Ten Tough Perennials for Alberta Backyards

Gardening in Alberta comes with its own set of challenges, from harsh winters to unpredictable weather patterns. However, with the right choice of plants, you can create a stunning and resilient garden that thrives year after year. Here are the top 10 tough perennials that are perfect for Alberta gardens:

1. Peonies are beloved for their lush, fragrant blooms that appear in late spring to early summer. These hardy perennials can withstand cold Alberta winters and are relatively low-maintenance. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

2. Daylilies are incredibly adaptable and can tolerate a range of soil conditions and light levels. With their bright, trumpet-shaped flowers, they add a splash of color from early summer to fall. They are also drought-resistant once established.

3. Hostas are perfect for shady areas in your garden. These perennials are known for their attractive foliage, which comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They are also highly resistant to cold weather.

4. Sedums, or stonecrops, are succulent perennials that thrive in poor, dry soils. They are extremely drought-tolerant and produce clusters of star-shaped flowers in late summer to fall. Sedums are perfect for rock gardens or as ground cover.

5. Purple Coneflower, Echinacea, is a resilient perennial that produces daisy-like flowers with prominent, cone-shaped centers. These plants are drought-tolerant, attract pollinators, and bloom from mid-summer to fall. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.

6. Black-eyed Susans are known for their bright yellow petals and dark brown centers. They are drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and bloom profusely from mid-summer to fall. These perennials prefer full sun and can handle a variety of soil types.

7. Russian Sage features silvery foliage and long spikes of lavender-blue flowers that bloom from mid-summer to fall. This hardy perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and it is both drought and deer resistant.

8. Bleeding Hearts are known for their unique, heart-shaped flowers that dangle from arching stems. These perennials prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. They are a great addition to shaded garden areas and bloom in late spring to early summer.

9. Shasta Daisies are classic garden perennials with white petals and yellow centers. They bloom from early summer to fall and are easy to grow. Shasta daisies prefer full sun and well-drained soil and are both drought and deer resistant.

10. Garden Phlox produces clusters of fragrant flowers in a range of colors, from white to pink to purple. These perennials bloom from mid-summer to fall and thrive in full sun to partial shade. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and are mildew resistant.

Tips for Growing Perennials in Alberta

1. Choose the Right Location: Ensure your perennials get the appropriate amount of sunlight and are planted in well-drained soil.
2. Mulch: Mulching helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and protect roots during the winter.
3. Watering: Water deeply and less frequently to encourage strong root systems.
4. Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth.
5. Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers and trim back foliage to maintain plant health and appearance.

By selecting these tough, resilient perennials, you can enjoy a beautiful and enduring garden in Alberta’s challenging climate.