When it comes to landscaping in Calgary, choosing the right shrubs can make all the difference. With our hot summers and unpredictable precipitation, water-wise shrubs are a smart choice for any garden. Not only do they require less maintenance, but they also help conserve water and thrive in our local climate.
Here are some of our favorite water-wise shrubs that are perfect for Calgary gardens:
1. Saskatoon
This prairie native is a true gem! With sweet dark purple fruit and fragrant white flowers in early summer, Saskatoon is a must-have. Plus, it's low-maintenance and only needs extra water when the berries are maturing.
2. Junipers
Talk about beauty year-round! Junipers are stunning in both summer and winter, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. A perfect addition to any landscape.
3. Nannyberry
Native to the eastern prairies, Nannyberry is a showstopper with its tall, open form and shiny oval leaves that turn striking purple/red in fall. Birds love its purple black berries too!
4. Ninebark
With arching branches and golden brown bark, Ninebark adds a touch of elegance to any garden. Thriving in full sun to partial shade and adaptable to most soils, it's a versatile choice for any landscape.
5. Nest Spruce
Compact and evergreen, Nest Spruce is perfect for adding structure and color to your garden. Plant it in full sun to partial shade, and watch it thrive without needing much water.
6. American Highbush Cranberry
Native to prairie woodlands, this large shrub is not only visually stunning but also practical. With showy white flowers in spring, edible red fruit, and striking red fall color, it adds beauty to any garden. Adaptable to all soils, it requires additional water only if cultivating fruit for eating.
7. Red Barberry
Varieties like "Rosy Glow" and "Emerald Carausel" are compact shrubs bursting with vibrant color. Perfect as hedges or standalone plants, they thrive in heat and full sun, making them ideal for Calgary's climate.
8. Cherry Prinsepia
This thorny shrub not only adds visual interest with its small yellow flowers and red edible fruit but also serves as a natural barrier. Adaptable to sun and partial shade, it attracts birds in the fall, enhancing biodiversity in your garden.
9. Globe Blue Spruce
A dwarf blue spruce that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. Fully hardy and preferring full sun, it's an excellent choice for Calgary's climate, adding texture and color to your landscape.
10. Meyer's Dwarf Lilac
This dense, twiggy shrub requires little care but rewards with lightly fragrant purple blooms in late spring. Perfect for full sun and well-drained soil, it's a must-have for any Calgary garden.
11. Mugo Pine
With various cultivars available, these shrubs feature dense growth and deep green needles, adding year-round interest to your garden. Preferring full sun and well-drained soil, they're a reliable choice for Calgary landscapes.
12. Potentilla or Shrubby Cinquefoil
A tough, bushy shrub native to the prairies, it blooms with yellow flowers right up till a killing frost. Adapting to all well-drained soil types and requiring full sun, it's a resilient choice for Calgary gardens.
13. Preston Lilac
Blooming later than many other lilacs, varieties like Royalty offer fragrant, long-lasting blossoms. Preferring full sun, they add height and fragrance to your garden.
14. Prickly Rose
Alberta's floral emblem, this early flowering prairie rose adds beauty and biodiversity to any garden. Adaptable to all soil types as long as it's well-drained, it requires partial shade to sun.
15. Red Elder
Fast-growing and attractive to birds, this large shrub features white flowers in spring and clusters of red berries. Adaptable to partial shade and all soil conditions, it's a versatile choice for Calgary gardens.
16. Silver Buffaloberry
A large upright native shrub with silvery leaves and red berries, it's well adapted to drier soil conditions, making it perfect for Calgary gardens. Requiring full sun, it adds visual interest and attracts birds.
17. Sister Justina Lilac
Providing fragrant white flowers in spring and stunning fall foliage, this lilac adds beauty and fragrance to any garden. Preferring full sun, it's a low-maintenance choice for Calgary landscapes.
18. Snowberry
Hardy and adaptable, this native shrub features small white/pink flowers followed by large white berries. Perfect for under eaves or informal groups, it prefers dry to moist, sandy soil.
When planning your Calgary garden, consider incorporating these water-wise shrubs for a beautiful, sustainable landscape that thrives in our local climate. Need help with planting? We'd love t0 help!
Book a complimentary consultation with us or reach out via email at info@sollandscaping.ca, phone at 403.700.5534.
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*Source: YardSmart - Trees and Shrubs from the City of Calgary