While your garden sleeps this winter, plan your yard so you can be surrounded by blooms throughout the growing season.
March
Hybrid Maple, Acer x freemanii
Emerging tree blossoms signify early spring, including red, silver and hybrid maples, which sometimes emerge as early as late March. Hybrid maple (also known as Freeman’s maple) is a naturally occurring hybrid between red and silver maples. It grows tall and strong and has fall colour ranging from vibrant peach to bright red.
April
Bloodroot, Sanguinaria canadensis
Usually appearing in early to mid-April, these gorgeous white harbingers of spring naturally cluster in lightly shaded areas.
May
Spotted geranium, Geranium maculatum
Also called wild geranium, this clump-forming spring favourite dots shady areas with pale mauve flowers hovering above green scalloped leaves. Plant with red/wild columbine for a stunning combination of spring colour.
June
Tulip tree, Liriodendron tulipifera
Adorned with a splash of orange in their centres, brilliant lemon-lime tulip tree flowers float above uniquely pointed leaves. After blooming, watch for attractive seedheads that form and persist into winter.
July
Dense blazing-star, Liatris spicata
Tall spikes of dark pink florets bloom from top to bottom. After blooming, let the florets form seeds for birds, or trim the tops off as they fade to keep the flowering stalks looking fresh for many weeks. Choose a sunny focal point in the garden or grow them in tall planters. Cut and bring a few stalks inside for a striking centrepiece.
August
Scarlet beebalm, Monarda didyma
One of the newest additions to our Prairie Meadow Plant List, scarlet beebalm glows crimson in late summer sun. Plant a grouping in your garden to watch bees, butterflies – and sometimes even hummingbirds – visit for abundant nectar.
Septmeber
Heart-leaved aster, Symphyotrichum cordifolium
Through the growing season, this aster forms a reliable ground cover, with spikes of pale purple flowers rising 30 to 60 centimetres to dance through late summer and fall above the heart-shaped leaves. Plant in shady areas to mimic woodland groundcovers where it grows naturally.
October
Grey-stemmed goldenrod, Solidago nemoralis
Sun-loving grey-stemmed goldenrod, also known as grey goldenrod, forms attractive clumps adorned with tufty yellow plumes blooming into late fall. This goldenrod is easier to control than many others. Its flowers glow in late-fall sun and give pollinators abundant, much-needed late-season food. Plant with asters like smooth or sky-blue for striking complementary colours.
November
Witch-hazel, Hamamelis virginiana
If you have a shady yard, grow this small understory tree to extend the bloom season into November. The arching boughs wait to bloom until cooler weather in early fall and often keep their whimsical blossoms until the snow flies.
Plan Your Garden Ahead
| Use our native plant lists to find more plants that will grow well in your yard throughout the year. Check out our Guide to Native Plant Nurseries to find out where to buy them. |
| We wish you all the best for a peaceful holiday season filled with nature and good cheer. See you in February! |