Tough Perennials for Alberta Gardens
June 12, 2022
If you’re looking for perennials that give you maximum flower power for your dollar, these selections will not disappoint. They are tough, reliable plants that will perform despite harsh Alberta weather and are great for pollinators too!
Cranesbill (Geranium spp.)
- Mound-forming or spreading plants that are incredibly tough and versatile
- Bloom over a long period in early to midsummer; deadhead or shear back after blooming to encourage rebloom
- We have a wide selection of varieties available
- Will grow in almost any soil type, in sun or part shade
Hosta (Hosta spp.)
- The ultimate shade perennial, available with so many foliage colours and plant sizes
- Many varieties are also sun tolerant and some even have fragrant flowers
- We have an awesome selection available right now!
Itoh Peony (Paeonia spp.)
- An exceptionally long-lived investment for your garden
- Large flowers up to 8” across, available in unusual colours
- Buds do not secrete sap, and therefore don’t attract ants
- Blooms in early to midsummer
- Strong stems do not require support
- For full sun and average to fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Catmint (Nepeta spp.)
- Masses of violet-blue flowers all summer, which are bee magnets
- Aromatic, grey-green foliage
- Tolerates dry, poor soil; for full sun
- We suggest ‘Purrsian Blue’, ‘Picture Purrfect’, ‘Kitten Around’, or ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ for compact, tidy plants that look amazing all season
False Indigo (Baptisia spp.)
- Spires of pea-like flowers in summer are enjoyed by pollinators, followed by decorative seedheads
- Available in some really unique colours – try ‘Honey Roasted’ or any of the Decadence Series
- Have a bushy habit that is very pleasing in the garden
- Tolerate poor, dry soil; full sun
Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica)
- Showy blooms appear in early summer
- Grassy foliage looks great all season
- Excellent choice for moist areas, but will grow in almost any soil type in sun to part shade
- Shop from a selection of dazzling and unusual flower colours, such as ‘Black Joker’, ‘Uncorked’, ‘Ginger Twist’, and ‘Sunfisher’