Top 20 Native Flowers & Perennials for Resilient Calgary Gardens
Calgary's unique climate and varying weather can present challenges for homeowners. Not to worry, as there are several long-lasting, weather-resistant native wildflowers and perennials you can plant in your landscapes to create a resilient, beautiful garden. These plants are adapted to local soils, unpredictable weather, and drought while thriving with minimal maintenance. They also provide essential habitat and food for pollinators and wildlife.
Below we take a look at 20 native flowers and perennials to consider using in your next landscaping project in Calgary. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to assist you!
1. Wild Bergamot
Wild Bergamot is an easy-to-grow, drought-tolerant plant that thrives in full sun. It produces fragrant, shaggy, lilac-colored flowers on tall stalks, making it a beautiful addition to any garden and an excellent source of nectar for pollinators.
2. Blazing Star
Native to the prairies, the Blazing Star features grass-like foliage and striking upright spikes of purple flowers that bloom from the top down. This plant requires full sun and well-drained soil to flourish and is a favourite of butterflies.
3. Blanket Flower
The Blanket Flower boasts showy red and yellow blossoms that bloom from late summer through the fall. It is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers full sun and serves as an important source of pollen and nectar for bees and butterflies.
4. Cranesbill
Cranesbill plants produce clusters of delicate flowers that bloom throughout the summer, adding a touch of elegance to any garden. They are ideal to plant for imaginary borderlines and require full sun to thrive.
5. Asters
Asters are a diverse group of flowers, with several species native to Calgary. They typically feature blue or purple petals with golden centres and bloom late in the season, providing a vital source of nectar for bees and butterflies.
6. Bearded Iris
The Bearded Iris is a stunning bulb plant with flat leaves and tall flower stalks that bloom from mid-May to mid-June. It requires full sun and can grow up to 30 inches tall, making it a dramatic focal point in a garden.
7. Violets
Violets are early-blooming flowers that thrive in the shade, providing an important food source for bees as they emerge in the spring. Their delicate blossoms add a touch of color to the garden when little else is in bloom.
8. Blue Flax
A hardy prairie plant, Blue Flax is characterized by its small blue flowers on tall, willowy stems. It blooms throughout the summer and is a prolific self-seeder, offering a continuous supply of pollen and nectar for local pollinators.
9. Tall Lungwort
Also known as tall bluebells, this plant is indigenous to Northwestern North America and features nodding clusters of blue, bell-shaped flowers. It prefers shaded areas and can reach a height of up to four feet, adding a touch of woodland charm to your yard’s garden.
10. Daylily
Daylilies are known for their grassy foliage and vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a wide range of colors and blooming times. Though each bloom lasts only a day, the plant produces a succession of flowers, ensuring a long-lasting display for much of the year.
11. Northern Sweetvetch
A member of the legume family, Northern Sweetvetch produces magnificent stalks of purple flowers and is highly drought-tolerant. Growing up to two feet tall, it is a favourite of bees and adds a splash of color to the garden throughout the growing season.
12. Showy Milkweed
Showy Milkweed is a beautiful plant with large, round clusters of fragrant pink flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators. It tends to grow in clumps and can reach a height of up to four feet, making it a striking addition to any garden.
13. Gumweed
A member of the sunflower family, Gumweed produces an abundance of yellow, daisy-like blooms in late summer. It thrives in sunny, dry conditions and is a favorite of bees and butterflies, adding a cheerful splash of color to the late-season garden.
14. Prairie Clover
Prairie clover is a stunning plant with dense spikes of bright purple flowers that make a bold statement in any garden. It is an important food source for native bumblebees and can reach a height of up to three feet.
15. Yarrow
Yarrow is a must-have for any Calgary garden, with its feathery foliage and tight clusters of white flowers. This easy-to-grow plant is drought-tolerant and a favorite of pollinators, making it a resilient and beneficial addition to your landscape.
16. Canada Goldenrod
This tall perennial features pyramid-shaped clusters of bright yellow flowers. Goldenrod thrives in poor soil, tolerates drought, and provides late-season nectar for bees.
17. Prairie Crocus
A harbinger of spring, this low-growing plant has fuzzy purple petals and silver seed heads. It thrives in sandy or rocky soils and offers early nourishment to pollinators.
18. Nodding Onion
Delicate clusters of pink, star-shaped flowers nod gracefully on tall stalks. This compact perennial is drought-resistant and attracts bees throughout the summer.
19. Black-Eyed Susan
Boasting sunny yellow petals with dark centers, these cheerful flowers bloom into fall. They thrive in Calgary’s sun and sandy soils while attracting butterflies.
20. Prairie Rose
A native shrub with fragrant pink flowers and red hips, Prairie Rose is valued for its hardiness and wildlife benefits. It grows well in Calgary’s variable climate.
Questions about Your Next Landscaping Project?
From choosing the right plants to implementing water-saving strategies, thoughtful landscaping techniques can ensure that your gardens last for as long as possible throughout the year!
At Calgary Dreamscapes, we specialize in residential and commercial landscaping solutions of all sorts. Get in touch with us anytime to start planning your dream landscape today!