Alberta’s short growing season calls for hardy flowers that germinate quickly and withstand sudden frosts. If you want a vibrant garden that survives the unpredictable weather, you need to know the best flowers to grow in alberta for reliable blooms year after year.
This guide covers flowers that thrive in Alberta’s unique climate. You will learn which varieties handle cold snaps, dry spells, and heavy soil. Let’s get started with the top picks.
Best Flowers To Grow In Alberta
These flowers are proven winners for Alberta gardens. They handle the cold, bloom fast, and require minimal fuss. Here is a detailed breakdown of the top choices.
Marigolds: Tough And Reliable
Marigolds are a classic choice for Alberta. They germinate quickly and bloom non-stop from June until the first frost. You can start them indoors or sow seeds directly after the last frost.
- Why they work: They tolerate cool nights and dry soil.
- Best varieties: French marigolds (Tagetes patula) are compact and bloom fast. African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) grow taller for back borders.
- Planting tip: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep. Space plants 8-12 inches apart for good air flow.
Petunias: Color All Summer
Petunias are another top performer. They come in every color and handle Alberta’s wind well. They are also deer-resistant, which is a bonus for rural gardens.
- Sun requirement: Full sun for best blooms.
- Watering: Water deeply once a week, not daily.
- Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- Hardiness: They survive light frosts, so you can plant them early in May.
Pansies: Early Spring Champions
Pansies are the first flowers you can plant in Alberta. They thrive in cool soil and even survive snow. Plant them as soon as the ground thaws in April.
They bloom until the heat of July, then often rebloom in September. For best results, choose winter-hardy varieties like ‘Matrix’ or ‘Delta’ series.
Zinnias: Fast And Furious
Zinnias are the fastest-growing annuals for Alberta. From seed to bloom in just 60 days. They love heat and handle drought once established.
- Seed depth: 1/4 inch deep.
- Spacing: 6-12 inches apart depending on variety.
- Tip: Direct sow after May long weekend for best results.
Sunflowers: Tall And Cheerful
Sunflowers are a must for any Alberta garden. They grow fast, attract pollinators, and produce seeds for birds. Choose short varieties like ‘Teddy Bear’ for windy areas.
Tall varieties like ‘Russian Mammoth’ need staking. Plant seeds 1 inch deep after the soil warms up. Water deeply once a week.
Perennial Flowers For Alberta
Perennials come back year after year. They save you time and money. Here are the best perennials for Alberta’s climate.
Peonies: Long-Lived Beauties
Peonies are a classic Alberta perennial. They can live for decades with minimal care. Plant them in full sun and well-drained soil.
They bloom in late June and early July. The flowers are huge and fragrant. Cut them for bouquets or leave them on the plant.
Daylilies: Tough As Nails
Daylilies thrive in Alberta’s harsh conditions. They handle drought, poor soil, and cold winters. Each flower lasts only one day, but the plant blooms for weeks.
- Best varieties: ‘Stella de Oro’ blooms all summer. ‘Happy Returns’ is another rebloomer.
- Planting: Space 18-24 inches apart. Divide every 3-4 years.
Lavender: Fragrant And Hardy
Lavender is possible in Alberta with the right variety. Choose ‘Munstead’ or ‘Hidcote’ for cold hardiness. Plant in sandy, well-drained soil.
Lavender needs full sun and good air circulation. Mulch with gravel to prevent root rot. It blooms in July and August.
Black-Eyed Susans: Summer Staple
Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) are a prairie native. They love heat and bloom from July to September. They are also deer-resistant.
Plant them in full sun. They self-seed easily, so you will get more plants each year. Cut back in fall or leave for winter interest.
Shasta Daisies: Cheerful And Easy
Shasta daisies are another reliable perennial. They bloom in June and July. They are great for cutting and attract butterflies.
Choose compact varieties like ‘Becky’ or ‘Snow Lady’. They need full sun and well-drained soil. Divide every 2-3 years to keep them vigorous.
Tips For Growing Flowers In Alberta
Alberta’s climate is unique. Follow these tips to get the best results from your flowers.
Start Seeds Indoors
Many flowers need a head start. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost (around mid-May). Use a seed-starting mix and grow lights for best results.
- Marigolds: 6 weeks before last frost.
- Petunias: 10-12 weeks before last frost.
- Zinnias: 4 weeks before last frost (they grow fast).
Harden Off Seedlings
Before planting outside, harden off your seedlings. Place them outside for a few hours each day, increasing time over a week. This prevents shock.
Start in a shady spot, then move to partial sun. Protect from wind and frost. Bring them inside if a frost is forecast.
Prepare Your Soil
Alberta soil is often heavy clay. Improve it with compost or well-rotted manure. Mix in 2-3 inches of organic matter before planting.
For sandy soil, add compost to hold moisture. For clay soil, add sand or perlite to improve drainage. Test your soil pH; most flowers prefer 6.0-7.0.
Water Wisely
Water deeply and less often. This encourages deep roots. Water in the morning to reduce evaporation and prevent disease.
Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation for efficiency. Avoid overhead watering, which can cause fungal issues. Mulch around plants to retain moisture.
Protect From Frost
Alberta can have frost any month. Keep row covers or old sheets handy. Cover plants when frost is predicted.
For early spring flowers like pansies, a light frost is fine. For tender annuals like zinnias, cover them until the danger passes.
Flowers For Shade In Alberta
Not every garden has full sun. Here are flowers that thrive in partial shade.
Impatiens: Color In The Shade
Impatiens are the go-to for shady spots. They bloom non-stop from June to frost. They need consistent moisture and rich soil.
Plant them after the last frost. Space 8-12 inches apart. They come in many colors, including pink, white, and red.
Bleeding Hearts: Early Spring Charm
Bleeding hearts are a shade-loving perennial. They bloom in May and June with unique heart-shaped flowers. They go dormant in summer, so plant them with hostas.
They prefer cool, moist soil. They are deer-resistant and easy to grow. Divide them in fall if they get too large.
Hostas: Foliage Power
Hostas are grown for their leaves, but they also flower. The blooms are lavender or white in July and August. They are perfect for deep shade.
Choose varieties like ‘Sum and Substance’ for large leaves or ‘Patriot’ for variegated edges. They need consistent moisture and rich soil.
Flowers For Pollinators In Alberta
Attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with these flowers. They are also beautiful and easy to grow.
Bee Balm: Hummingbird Magnet
Bee balm (Monarda) has showy red, pink, or purple flowers. It blooms in July and August. Hummingbirds love it.
It needs full sun to partial shade. It spreads quickly, so give it room. Cut back after blooming to encourage a second flush.
Butterfly Bush: Late Summer Color
Butterfly bush (Buddleja) blooms from July to September. It attracts butterflies and bees. It is a shrub that dies back to the ground in winter.
Plant in full sun. Prune to 6 inches in spring. It grows fast and can reach 4-6 feet tall in one season.
Echinacea: Native Beauty
Echinacea (coneflower) is a prairie native. It blooms from July to September. It is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.
Plant in full sun. It self-seeds easily. The seed heads provide winter food for birds. Choose ‘Magnus’ or ‘White Swan’ varieties.
Common Mistakes When Growing Flowers In Alberta
Avoid these mistakes to keep your garden thriving.
Planting Too Early
Many gardeners rush to plant after the last frost. But the soil is still cold. Wait until the soil temperature reaches 10°C (50°F) for warm-season flowers.
Use a soil thermometer. Plant cool-season flowers like pansies early, but wait for marigolds and zinnias.
Overwatering
Alberta’s clay soil holds water. Overwatering leads to root rot. Water only when the top inch of soil is dry.
Check soil moisture with your finger. If it feels damp, wait another day. Mulch helps regulate moisture.
Ignoring Frost Dates
Alberta’s last frost date varies by region. Calgary’s last frost is around May 15, while Edmonton’s is May 24. Check your local forecast.
Keep an eye on the 10-day forecast. Cover plants if a frost is predicted after planting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Easiest Flowers To Grow In Alberta?
Marigolds, pansies, and zinnias are the easiest. They germinate fast and handle cool temperatures. They also need minimal care.
Can I Grow Roses In Alberta?
Yes, but choose hardy varieties like ‘Parkland’ series or ‘Explorer’ series. They survive -40°C winters. Plant in full sun and protect with mulch.
When Should I Plant Flowers In Alberta?
Plant cool-season flowers like pansies in April. Plant warm-season flowers like marigolds after the last frost, usually mid to late May.
Do I Need To Fertilize My Flowers?
Yes, but use a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10. Apply once a month during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can reduce blooms.
How Do I Protect Flowers From Alberta’s Wind?
Plant windbreaks like shrubs or fences. Use stakes for tall flowers. Choose compact varieties that resist wind damage.
Final Thoughts On Growing Flowers In Alberta
Growing flowers in Alberta is rewarding. The key is choosing the right varieties and timing. Start with marigolds, petunias, and pansies for easy success.
Remember to prepare your soil, water wisely, and protect from frost. With these tips, your garden will be full of color from spring to fall. Happy gardening.