds can be grown in Zone 3 gardens as annuals. They thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. Make sure to plant them after the last spring frost date and provide regular watering throughout the growing season. Deadheading spent Marigold blooms can encourage more flowers.
Sunflowers in Zone 3 Gardens
Sunflowers can be grown in zone 3, but it's important to choose a variety that is hardy enough to withstand the cold temperatures. Some recommended varieties for zone 3 include 'Russian Giant', 'Moulin Rouge', and 'Autumn Beauty'. It's also a good idea to start the seeds indoors and transplant them outside once the danger of frost has passed.
Sunflowers are beautiful, bright yellow flowers that are native to North and Central America. They are known for their large, circular heads that follow the movement of the sun throughout the day. Sunflowers are often used for decorative purposes and can also be harvested for their oil-rich seeds.
Our favourite sunflower to grow is the Panache Sunflower!
Zinnias in Zone 3 Gardens
Zinnias come in a variety of colours and are often grown for their vibrant blooms! They're a workhorse flower in our garden and one of our favourite additions to cut flower bouquets.
Zinnias are able to thrive in zone 3 due to their ability to tolerate cooler temperatures and adapt to a variety of soil types. Additionally, proper care and maintenance, such as regular watering and fertilization, can also help zinnias thrive in this zone.
With love always,
Janelle & Lynn