Shrubs can really change how your garden looks and feels. They add color and shape, and can even attract wildlife to your yard. But in Alberta’s tough climate, choosing the right shrubs is key. You don’t want plants that can’t handle the cold winters or short growing seasons.
The good news is that many hardy, low-maintenance shrubs thrive in Alberta. You can find options that look great year-round, have pretty flowers, or provide interesting textures to your landscape.
We’ve put together a list of 10 shrubs that work well in Alberta gardens, helping you create a beautiful outdoor space that can stand up to the local weather.
Dogwood
Dogwood trees are adaptable to a variety of climates, since they may flourish in US Hardiness Zones 5 through 9. To give these trees time to establish their root systems before severe weather, they are typically planted in the early spring or fall. Among the types, gardeners looking for long-term dependability choose Kousa Dogwood because of its resilience to common diseases like anthracnose and powdery mildew.
Snowberry
The snowberry, which is native to North America, is most commonly found in cooler regions and thrives in US hardiness zones 3 through 7. Because of its strong resistance to deer, this shrub is a great option for locations where hungry animals is a problem. It grows moderately, usually reaching three to six feet in height. The snowberry, which is well-liked by gardeners, needs little care and is resilient enough to survive a variety of environmental hardships.
Potentilla
Many gardeners love potentilla because of its resistance to disease, which makes it a dependable option for people who prefer low maintenance in their gardens. These plants can withstand a range of conditions across the nation because they grow well in US Hardiness Zones 2 through 8. Well-known cultivars, including ‘Goldfinger,’ which boasts vivid yellow blossoms, and ‘Pink Beauty,’ which features soft pink blossoms, exhibit unique qualities that contribute subtly interesting details to landscapes without sacrificing strength.
Juniper
Junipers are tolerant of many temperatures since they grow well in US Hardiness Zones 3 through 9. Although they can tolerate dryness thanks to their broad but shallow root system, they require well-drained soil to remain healthy. Numerous well-known cultivars have unique qualities, like the Blue Star, which has dense silver-blue foliage. Another noteworthy variety is the Skyrocket juniper, which is prized for its tall, thin columnar form that is suitable for small areas.
Spirea
Spirea is a disease-resistant plant that grows well in a variety of environments, which makes it a popular option among gardeners. Its suitability for US Hardiness Zones 3 through 8 suggests that it can adapt to a variety of climates. Generally shallow but wide, the root system helps the plant stay anchored and needs enough moisture, particularly during dry spells. ‘Anthony Waterer’ is a well-liked variety that sticks out because to its compact pink blossoms and petite size, making it perfect for low hedges or mass plantings.
Forsythia
When the ground is still workable in the late fall or early spring, forsythia can be planted to give it time to develop before growth spikes. Forsythia is a plant that grows quickly and covers gaps with its arching branches, making it a good choice for hedging or stand-alone displays. The powerful blooms and adaptability to various conditions of some types, such as “Lynwood Gold” and “Spring Glory,” make selection based on regional climates a useful step in cultivation.
Lilac
Growing lilacs is a popular choice for many landscapes, and it works well in US Hardiness Zones 3 through 7. These regions offer the cold dormancy that is required for their abundant blooms. The best times to plant are in the fall or early spring, when the roots can take hold before the blooming season. Two well-liked cultivars with distinct growth patterns and flowers include ‘Common Purple,’ which is well-known for its potent scent, and ‘Miss Kim,’ which has a compact form ideal for tiny gardens.
Barberry
Barberry is a shrub that can be found in many different garden designs because of its low maintenance needs, which let it flourish with little help. It exhibits strong disease resistance, which makes it a dependable option for gardeners seeking dense foliage. Well-known cultivars, such as the Japanese Barberry, frequently have tiny clusters of red berries surrounded by prickly branches. Generally hardy in a range of climates, this shrub adds year-round interest without causing a fuss.
Viburnum
Viburnum thrives in US Hardiness Zones 3 through 9, demonstrating its remarkable adaptability to a wide range of temperatures. Its many well-known cultivars, such as ‘Korean Spice,’ renowned for its fragrant blossoms, and ‘Blackhaw,’ noted for its tasty fruit, each contribute unique qualities to the garden. Viburnum’s resilience to deer is another appealing feature. This makes it a dependable option for gardeners who want to reduce damage from nearby wildlife while enhancing their landscapes with low-maintenance beauty.
Currant
Because of their remarkable resilience to disease, currants are a dependable option for gardeners looking for low-maintenance fruit-bearing plants. Currants are best planted in the early spring while the ground is still workable, allowing the plants time to establish themselves before the arrival of hot weather. A variety of traits are offered by different types, like ‘Red Lake’s’ vivid red berries and ‘Blackcurrant Ben Connan’s’ intensely flavored black fruits, which suit a range of tastes and applications.