Nothing boosts a garden’s resilience quite like native plants, which is why we’re so excited to share some of our top perennial picks for Edmonton gardens this summer! Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just starting out, incorporating native perennials into your garden is a fantastic way to celebrate your local ecosystem while also enjoying a burst of colour and life in your outdoor spaces. So, if you’re as ready as we are, let’s dig in!

 

The Benefits of Native Perennials in Your Garden

Here are just a few great reasons to choose native plants this summer: 

• Environmental Adaptability: Native perennials thrive in local environmental conditions and require less water, fertilizers, and pesticides than non-native species, making them an eco-friendly choice for sustainable gardening.

 

• Support Local Wildlife: Native plants provide essential habitats and food sources for local wildlife, including pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds. By planting native perennials, you contribute to the conservation of these species and promote biodiversity within your space.

 

• Soil Health: Native perennials help improve soil structure and fertility. Their deep root systems prevent soil erosion, enhance water infiltration, and promote microbial activity, leading to healthier garden soil over time.

 

• Pest Resistance: Native plants have evolved natural defences against local pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical interventions and creating a healthier garden environment for both plants and wildlife.

 

• Aesthetic Appeal: Planting native perennials in your garden offers a unique beauty that reflects Edmonton’s natural landscape. Their seasonal blooms and foliage changes add year-round interest to your garden, creating a dynamic and vibrant outdoor space.

 

Featured Native Perennials and Care Tips

These native bloomers are always a hit here at Salisbury, and we know they’ll be a hit with you, too!

Golden Aster (Heterotheca villosa)

Golden Aster is a true gem in any Edmonton garden. With its bright yellow flowers and bushy foliage, it adds a sunny charm to garden beds and borders. Its unique late blooming period also ensures your garden will remain vibrant well into the fall. This hardy perennial thrives in Edmonton’s climate, resisting drought and tolerating poor soils, though its ideal growing conditions include well-draining soil and full sun.

 

 

Smooth Fleabane (Erigeron glabellus)

Smooth Fleabane is a native beauty that both enhances your garden’s aesthetics and supports local wildlife. Its daisy-like flowers, ranging from white to pale lavender, are like a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators while also adding a soft, delicate touch to your garden, making it an excellent choice for creating a wildlife-friendly garden in Edmonton. Smooth Fleabane prefers sunny spots with well-draining soil and blooms through the early summer.

 

Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa)

A must-have plant for Edmonton gardening, Bee Balm, also known as Wild Bergamot, is a vibrant perennial that plays a crucial role in attracting pollinators. With its striking pink, red, and purple flowers, Bee Balm adds a splash of colour to any garden. It’s not only a visual delight but also a favourite among bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and its presence in your garden ensures a lively, buzzing ecosystem! This perennial prefers moist, well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. 

Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)

With its tall spikes of purple flowers and aromatic leaves, Anise Hyssop is a fragrant addition to any garden that is beloved for its beauty, medicinal uses, and ability to attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil.

 

Rosy Pussytoes (Antennaria rosea)

Rosy Pussytoes is a resilient, low-maintenance perennial perfect for Edmonton’s climate. Its soft, pinkish flowers and silvery foliage create a charming ground cover that’s both attractive and durable, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add beauty without the hassle. This perennial thrives in dry conditions and full sun and requires minimal care once established.

 

 

 

 

Expanding Your Native Garden

Creating a Native Plant Haven

Enhance your garden’s biodiversity and ecological value by incorporating some of these complementary options:

Grasses: Include native grasses such as Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis) and Canada Wild Rye (Elymus canadensis) for texture, movement, and wildlife habitat. These grasses add a naturalistic feel to your garden while providing essential shelter and food for local fauna.

Shrubs: Incorporate native shrubs like Saskatoon Berry (Amelanchier alnifolia) and Red-Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) for structure, privacy, and additional blooms. These shrubs offer seasonal interest with their flowers, berries, and colourful stems, supporting birds and insects throughout the year.

Trees: Explore native tree options such as Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides) and Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera) to provide shade, food, and shelter for local wildlife. Native trees contribute to the overall health of your garden ecosystem, creating a layered habitat that benefits a wide range of species.

Incorporating native perennials into your Edmonton garden not only enhances its beauty but also supports our local ecosystem. If you’re not sure how to work them into your landscape, come see us today! We’re ready with expert advice and the plants you need for a greener tomorrow.