Guide to flowers that grow well in Canada

Canadians love the beauty a garden can add to their home or garden, but planting the right flowers for the Canadian climate is essential. Thankfully, there has been a lot of research on which flowers flourish best in Canada. Here is a guide on flowers that work on a seasonal basis and native species that you should consider for a beautiful garden.

There are many traditional flowers that grow well in Canada despite the harsh weather and tough winters. In fact, some spring-blooming flower bulbs not only survive Canadian winters without a problem, but they actually require these harsh winters to properly bloom when spring arrives. Planting these flowers in your garden is a great idea. Varieties that are hardy enough to grow well in Canada include:

• Crocus
• Geraniums
• Daffodils
• Glory of the snow (Chionodoxa)
• Snowdrops

Most Canadians want a garden that delivers beautiful blooms in their garden all the way from early spring to fall. If you're looking for great flowers for your garden for the summer and autumn seasons, think about planting:

• Begonias
• Lilies
• Collarrete dahlias
• Pineapple lily
• Colchicums

There are also many beautiful native Canadian flowers that you can cultivate in your own garden. Not only will these flowers give your garden a beautiful look, but growing natural varieties can show your appreciation for natural Canadian wildlife. At the same time, growing native flowers helps you reduce the threat of spreading invasive plants that can damage the ecosystem.

• Blue flag iris - This flower happens to be the official flower of Quebec and grows well in the lower half of Canada. Blue flag iris is semi-aquatic, produces vibrant green foliage and features stunning blue flowers that border on a violet colour. Blue flag iris can grow as tall as three feet and is known to grow wild near wet meadows, swamps and other wetland areas. While these flowers grow wild, it's also easy to grow this plant in your own home garden if you give it enough water.

• Canadian columbine - Just as this plant's name implies, the Canadian columbine is native to Canada and produces delicate long red and yellow blooms. It is one of the first flowers sent back to Europe for cultivation upon the discovery of North America and is known to grow on areas that get as cool as Zone 3. Deer will usually stay away from this flower genus, and it is also known to attract plenty of hummingbirds and butterflies.

• Rue anemone - This plant is native to Southern Ontario but grows well throughout Zone 5. Rue anemone produces some of the most beautiful blooms of any Canadian flower and features delicate white or pink petals. The flower grows best in shaded woodland areas and doesn't do well in intense summer heat, so keep this flower well shaded by planting it under some trees or shrubs in your garden.

Canada ultimately offers plenty of options for creating a diverse and lush garden. However, planting flowers that grow well in Canada can make this task easier and offer results that will make your garden look great for years to come.

Source:

http://gmaps.nrcan.gc.ca/laasmapper.php?LAYERS=494601,2701,2700,4240,2057&title=Plant%20Hardiness%20Zones%201981-2010&title_f=Rusticit%C3%A9%20des%20plantes%201981-2010&bc=1