We’ve always heard that April showers bring May flowers, but what flowers will they bring? More importantly, what are the best flowers for Calgary? We sit in the plant hardiness zone 4a (fun fact, we used to be in 3a!). This indicates a zone of a cold climate, which of course isn’t surprising. Knowing the zone we’re in gives us an idea of the top recommendations for perennials and annuals well-suited to Calgary gardens during the spring and summer months:
Perennials:
1. Red Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris): Chosen as Calgary’s official flower in 1991, this plant is drought-tolerant and flourishes under the Calgary sun. Its red wine-coloured blooms with yellow centres add vibrant colour to flowerbeds.
2. Summer Phlox (Phlox paniculata): Ideal for beginners, Summer Phlox produces clusters of fragrant blooms throughout the summer. Plant these tall flowers at the back of your garden to create a colourful border.
3. Gaillardia (Gaillardia aristata): Also known as “blanket flowers”; Gaillardia offers long-lasting, vibrant blooms and is well-adapted to Calgary’s growing conditions.
4. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia “Aurea”): This groundcover thrives in partial shade and moist locations, making it perfect for areas with rainwater runoff. Its yellow flowers in midsummer and trailing habit over rocks or walls add visual interest.
5. Hardy Geraniums (Geranium spp.): These low-growing plants are suitable for the front of flower borders, offering blooms in purple, blue, pink, or white during spring and summer. They prefer well-drained soil and full to partial sun.
6. Bergenia (Bergenia cordifolia): Ideal for shaded spots, Bergenia blooms in early spring and serves as a low-maintenance foliage filler for the rest of the season.
Annuals:
1. Pansies (Viola tricolor var. hortensis): These cool-season flowers can be planted in late spring and offer a variety of colours, brightening up any garden space.
2. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus): Suitable for cooler seasons, snapdragons provide vertical interest and come in a range of colours.
3. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima): Known for its delicate fragrance and carpet-like growth, sweet alyssum is perfect for edging and ground cover.
4. English Daisy (Bellis perennis): These charming daisies are ideal for cooler seasons and add a classic touch to garden beds.
Planting Tips for Calgary Gardens:
• Timing: Given Calgary’s average last spring frost around May 29, wait to plant frost-sensitive annuals after this date. Perennials can be planted earlier, but ensure they are hardened off to withstand any late frosts.
• Soil Preparation: Enhance your garden's soil with organic matter to improve fertility and drainage, providing an optimal environment for plant roots.
• Microclimates: Find the warmer spots in your garden, such as areas near south-facing walls, to plant more tender varieties that may benefit from the extra warmth.
• Watering: While Calgary’s climate can be dry, avoid overwatering. Establish a consistent watering schedule, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to promote deep root growth.
By selecting appropriate plant varieties and adhering to these planting tips, you can create a vibrant and resilient garden that thrives throughout Calgary’s spring and summer seasons. I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to seeing all these splashes of colour throughout the city.
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