Plants for a Zone 3 Garden

Zone 3 is one of the smallest zones in the United States-just in the very coldest places in the north. Gardeners in zone 3 do not have as wide a choice as the rest of the country, but that does not mean they cannot turn out a beautiful landscape.

Carpathian Bellflower (Campanula carpatica Blue Clips)
is hardy in USDA zones 2 to 9. The plant grows from 6 to 12 inches tall with a spread of 8 to 12 inches. Plant in full sun or partial shade and a moist to dry soil. The plant produces light-green leaves and deep blue flowers that bloom from early summer through early fall. Use in an alpine or rock garden, border plant or in containers. The plant is drought tolerant and is not a favorite food for the rabbit population.

Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is hardy in zones 3 to 8 and grows up to 12 inches tall and spreads out to 12 inches wide. The plant produces white, bell-shaped flowers in April. Plant in partial or full shade and a moist, fertilized soil. Use as a ground cover or under large shade trees. It does not do good in beds with other plants. It needs too much room.

Ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) is hardy in zones 3 to 7. The plant grows from 3 to 6 feet tall and 5 to 8 feet wide. Plant in partial or full shade and a soil that is moist to wet and never allowed to go dry. This plant thrives in cold weather and cannot stand the hotter weather further south. The medium-green, feathery fronds grow straight up and then arch back towards the ground and dieback in the winter. Dark-brown fronds that contain the reproductive spores of the plant are surrounded by the others, only grow to 2 feet tall and stay dark-brown throughout the year. Use ostrich fern near water features or in a garden with early blooming flowers.

Peony (Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt') is hardy in zones 3 to 8. The plant grows from 2-1/2 to 3 feet tall with a similar spread. Double-pink flowers bloom in May. Plant in full sun or partial shade and a soil that is rich and well drained. The plant will flower for 1 to 1-1/2 weeks
before dying to the ground in the winter. Cut away the dead foliage after first-frost. Use as a border, along fences or by a wall.

Don't be afraid to being some color into a northern garden. There are plenty of plants to choose from that feel right at home in the cold and snow.