Can roses grow in zone 3? You read correctly, and yes, roses can be grown and enjoyed in zone 3. That said, the rosebushes grown there must have a toughness and hardiness factor way above most others on the common market today. Over the years, there have been those who have made it their life’s work to develop roses with the hardiness it takes to survive in the harshest of climates – cold and dry with biting winter winds.

About Zone 3 Roses

If you hear or read of someone mentioning “,” those would be some that were developed by Dr. Griffith Buck to survive in harsh climates. There are also the Explorer Series rosebushes of Canada (developed by Agriculture Canada). Another of those growing and testing rosebushes is a lady named Barbara Rayment, the owner/operator of Birch Creek Nursery near Prince George, in British Columbia, Canada. Right smack in Canadian zone 3, she puts roses through rigorous testing before they can be placed on her list of roses for zone 3. The core of Ms. Rayment’s roses are those in the Explorer Series. The Parkland Series does have some issues with hardiness in her intense weather conditions and should be noted that the rosebushes grown in zone 3 will typically be smaller bushes than if they were grown in milder climates. However, the smaller ones are just fine when considering that they are better than not being able to grow them at all. Grafted rosebushes do not perform there and tend to just rot off at the graft or die back completely in their first test season, leaving only the hardy rootstock. Cold hardy roses for zone 3 means they are rosebushes that grow on their own root systems and are not grafted to a hardier rootstock. An own root rose can die back all the way to ground surface and what comes back the following year will be the same rose.

Roses for Zone 3 Gardens

Rosebushes of the Rugosa heritage tend to have what it takes to grow in the harsh conditions of zone 3. The popular hybrid teas and even many of the David Austin roses are not strong enough to survive zone 3. There are a few David Austin rosebushes that seem to have what it takes to survive, though, like Therese Bugnet, a nearly thornless rosebush with beautiful, fragrant lavender pink blooms. The short list of cold hardy roses includes:

• Rosa acicularis (Arctic Rose)
• Rosa Alexander E. MacKenzie
• Rosa Dart’s Dash
• Rosa Hansa
• Rosa polstjarnan
• Rosa Prairie Joy (Buck Rose)
• Rosa rubrifolia
• Rosa rugosa
• Rosa rugosa Alba
• Rosa scabrosa
• Rosa Therese Bugnet
• Rosa William Baffin
• Rosa woodsii
• Rosa woodsii Kimberley

Rosa Grootendorst Supreme should likely be on the list above too, as this hybridized Rugosa rosebush has shown a hardiness to zone 3. This rosebush was discovered by F.J Grootendorst in 1936, in the Netherlands. When it comes to cold hardy roses, we really must mention, again, the Therese Bugnet. This one was brought forth by Mr. Georges Bugnet, who immigrated to Alberta, Canada from his native France in 1905. Using the native roses of his region and roses he imported from Kamchatka Peninsula in the Soviet Union, Mr. Bugnet developed some of the hardiest of rosebushes in existence, with many listed as hardy to zone 2b. Just like other things in life, where there is a will, there is a way! Enjoy your roses wherever you live, even if you’re planting roses in zone 3.

Zone 3 is cold. In fact, it’s the coldest zone in the continental United States, just barely reaching down from Canada. Zone 3 is known for its very cold winters, which can be a problem for perennials. It’s also known for its especially short growing season, which can be a problem for annual plants as well. Keep reading to learn more about when to plant vegetables in zone 3 and how to get the best out of zone 3 vegetable gardening.

Vegetable Planting Guide for Zone 3

Zone 3 is designated by the average lowest temperature reached in winter: between -30 and -40 degrees F. (-34 to -40 C.). While it is temperature that determines the zone, each zone tends to conform to an average date for the first and last frost dates. The average last frost date of the spring in zone 3 tends to be between May 1st and May 31st, and the average first frost date of the autumn tends to be between September 1st and September 15th. Just like minimum temperature, none of these dates are a hard and fast rule, and they can deviate even from their several week window. They’re a good approximation, however, and the best way to determine a planting schedule.

Planting a Zone 3 Vegetable Garden

So, when to plant vegetables in zone 3? If your growing season coincides with the unluckier average frost dates, that means you’re going to have just three months of frost-free weather. This is simply not enough time for some vegetables to grow and produce. Due to this, an essential part of zone 3 vegetable gardening is starting seeds indoors in the spring. If you start seeds indoors as early as March or April and transplant them outdoors after the last frost date, you should be able to have success even with hot weather vegetables like tomatoes and eggplants. It helps to give them a boost with row covers to keep the soil nice and warm, especially early in the growing season. Cooler weather vegetables can be planted directly in the ground in mid-May. No matter what you do, always opt for early maturing varieties. There’s nothing sadder than nurturing a plant all summer only to lose it to frost before it’s even ready for harvest.

Gardening in zone 3 is tricky. The average last frost date is between May 1st and May 31st, and the average first frost date is between September 1st and September 15th. These are averages, however, and there’s a very good chance that your growing season will turn out to be even shorter. It is because of this, starting seeds indoors in the spring is pretty much essential with zone 3 gardening. Keep reading to learn more about how and when to start seeds in zone 3.

Zone 3 Seed Starting

Starting seeds in zone 3 indoors is sometimes the only way to get a plant to reach maturity in the cold, short growing season of this region. If you look at the back of most seed packets, you’ll see a recommended number of weeks before the average last frost date to start the seeds indoors. These seeds can more or less be grouped into three groups: cold hardy, hot weather, and fast-growing hot weather.

• The cold hardy seeds like kale, broccoli, and brussels sprouts can be started very early, between March 1st and March 15th, or about six weeks prior to transplanting out.
• The second group includes tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. These seeds should be started between March 15th and April 1st.
• The third group, which includes cucumbers, squash, and melons, should be started just a couple weeks before the last frost date sometime in mid-May.

Seedling Planting Times for Zone 3

Seedling planting times for zone 3 depend upon both frost dates and the type of plant. The reason zone 3 seed starting dates are so early for cold hardy plants is that the seedlings can be transplanted outdoors well before the last frost date. These plants can usually be moved outdoors anytime between April 15th and June 1st. Just make sure to harden them off gradually, or they may not survive the cold nights. Seedlings from the second and third groups should be transplanted after all chance of frost has passed, ideally after June 1st.

If your home is in one of the northern states, you may live in zone 3. Temperatures in zone 3 can dip to minus 30 or 40 degrees F. (-34 to -40 C.), so you’ll need to find cold hardy shrubs to populate your garden. If you are looking for shrubs for zone 3 gardens, read on for a few suggestions.

Growing Shrubs in Cold Climates

Sometimes, trees are just too big, and annuals are just too small for that empty area of your garden. Shrubs fill that in-between slot, growing anywhere from a few feet tall (1 m.) to the size of a small tree. They work well in hedges and also for specimen planting. When you are picking shrubs for zone 3 gardens, you’ll find helpful information by looking at the zone or range of zones assigned to each one. These zones tell you whether the plants are sufficiently cold hardy to thrive in your area. If you pick zone 3 bushes to plant, you’ll have fewer problems.

Cold Hardy Shrubs

Zone 3 bushes are all cold hardy shrubs. They can survive very low temperatures and are the best choices for shrubs in cold climates. Which shrubs work as zone 3 bushes? These days, you can find cold hardy cultivars for plants that used to only be for warmer regions, like forsythia. One cultivar to look at is Northern Gold forsythia (Forsythia "Northern Gold"), one of the shrubs for zone 3 gardens that blooms in spring. In fact, forsythia is usually the first shrub to flower, and its brilliant yellow, showy flowers can light up your backyard. If you’d like a plum tree, you’ll have your choice of two large bushes that are definitely cold hardy shrubs. Double Flowering plum (Prunus triloba "Multiplex") is extremely cold hardy, surviving zone 3 temperatures and even thriving in zone 2. Princess Kay plum (Prunus nigra "Princess Kay") is equally hardy. Both are small plum trees with beautiful white spring flowers. If you want to plant a bush native to the region, Red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericeabears) might fit the bill. This red-twig dogwood offers scarlet shoots and frothy white blossoms. The flowers are followed by white berries that provide food for wildlife. Bunchberry dogwood (Cornus canadensis) is another excellent choice among zone 3 bushes. You can also take your pick from among the prostrate forms of broadleaf evergreen shrubs.

If you live in one of the cooler regions of North America, you might despair of ever growing your own cherry trees, but the good news is that there are many more recently developed cold hardy cherry trees suitable for growing in climates with short growing seasons. The following article contains information about growing cherry trees for cold climates, in particular, zone 3 cherry tree cultivars.

About Cherry Trees for Zone 3

Before you dive in and buy a cold hardy zone 3 cherry tree, there are a few things to consider. First of all, make sure you are identifying your correct USDA zone. USDA zone 3 has minimum temperatures that reach between 30 and 40 degrees F. (-34 to -40 C.) on average. These conditions are found in the far northern hemisphere and the tip of South America. That said, within each USDA zone, there are many microclimates. This means that even if you are in zone 3, your specific microclimate might make you more suited to zone 4 plantings or less desirable for zone 3. Also, many of the dwarf cherry varieties can be container grown and brought indoors for protection during the colder months. This expands your choices somewhat on what cherries can be grown in colder climates. Other items to consider before purchasing a cold hardy cherry tree have to do with the size of the plant (its height and breadth), the amount of sun and water it needs, and the length of time before harvest. When does the tree bloom? This is important since trees that blossom in early spring might not have any pollinators out due to late June frosts.

Cherry Trees for Zone 3

Sour cherries are the most adaptable cold-hardy cherry trees. Sour cherries tend to flower later than sweet cherries and are, thus, less susceptible to late frost. In this case, the term “sour” doesn’t necessarily mean the fruit is sour; in fact, many cultivars have sweeter fruit than “sweet” cherries when ripe. Cupid cherries are cherries from the “Romance Series” that also include Crimson Passion, Juliet, Romeo, and Valentine. The fruit ripens in mid-August and is a deep burgundy in color. While the tree is self-pollinating, you will need another Cupid or another of the Romance Series for optimal pollination. These cherries are very cold-hardy and are suited to zone 2a. These trees are self-rooted, so damage from winter dieback is minimal. Carmine cherries are another example of cherry trees for cold climates. This 8 foot (2 m.) or so tree is great for eating out of hand or pie making. Hardy to zone 2, the tree ripens in late July to early August. Evans grows to 12 feet (4 m.) in height and bears bright red cherries that ripen in late July. Self-pollinating, the fruit is quite tart with yellow rather than red flesh. Other cold hardy cherry tree options include Mesabi, Nanking, Meteor, and Jewel, which is a dwarf cherry that would be suited to container growing.

Looking for vines that grow in cold regions can be a little discouraging. Vines often have a tropical feel to them and a corresponding tenderness to cold. There are, however, a nice assortment of vines that can brave even the cold winters of zone 3. Keep reading to learn more about vines that grow in cold regions, particularly hardy vines for zone 3.

Choosing Hardy Vines for Zone 3

Growing vines in zone 3 gardens needn’t be frustrating. There are some zone 3 vines that can work in these cooler conditions if you know what to look for. Here are some of the best choices for vines that grow in cold regions of zone 3. Arctic kiwi– This impressive vine is hardy down to zone 3. It grows to 10 feet (3 m.) long and has very attractive pink and green variegated leaves. The vines produce kiwi fruits, albeit smaller but just as tasty versions of the ones you get in the grocery store. As with most hardy kiwi plants, both a male and female plant is necessary if you want fruit. Clematis– There are a large number of varieties of this vine available and most of them are hardy down to zone 3. The key to a healthy and happy clematis is giving the roots a shaded, well-drained, rich location, and learning the pruning rules. Clematis vines are divided into three distinct flowering rules. As long as you know which your vine belongs to, you can prune accordingly and have flowers year after year. American bittersweet– This bittersweet vine is hardy down to zone 3 and is a safe North American alternative to the invasive Oriental bittersweet. The vines can reach 10 to 20 feet (3-6 m.) in length. They produce attractive red berries in the fall, as long as both sexes of the plant are present. Virginia creeper– An aggressive vine, Virginia creeper can grow over 50 feet (15 m.) in length. Its leaves go from purple in the spring to green in the summer then dazzling red in the fall. It climbs and trails very well and can be used as a groundcover or to hide an unsightly wall or fence. Prune vigorously in the spring to keep it from getting out of hand. Boston ivy– This vigorous vine is hardy down to zone 3 and will grow to over 50 feet (15 m.) in length. It is the classic New England building covering vine of the “Ivy League.” The leaves turn a dazzling red and orange in the fall. If growing Boston ivy up a building, prune strategically in the spring to keep it from covering windows or entering the building. Honeysuckle– Hardy down to zone 3, the honeysuckle vine grows 10 to 20 feet (3-6 m.) long. It’s known mainly for its highly fragrant flowers that bloom in early to midsummer. Japanese honeysuckle can be invasive in North America, so look for native species. Kentucky wisteria– Hardy down to zone 3, this wisteria vine reaches between 20 and 25 feet (6-8 m.) in length. It is known for its very fragrant early summer flowers. Plant it in full sun and keep pruning to a minimum. It will likely take a few years for the vine to start flowering.

One of the more spectacular flowering vines available is the clematis. Clematis have a wide hardiness range dependent upon the species. Finding the right clematis vines for zone 3 is essential unless you want to treat them as annuals and sacrifice heavy blooms. United States Department of Agriculture zone 3 plants need to be hardy through weather temperatures of -30 to -40 degrees F. (-34 to -40 C.). Brr. Cold hardy clematis do exist, however, and some even can withstand temperatures down to zone 2.

Cold Hardy Clematis

If someone mentions clematis, even novice gardeners usually know what plant is being cited. These vigorous vining plants have several pruning and blooming classes, which are important to note, but their hardiness is another trait required when purchasing these lovely flowering vines. Clematis vines in cold climates should be able to survive the extreme temperatures that often occur. Extended winters with excessive cold temperatures can kill the root system of any plant that is not adapted to that level of cold. Growing clematis in zone 3 starts with picking the right plant that can acclimatize to such long chilly winters. There are both hardy and tender clematis. The vines are also classed by their blooming period and pruning needs.

• Class A – Early blooming clematis rarely perform well in zone 3 because the soil and ambient temperatures won't warm up enough for the plant's bloom period. These are considered Class A and only a few species can survive in zone 3.
• Class B – Class B plants bloom off of old wood and include huge, flowering species. Buds on the old wood can easily be killed by frost and snow and they rarely provide a spectacular color show by the time blooming should start in June.
• Class C – A better choice are the Class C plants, which produce flowers off new wood. These are pruned to the ground in fall or early spring and can start blooming in early summer and continue to produce flowers to the first frost. Class C plants are the best option for clematis vines in cold climates.

Hardy Zone 3 Clematis Varieties

Clematis naturally like cool roots but some are considered tender in that they can become winter killed in extreme cold. There are, however, several zone 3 clematis varieties that would be suitable for icy regions. These are primarily the Class C and some that are intermittently called Class B-C. The truly hardy varieties are species such as:

• Blue Bird, purplish blue
• Blue Boy, silvery blue
• Ruby clematis, bell-shaped, mauve-red blooms
• White Swan, 5 inch (13 cm.) creamy flowers
• Purpurea Plena Elegans, double flowers are lavender blushed with rose and bloom July to September

Each of these are perfect clematis vines for zone 3 with exceptional hardiness.

Slightly Tender Clematis Vines

With a little protection, some of the clematises can withstand zone 3 weather. Each is reliably hardy to zone 3 but should be planted in a sheltered southern or western exposure. When growing clematis in zone 3, a good thick layer of organic mulch can help protect roots during harsh winters. There are many colors of clematis vines in cold climates, each with a twining nature and producing vigorous blooms. Some of the smaller flowered varieties are:

• Ville de Lyon (carmine blooms)
• Nelly Moser (pink flowers)
• Huldine (white)
• Hagley Hybrid (blush pink blooms)

If you want truly stunning 5 to 7 inch (13-18 cm.) flowers, some good options are:

• Etoille Violette (dark purple)
• Jackmanii (violet blooms)
• Ramona (bluish lavender)
• Wildfire (amazing 6 to 8 inch (15-20 cm.) purple blooms with a red center)

These are just a few of the varieties of clematis that should perform well in most zone 3 regions. Always provide your vines with something on which to climb and add plenty of organic compost at planting to get the plants off to a good start.

If you live in USDA plant hardiness zone 3, your winters can be chilly indeed. However, that doesn’t mean your garden can’t have blossoms aplenty. You can find cold hardy flowering shrubs that will thrive in your region. For more information about shrubs that bloom in zone 3, read on.

Flowering Shrubs for Cold Climates

In the USDA zone system, zone 3 regions have winter temperatures that dive to negative 30 and 40 degrees F. (-34 to -40 C.). That’s pretty cold and may be too cold for some perennials to survive. The cold can freeze the roots despite the snow cover. What areas are in zone 3? This zone stretches along the Canada border. It balances cold winters with warm to hot summers. While regions in zone 3 can be dry, others get a yard of precipitation every year. Flowering shrubs for zone 3 do exist. Of course, some need sunny locations, some need shade, and their soil requirements may vary. If you plant them in your backyard at an appropriate site, you’re likely to have plenty of blossoms.

Zone 3 Flowering Shrubs

The list of zone 3 flowering shrubs is longer than you might think. Here is a selection to get you started. Blizzard mock orange (Philadelphus lewisii ‘Blizzard’) might become your favorite of all flowering shrubs for cold climates. Compact and hardy, this mock orange shrub is a dwarf that grows well in shade. You’ll love the sight and smell of its fragrant white flowers for three weeks in early summer. When you are selecting cold hardy flowering shrubs, don’t overlook Wedgewood Blue lilac (Syringa vulgaris ‘Wedgewood Blue’). Only 6 feet (2 m.) tall with an equal width, this lilac variety produces panicles of lilac blue flowers a full 8 inches (20 cm.) long, with an entrancing aroma. Expect flowers to appear in June and last for up to four weeks. If you like hydrangea, you’ll find at least one on the list of flowering shrubs for zone 3. Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ blooms and grows happily in zone 3. The snowball blossom clusters begin green but mature into snowy white balls about 8 inches (20 cm.) in diameter. Site them in a spot that gets sun. Another one to try is the Red-Osier dogwood (Cornus sericea), a lovely dogwood variety with blood red stems and gorgeous, snowy white blossoms. Here’s a shrub that likes wet soil too. You’ll see it in swamps and wet meadows. The flowers open in May and are followed by small berries that provide food for wildlife. Viburnum species also make good zone 3 flowering shrubs. You can pick between Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago) and Mapleleaf (V. acerifolium), both of which produce white flowers in summer and prefer a shady location. Nannyberry also provides much appreciated winter food for wildlife.

If you live in one of the colder parts of the country, the trees you plant will have to be cold hardy. You may think you are limited to evergreen conifers. However, you also have quite a few cold hardy deciduous trees to choose between. If you would like to know the best types of hardy deciduous trees for zone 3, read on.

Zone 3 Deciduous Trees

The USDA developed a zone system. It divides the country into 13 zones according to the coldest annual temperatures. Zone 1 is the coldest, but zone 3 is about as cold as it gets in the continental U.S., registering winter lows of minus 30 to minus 40 degrees F. (-34 to -40 C.). Many of the most northern states like Montana, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Maine include regions that are in zone 3. While some evergreen trees are sufficiently cold hardy to survive in these extremes, you’ll also find zone 3 deciduous trees. Since deciduous trees go dormant in winter, they have an easier time making it through the windy winters. You’ll find more than a few cold hardy deciduous trees that will thrive in this zone.

Deciduous Trees for Cold Climates

What are the top deciduous trees for cold climates? The best deciduous trees for zone 3 in your region are likely to be trees that are native to the area. By choosing plants that naturally grow in your area, you help maintain nature’s biodiversity. You also assist native wildlife that requires those trees for survival. Here are a few deciduous trees native to North America that thrive in zone 3: American mountain ash (Sorbus americana) is a great choice for a backyard tree. This little tree produces berries in autumn that serve as food for many native birds, including cedar waxwings, grosbeaks, red-headed woodpeckers, and thrush. Other cold hardy deciduous trees that bear fruit in zone 3 include the wild plum (Prunus americana) and the eastern serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis). Wild plum trees serve as nesting spots for wild birds and feed wildlife like fox and deer, while birds love the summer ripening serviceberries. You might also plant beech trees (Fagus grandifolia), tall, elegant trees with edible nuts. The starchy nuts feed many types of wild animals, from squirrels to porcupines to bears. Likewise, the nuts of butternut trees (Juglans cinerea) provide food for wildlife. Ash trees (Fraxinus spp.), aspen (Populus spp.), birch (Betula spp.), and basswood (Tilia americana) are also excellent deciduous trees for cold climates. Various types of maple (Acer spp.), including boxelder (A. negundo) and willow (Salix spp.) are also deciduous trees for zone 3.

The sub-zero winters and short summers of USDA plant hardiness zone 3 present a real challenge for gardeners, but cold hardy juniper plants make the job easier. Choosing hardy junipers is easy too, because many junipers grow in zones 3 and a few are even tougher!

Growing Junipers in Zone 3 Gardens

Once established, junipers are drought tolerant. All prefer full sun, although a few types will tolerate very light shade. Nearly any type of soil is fine as long as it’s well-drained and never soggy. Here’s a list of suitable junipers for zone 3.

Spreading Zone 3 Junipers

• Arcadia – this juniper reaches only 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm.) and its nice green color and creeping growth makes it a great ground cover in the garden.
• Broadmoor – another ground covering juniper, this one is a bit taller, reaching about 2-3 feet (0.5-1 m.) in height with a 4 to 6 foot (1-2 m.) spread.
• Blue Chip – this low-growing (only 8 to 10 inches (20-25 cm.)), silvery-blue juniper looks great in areas needing quick coverage while adding contrast.
• Alpine Carpet – even smaller at up to 8 inches (20 cm.), Alpine Carpet fills in areas nicely with its 3-foot (1 m.) spread and features an attractive blue-green color.
• Blue Prince – only 6 inches (15 cm.) high with a 3 to 5 feet (1-1.5 m.) spread, this juniper produces a lovely blue color that can’t be beat.
• Blue Creeper – this blue-green variety spreads up to 8 feet (2.5 m.), making it a great choice for larger areas of the garden in need of ground cover.
• Prince of Wales – another great ground covering juniper reaching a mere 6 inches (15 cm.) in height, Prince of Wales has a 3 to 5 feet (1-1.5 m.) spread and offers additional interest with its purplish tinted foliage in winter.
• Old Gold – if you’re tired of the same old green, then this attractive creeping juniper is sure to please, offering somewhat taller (2 to 3 feet), brilliant gold foliage to the landscape scene.
• Blue Rug – another silver-blue type with low growing foliage, this juniper covers up to 8 feet (2.5 m.), having a growth habit much akin to its name.
• Savin – an attractive deep green juniper, this variety reaches anywhere from 2 to 3 feet (0.5-1 m.) tall with a spread of about 3 to 5 feet (1-1.5 m.).
• Skandia – another good choice for zone 3 gardens, Skandia features bright green foliage of about 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm.).

Upright Junipers for Zone 3

• Medora – this upright juniper reaches heights of about 10 to 12 feet (3-4 m.) with nice blue-green foliage.
• Sutherland – another good juniper for height, this one reaches around 20 feet (6 m.) at maturity and produces a nice silvery-green color.
• Wichita Blue – a great juniper for smaller landscapes, reaching only 12 to 15 feet (4-5 m.) tall, you’ll love its beautiful blue foliage.
• Tolleson’s Blue Weeping - this 20-foot (6 m.) tall juniper produces gracefully arching branches of silvery blue, adding something different to the landscape.
• Cologreen – featuring compact narrow growth, this upright juniper makes a great accent screen or hedge, taking shearing quite well for more formal settings.
• Arnold Common – a slender, conical juniper reaching only 6 to 10 feet (2-3 m.), this one is perfect from creating vertical interest in the garden. It also features feathery, soft green aromatic foliage.
• Moonglow – this 20-foot (6 m.) tall juniper has silvery blue foliage year round with an upright columnar to slightly pyramidal shape.
• Eastern Red Cedar – don’t let the name fool you…this is, in fact, a juniper rather than a cedar as is often mistaken. This 30-foot (10 m.) tree has attractive gray-green foliage.
• Sky High – another name leaving you in wonder, Sky High junipers only reach 12 to 15 feet (4-5 m.) tall, not so high when you think about it. That said, it’s a great choice for the landscape with its attractive silvery blue foliage.

Blueberry lovers in zone 3 used to have to settle for canned or, in later years, frozen berries; but with the advent of half-high berries, growing blueberries in zone 3 is a more realistic proposition. The following article discusses how to grow cold-hardy blueberry bushes and cultivars suitable as zone 3 blueberry plants.

About Growing Blueberries in Zone 3

USDA zone 3 means that the range for minimum average temperatures is between -30 and -40 degrees F. (-34 to -40 C.). This zone has a fairly short growing season, meaning that planting cold hardy blueberry bushes is a necessity.

Blueberries for zone 3 are half-high blueberries, which are crosses between high-bush varieties and low-bush, creating blueberries suitable for cold climates. Keep in mind that even if you are in USDA zone 3, climate change and microclimates may push you into a slightly different zone. Even if you select only zone 3 blueberry plants, you may need to provide extra protection in winter.

Before planting blueberries for cold climates, consider the following helpful hints.

• Blueberries need full sun. Sure, they will grow in partial shade, but they probably won’t produce much fruit. Plant at least two cultivars to ensure pollination, hence fruit set. Space these plants at least 3 feet (1 m.) apart.
• Blueberries need acidic soil, which for some folks can be off-putting. To remedy the situation, build raised beds and fill them with an acidic mix or amend the soil in the garden.
• Once the soil has been conditioned, there is very little maintenance other than pruning out old, weak, or dead wood.

Don’t get too excited about a bountiful harvest for a bit. Although the plants will bear a few berries in the first two to three years, they won’t get a sizable harvest for at least five years. It usually takes about ten years before the plants are fully mature.

Blueberries for Zone 3

Zone 3 blueberry plants will be half-high varieties. Some of the best types include:

• Chippewa
• Brunswick Maine
• Northblue
• Northland
• Pink Popcorn
• Polaris
• St. Cloud
• Superior

Other varieties that will do fairly well in zone 3 are Bluecrop, Northcountry, Northsky, and Patriot.

Chippewa is the largest of all the half-high and matures in late June. Brunswick Maine only gets to a foot (31 cm.) in height and spreads about 5 feet (1.5 m.) across. Northblue has nice, large, dark blue berries. St. Cloud ripens five days earlier than Northblue and requires a second cultivar for pollination. Polaris has medium to large berries that store beautifully and ripen a week earlier than Northblue.

Northcountry bears sky blue berries with a sweet flavor reminiscent of wild lowbush berries and ripen five days earlier than Northblue. Northsky ripens at the same time as Northblue. Patriot has very large, tart berries and ripens five days earlier than Northblue.

Japanese maples are lovely trees that add structure and brilliant seasonal color to the garden. Since they rarely exceed a height of 25 feet (8 m.), they are perfect for small lots and home landscapes. Though most varieties of Japanese maple are hardy in zones 5 through 9, there are a few types that can handle the cold. Let's take a look at some of the best Japanese maples for zone 3.

Will Japanese Maples Grow in Zone 3?

Naturally cold hardy, Japanese maple trees are a good choice for zone 3 landscapes. You may have a problem with late freezes killing buds that have begun to open, however. Insulating the soil with deep mulch can help hold the cold in, delaying the end of the dormancy period. Fertilizing and pruning encourage growth spurts.

When growing a Japanese maple in zone 3, delay these activities until you are certain there won't be another hard freeze to kill back new growth. Avoid growing Japanese maples in containers in zone 3. The roots of container grown plants are more exposed than those of trees planted in the ground. This makes them susceptible to cycles of freezing and thawing.

Zone 3 Japanese Maple Trees

Japanese maples thrive in zone 3 once established. Here is a list of suitable trees for these very cold climates:

If you're looking for a small tree, you can't miss Beni Komanchi. The name means ‘beautiful red-haired little girl,’ and the 6 foot (2 m.) tree sports pretty red leaves from spring until fall.

Johin has thick, red leaves with a hint of green in the summer. It grows 10 to 15 feet (3-5 m.) tall.

Katsura is a beautiful, 15 foot (5 m.) tree with pale green leaves that turn bright orange in the fall.

Beni Kawa has dark green leaves that turn gold and red in fall, but its main attraction is the bright red bark. The red color is striking against a snowy backdrop. It grows about 15 feet (5 m.) tall.

Known for its brilliant crimson fall color, Osakazuki can reach a height of 20 feet (6 m.).

Inaba Shidare has lacy, red leaves that are so dark that they almost look black. It grows quickly to reach its maximum height of 5 feet (1.5 m.).

Grasses perform numerous functions in the landscape. Whether you want a thick green lawn or a sea of swaying ornamental foliage, grasses are easy to grow and adaptable to many types of situations. 

Cold climate gardeners in USDA zone 3 can have difficulty finding the right plants that will perform well year-round and survive some of the coldest winters. Zone 3 grasses for gardens are limited and the choices need to weigh the plant's tolerance to snow weight, ice, cold temperatures, and shorter seasons for growth.

Lawn Grass for Zone 3

Zone 3 plants must be extremely winter-hardy and able to thrive in spite of cooler year-round temperatures. Growing grass in cold climates can be challenging because of the short growing season and extreme weather. In fact, there are only a handful of appropriate turfgrass options for this zone. 

There are more zone 3 ornamental grasses, but these are mostly hybrids of each other and lack diversity. Here is an overview of some of the cold-hardy grasses for zone 3. Cool season grasses are best for zone 3 lawns. These grasses grow in spring and fall when the soil is at 55 to 65 degrees F. (12-18 C.). In summer, these grasses grow hardly at all.

• Fine fescues are some of the most cold-tolerant of the turfgrasses. While not recommended for high traffic areas, the plants have moderate tolerance to drought and high shade tolerance.
• Kentucky bluegrass is used across much of the United States. It is not shade-tolerant but forms dense, thick lawns and is durable during regular use.
• Tall fescues are coarse, cold hardy grasses for zone 3 that are tolerant of cold but not tolerant of snow. This lawn grass for zone 3 is prone to snow mold and can become patchy after extended snowfalls.
• Perennial ryegrass is often mixed in with Kentucky bluegrass.

Each of these grasses has different attributes, so it is important to keep in mind the purpose of the grass before choosing a sod type.

Zone 3 Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental zone 3 grasses for gardens run the gamut from diminutive, little 12 inch (31 cm.) high plants to towering specimens that may grow many feet (or meters) tall. Small plants are useful where decorative touches are needed around the edges of beds gamboling along paths or in containers. 

Blue oat grass is a clumping grass for full to partial sun. It gets attractive golden seed heads in the fall. By contrast, the feather reed grass 'Karl Forester' is a 4 to 5 foot (1-1.5 m.) tall extravaganza with erect bristling seed heads and a slender, compact form. A brief list of additional zone 3 ornamental grasses follow:

• Japanese Sedge
• Big Bluestem
• Tufted Hair grass
• Rocky Mountain fescue
• Indian grass
• Rattlesnake Mannagrass
• Siberian Melic
• Prairie Dropseed
• Switchgrass
• Japanese Silver grass
• Silver Spike grass

Growing Grass in Cold Climates

Cold season grasses need a bit more preparation for success than their southern counterparts. Prepare the seedbed or garden plot well by adding amendments to ensure good soil drainage and nutrient retention. 

In colder climates, rain and runoff are often common in the latter part of the winter, which can deplete soil fertility and cause erosion. Add plenty of compost, grit, or sand to ensure good drainage and work the soil to a depth of at least 5 inches (13 cm.) for turfgrasses and 8 inches (20 cm.) for ornamental specimens. Install plants in spring so they are mature and established with good root systems to withstand winter. 

Cold season grasses will fair best if they get superior care during the growing season. Give plants consistent water, fertilize in spring, and mow or prune lightly in fall to preserve blade health. Deciduous ornamental plants can be cut back in early spring and allowed to regrow new foliage. Use organic mulch around ornamental plants to help protect the root zones from freezing temperatures.

Zone 3 is one of the colder zones in the U.S., where winters are long and frigid. Many plants simply won’t survive in such harsh conditions. If you’re looking for help in choosing hardy trees for zone 3, then this article should help with suggestions.

Zone 3 Tree Selections

The trees you plant today will grow to become huge, architectural plants that form the backbone around which to design your garden. Choose trees that reflect your own personal style, but make sure they will thrive in your zone. Here are some zone 3 tree selections to choose from:

Zone 3 Deciduous Trees

Amur maples are a pleasure in the garden any time of year, but they really show off in fall when the leaves turn a variety of brilliant colors. Growing up to 20 feet (6 m.) tall, these small trees are ideal for home landscapes, and they have the added advantage of being drought tolerant. Ginkgo grows more than 75 feet (23 m.) tall and needs plenty of room to spread. Plant a male cultivar to avoid the messy fruit dropped by females. The European mountain ash tree grows 20 to 40 feet (6-12 m.) tall when planted in full sun. In the fall, it bears an abundance of scarlet fruit that persists through winter, attracting wildlife to the garden.

Zone 3 Coniferous Trees

Norway spruce makes the perfect outdoor Christmas tree. Place it in sight of a window so you can enjoy the Christmas decorations from indoors. Norway spruce is drought-resistant and seldom bothered by insects and diseases. Emerald green arborvitae forms a narrow column 10 to 12 feet (3-4 m.) tall. It remains green year-round, even in frigid zone 3 winters. The eastern white pine grows up to 80 feet (24 m.) tall with a 40 foot (12 m.) spread, so it needs a large lot with plenty of room to grow. It’s one of the faster growing trees in cold climates. Its rapid growth and dense foliage make it ideal for forming quick screens or windbreaks.

Other Trees

Believe it or not, you can add a touch of the tropics to your zone 3 garden by growing a banana tree. The Japanese banana tree grows 18 feet (5.5 m.) tall with long, split leaves in summer. You’ll have to mulch heavily in winter to protect the roots, however.

Dwellers in cooler climates still crave the flavor and satisfaction of growing their own fruit. The good news is that one of the most popular, the apple, has varieties that can take winter temperatures as low as -40 degrees F. (-40 C.), USDA zone 3, and even lower temps for some cultivars. The following article discusses types of cold hardy apples – apples that grow in zone 3 and information about planting apple trees in zone 3.

About Planting Apple Trees in Zone 3

There are thousands of different cultivars of apples grown in North America with quite a few zone 3 apple varieties. The rootstock that a tree is grafted onto may be chosen due to tree size, to encourage early bearing, or to foster disease and pest resistance. In the case of zone 3 apple varieties, the rootstock is chosen to promote hardiness. Before you make a decision regarding what variety of apple you want to plant, you should consider a few other factors besides the fact that they are listed as apple trees for zone 3. Consider the height and spread of the mature apple tree, the length of time the tree takes before bearing fruit, when the apple blossoms and when the fruit is ripe, and if it will take a frost. All apples need a pollinator that is in bloom at the same time. Crabapples tend to be quite hardy and bloom longer than apple trees, and thus make a suitable pollinator.

Apple Trees for Zone 3

A bit more difficult to find than some other apples that grow in zone 3, Dutchess of Oldenberg is an heirloom apple that was once the darling of English orchards. It ripens early in September with medium sized apples that are sweet-tart and great for eating fresh, for sauce, or for other dishes. They do not keep long and won’t store for more than six weeks, however. This cultivar bears fruit five years after planting. Goodland apples grow to around 15 feet (5 m.) in height and 12 feet (4 m.) across. This red apple has pale yellow striping and is a medium to large, crisp, juicy apple. The fruit is ripe in mid-August through September and is delicious eaten fresh, for apple sauce, and fruit leather. Goodland apples do store well and bear three years from planting. Harcout apples are large, red, juicy apples with a sweet-tart flavor. These apples ripen in mid-September and are great fresh, for baking, or pressing into juice or cider and store very well. Honeycrisp, a variety that is commonly found in the supermarket, is a late-season apple that is both sweet and tart. It stores well and can be eaten fresh or in baked goods. The Macoun apple is a late season apple that grows in zone 3 and is best eaten out of hand. This is a McIntosh-style apple. Norkent apples look much like Golden Delicious with a tinge of red blush. It also has the apple/pear flavor of the Golden Delicious and is great eaten fresh or cooked. The medium to large fruit ripens in early September. This annual bearing tree bears fruit a year earlier than other apple cultivars and is hardy to zone 2. The tree will bear fruit three years from planting. Spartan apples are late season, cold hardy apples that are delicious fresh, cooked, or juiced. It bears lots of crimson-maroon apples that are crunchy and sweet and easy to grow. Sweet Sixteen is a medium size, crisp and juicy apple with a very unusual flavor-- a bit of cherry with spices and vanilla. This cultivar takes longer to bear than other cultivars, sometimes up to five years from planting. Harvest is in mid-September and can be eaten fresh or used in cooking. Wolf River is another late season apple that is disease resistant and is perfect for use in cooking or juicing.

Zone 3 annual flowers are single season plants that don’t have to survive the climate’s sub-zero winter temperatures, but cold hardy annuals face a relatively short spring and summer growing season. Keep in mind that most annuals will grow in zone 3, but some are able to establish quicker and produce blooms sooner.

Annual Plants for Zone 3

Luckily for gardeners, even though summers are short, cold climate annuals manage to put on a real show for several weeks. Most cold hardy annuals can tolerate a light frost, but not a hard freeze. Here is a list of beautiful cold climate annuals, along with a few tips for growing annuals in zone 3.

Zone 3 Annual Flowers for Sunlight

• Petunia
• African daisy
• Godetia and Clarkia
• Snapdragon
• Bachelor’s button
• California poppy
• Forget-me-not
• Dianthus
• Phlox
• Sunflower
• Flowering stock
• Sweet alyssum
• Pansy
• Nemesia

Annual Plants for Zone 3 Shade

• Begonia (light to medium shade)
• Torenia/wishbone flower (light shade)
• Balsam (light to medium shade)
• Coleus (light shade)
• Impatiens (light shade)
• Browallia (light shade)

Growing Annuals in Zone 3

Many zone 3 gardeners like to take advantage of self-sowing annuals, which drop seeds at the end of the blooming season, and then germinate the following spring. Examples of self-sowing annuals include poppy, calendula and sweet pea. Some annuals can be grown by planting seeds directly in the garden. Examples include California poppy, Bachelor’s button, black-eyed Susan, sunflower and forget-me-not. Slow-blooming annuals like zinnias, dianthus and cosmos may not be worth planting by seed in zone 3; however, starting the seeds indoors gives them an earlier start. Pansies and violas can be planted early in spring, as they tolerate temperatures a few degrees below freezing. They generally continue to bloom until arrival of hard freezes.

There are many cultivars of grapes grown throughout the world, and most of them are cultivated hybrids, selected for flavor or color traits. Most of these cultivars won’t grow anywhere but in the warmest of the USDA zones, but there are some cold hardy grapevines, zone 3 grapes, out there. The following article contains information on growing grapes in zone 3 and recommendations for grapes for zone 3 gardens.

About Grapes that Grow in Cold Climates

Grape breeders realized that there was a niche for grapes that grow in cold climates. They also noticed that there was an indigenous grape that grows along riverbanks throughout much of eastern North America. This native grape (Vitis riparia), while small and less than tasty, became rootstock for new breeds of cold hardy grapevines. Breeders also began hybridizing with other hardy varieties from northern China and Russia. Continued experimentation and re-crossing have resulted in more improved varieties. Hence, we now have quite a few types of grapes to choose from when growing grapes in zone 3.

Grapes for Zone 3 Gardens

Before you select your zone 3 grape varieties, consider the plants' other requirements. Grapevines thrive in full sun and heat. Vines need around 6 feet (2 m.) of space. Young canes initiate flowers, which are self-fertile and pollinated by wind and insects. Vines can be trained and should be pruned prior to leaf emergence in the spring. Atcan is a rose grape hybrid developed in eastern Europe. The fruit is small and good for white grape juice or eaten fresh if sufficiently ripe. This hybrid is difficult to find and will need winter protection. Beta is the original hardy grape. A cross between Concord and the native Vitis riparia, this grape is very productive. The fruit is excellent fresh or for use in jams, jellies, and juices. Bluebell is a good, seeded table grape that can also be used for juices and jam making. This grape has good disease resistance. King of the North ripens in mid-September and is a heavy bearer that makes excellent juice. It is good for everything, and some folks even use it to make concord-style wine. This grape is also fairly disease resistant. Morden is a newer hybrid, again from eastern Europe. This grape is by far the hardiest green table grape out there. The large clusters of green grapes are perfect for eating fresh. This variety, too, is difficult to find but well worth the search. This hybrid will need winter protection. Valiant is out-selling Beta for its distinct improvements over the latter. The fruit ripens earlier than Beta. It is the best cold hardy grape and useful for everything except winemaking. If in doubt regarding which grape to try in zone 3, this is it. The downside is that this grape is highly susceptible to mildew diseases.

A huge genus of trees, Acer includes more than 125 different maple species growing around the world. Most maple trees prefer the cool temperatures in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, but a few cold-hardy maples can tolerate sub-zero winters in zone 3. In the United States, zone 3 includes parts of South and North Dakota, Alaska, Minnesota, and Montana. Here is a list of a few of the best maples for cold climates, along with a few helpful tips on growing maple trees in zone 3.

Zone 3 Maple Trees

Suitable maple trees for zone 3 include the following: Norway maple is a tough tree suitable for growing in zones 3 through 7. This is one of the most commonly planted maple trees, not only because of its hardiness, but because it withstands extreme heat, drought, and either sun or shade. The mature height is about 50 feet (15 m.). Sugar maple grows in zones 3 through 8. It is appreciated for its spectacular autumn colors, which range from a shade of deep red to bright yellowish gold. Sugar maple can reach heights of 125 feet (38 m.) at maturity but generally tops out at 60 to 75 feet (18-23 m.). Silver maple, suitable for growing in zones 3 through 8, is a graceful tree with willowy, silver-green foliage. Although most maples like moist soil, silver maple thrives in moist, semi-soggy soil along ponds or creeksides. Mature height is about 70 feet (22 m.). Red maple is a fast-growing tree that grows in zones 3 through 9. It is a relatively small tree that reaches heights of 40 to 60 feet (12-18 m.). Red maple is named for its bright red stems, which retain color all year-round.

Growing Maple Trees in Zone 3

Maple trees tend to spread out quite a bit, so allow plenty of growing space. Cold hardy maple trees do best on the east or north side of buildings in extremely cold climates. Otherwise, reflected heat on the south or west side can cause the tree to break dormancy, placing the tree in jeopardy if the weather turns cold again. Avoid pruning maple trees in late summer and early fall. Pruning encourages new growth, which probably won’t survive the bitter winter cold. Mulch maple trees heavily in cold climates. Mulch will protect the roots and will prevent the roots from warming too quickly in spring.

Nuts, generally speaking, are thought to be warm climate crops. Most commercially grown nuts such as almonds, cashews, macadamias, and pistachios are grown and are native to warmer climates. If you’re a nut for nuts and live in a colder region, though, there are some nut trees that grow in cold climates hardy to zone 3. What edible nut trees for zone 3 are available? Read on to find out about nut trees in zone 3.

Growing Nut Trees in Zone 3

There are three common zone 3 tree nuts: walnuts, hazelnuts, and pecans. There are two species of walnut that are cold-hardy nut trees and can both be grown in zones 3 or warmer. Given protection, they can even be attempted in zone 2, although the nuts may not fully ripen. The first species is the black walnut (Juglans nigra) and the other is butternut, or white walnut, (Juglans cinerea). Both nuts are delicious, but the butternut is a bit oilier than the black walnut. Both can get very tall, but black walnuts are the tallest and can grow to over 100 feet (30.5 m.) in height. Their height makes them difficult to pick, so most people allow the fruit to ripen on the tree and then drop to the ground. This can be a bit of a hassle if you don’t regularly gather the nuts. Nuts that are grown commercially are from the species Juglans regia – English or Persian walnut. The shells of this variety are thinner and easier to crack; however, they are grown in much warmer areas such as California. Hazelnuts, or filberts, are the same fruit (nut) from a common shrub of North America. There are many species of this shrub growing across the globe, but the most common here are the American filbert and the European filbert. If you want to grow filberts, hopefully, you aren’t type A. The shrubs grow at will, seemingly randomly hither and yon. Not the tidiest of looks. Also, the shrub is plagued by insects, mostly worms. There are also other zone 3 tree nuts that are more obscure but will succeed as nut trees that grow in cold climates. Chestnuts are cold-hardy nut trees that at one time were very common in the eastern half of the country until disease wiped them out. Acorns are also edible nut trees for zone 3. Although some people say they are delicious, they do contain toxic tannin, so you might want to leave these to the squirrels. If you want to plant an exotic nut in your zone 3 landscape, try a yellowhorn tree (Xanthoceras sorbifolium). A native of China, the tree has showy, white, tubular flowers with a yellow center that over time changes to red. Apparently, the nuts are edible when roasted. Buartnut is a cross between a butternut and heartnut. Borne off a medium sized tree, buartnut is hardy to -30 degrees F. (-34 C.).

Zone 3 is a tough one for perennials. With winter temperatures down to -40 degrees F. -40 C.), a lot of plants popular in warmer climates just can’t survive from one growing season to the next. Ferns, however, are one variety of plant that is extremely hardy and adaptable. Ferns were around at the time of the dinosaurs and are some of the oldest living plants, which means they know how to survive. Not all ferns are cold hardy, but quite a few are. Keep reading to learn more about cold hardy fern plants, specifically garden ferns hardy to zone 3.

Types of Ferns for Cold Climates

Here’s a list of ferns for zone 3 gardens: Northern Maidenhair is hardy all the way from zone 2 to zone 8. It has tiny, delicate leaves and can grow to 18 inches (46 cm.). It likes rich, very moist soil and does well in partial and full shade. Japanese Painted Fern is hardy down to zone 3. It has dark red stems and fronds in shades of green and gray. It grows to 18 inches (46 cm.) and prefers moist but well-drained soil in full or partial shade. Fancy Fern (also known as Dryopteris intermedia) is hardy down to zone 3 and has a classic, all-green appearance. It grows from 18 to 36 inches (46-91 cm.) and prefers partial shade and neutral to slightly acidic soil. Male Robust Fern is hardy down to zone 2. It grows 24 to 36 inches (61-91 cm.) with wide, semi-evergreen fronds. It likes full to partial shade. Ferns should always be mulched to keep the roots cool and moist, but always make sure to keep the crown uncovered. Some cold-hardy fern plants that are technically rated for zone 4 may very well last in zone 3, especially with proper winter protection. Experiment and see what works in your garden. Just don’t get too attached, in case one of your ferns doesn’t make it to spring.

First discovered in 1730 by King George III’s royal botanist, John Bartram, hydrangeas became an instant classic. Their popularity quickly spread throughout Europe and then to North America. In the Victorian language of flowers, hydrangeas represented heartfelt emotions and gratitude.

Today, hydrangeas are just as popular and widely grown as ever. Even those of us who live in cooler climates can enjoy plenty of beautiful varieties. Finding the best hydrangea by zone doesn't have to be hard either. At least not with this list of the hardiest zone 3 hydrangeas.

Hydrangeas for Zone 3 Gardens

Panicle or Pee Gee hydrangeas, offer the most variety in hydrangeas for zone 3. Blooming on new wood from July to September, panicle hydrangeas are the most cold-hardy and sun-tolerant of zone 3 hydrangea varieties. Some zone 3 hydrangea varieties in this family include:

• Bobo
• Firelight
• Limelight
• Little Lime
• Little Lamb
• Pinky Winky
• Quick Fire
• Little Quick Fire
• Ziinfin Doll
• Tardiva
• Unique
• Pink Diamond
• White Moth
• Preacox

'Annabelle' hydrangeas are also hardy to zone 3. These hydrangeas are much loved for their huge, ball-shaped flowers that bloom on new wood in June to September. Weighed down by these enormous flowers, 'Annabelle' hydrangeas tend to have a weeping habit. Zone 3 hardy hydrangeas in the 'Annabelle' family include the 'Invincibelle' series and 'Incrediball' series.

Caring for Hydrangeas in Cold Climates

Blooming on new wood, panicle and 'Annabelle' hydrangeas can be pruned in late winter to early spring. It’s not necessary to prune back panicle or 'Annabelle' hydrangeas each year; they will bloom fine without annual maintenance. It does keep them healthy and looking nice, though, so remove spent blooms and any dead wood from the plants.

Hydrangeas are shallow rooting plants. In full sun, they may need watering. Mulch around their root zones to help retain moisture. Panicle hydrangeas are the most sun-tolerant zone 3 hardy hydrangeas. They do well in six or more hours of sun. 'Annabelle' hydrangeas prefer light shade, with about four to six hours of sun a day. Hydrangeas in cool climates may benefit from an extra heap of mulch around the plant crown through winter.

Actinidia deliciosa, kiwifruit, is the type of kiwi found at the grocery store. It can only be grown in areas that have at least 225 frost-free growing days with moderate winter temps – USDA zones 8 and 9. If you love the flavor of exotic kiwi but don’t live in such temperate zones, fear not. There are about 80 species of Actinidia, and several types are cold-hardy kiwi vines.

Kiwi for Cold Climates

A. deliciosa is native to southern China where it is considered to be the national fruit. In the early 1900s, this plant was brought to New Zealand. The fruit (actually a berry) was thought to taste like gooseberries, so it came to be called “Chinese Gooseberry.” During the 1950s, the fruit became commercially grown and exported and, thus, a new name was coined for the fruit-- kiwi, in reference to New Zealand’s furry, brown national bird. Other species of Actinidia are native to Japan or as far north as Siberia. These cold hardy kiwi vines are suitable types of kiwis for zone 3 or even zone 2. They are referred to as super-hardy varieties. A. kolomikta is the hardiest and is suited as a zone 3 kiwi plant. Two other types of kiwis for zone 3 are A. arguta and A. polygama, although the fruit of the latter is said to be quite bland.

Best Zone 3 Kiwi Plants

Actinidia kolomikta – Actinidia kolomikta, as mentioned, is the most cold-hardy and can tolerate lows down to -40 degrees F. (-40 C.), although the plant may not bear fruit following a very cold winter. It only needs around 130 frost-free days to ripen. It is sometimes called “Arctic Beauty” kiwifruit. The fruit is smaller than that of A. arguta, but delicious. The vine will grow to at least 10 feet (3 m.) in length and spread 3 feet (91 cm.) across. The foliage is lovely enough to use as an ornamental plant with variegated pink, white, and green leaves. As with most kiwis, A. kolomikta produces either male or female blossoms, so in order to get fruit, one of each need to be planted. One male can pollinate between six and nine females. As is common in nature, the male plants tend to be the more colorful. This kiwi thrives in partial shade with well-draining soil and a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. It doesn’t grow too fast, so it needs very little pruning. Any pruning should be done in January and February. Many of the cultivars have Russian names: Aromatnaya is so named for its aromatic fruit, Krupnopladnaya has the largest fruit, and Sentayabraskaya is said to have very sweet fruit. Actinidia arguta – Another kiwi for cold climates, A. arguta is a very vigorous vine, more useful for ornamental screening than for fruit. This is because it generally dies down to the ground during cold winters, and thus, doesn’t fruit. It can grow to more than 20 feet (6 m.) in length and 8 feet (2 m.) across. Since the vine is so large, trellises should be extra sturdy. The vine can be grown on a trellis and then lowered to the ground before the first frost. It is then covered with a thick layer of straw and then snow covers the vine. At the onset of spring, the trellis is brought back upright. This method preserves the vine and the flower buds so the plant will set fruit. If grown in this manner, severely prune back the vines in the winter. Thin out weak branches and water sprouts. Prune out most of the vegetative canes and cut back the rest of the canes as far as the short fruiting spurs.

Cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere can be tough areas for plants unless they are native. Native plants are adapted to freezing temperatures, excess rainfall, and gusting winds and thrive in their indigenous regions. Cold hardy vines for USDA zone 3 are often found wild and important sources of food and shelter for animals. Many are also ornamental and make perfect flowering vines in cold climates. Some suggestions for zone 3 vine plants follow.

Flowering Vines in Cold Climates

Gardeners tend to want variety in the landscape, and it is tempting to purchase non-native flowering vines in summer. Be wary, as these plants are usually reduced to annual status in colder climes where winter's harshness will kill the root zone and plant. Growing hardy flowering vines that are native can reduce this waste and encourage wildlife in the landscape. 

Bougainvillea, jasmine, and passionflower vines are spectacular landscape additions, but only if you live in the correct zone. Zone 3 vine plants must be hardy and adaptable to temperatures of -30 to -40 degrees F. (-34 to -40 C.). These conditions are too extreme for many ornamental flowering vines, but some are especially adapted as flowering vines for zone 3.

• Honeysuckle is a perfect vine for zone 3. It produces copious, trumpet-shaped flowers that develop into berries that feed birds and wildlife.
• Kentucky wisteria is another hardy flowering vine. It is not as aggressive as other wisteria vines, but still produces the dangling delicate clusters of lavender flowers.
• The elegant and profuse clematis is another of the flowering vines for zone 3. Depending upon the class, these vines may bloom from spring to summer.
• Lathyrus ochroleucus, or cream peavine, is native to Alaska and can withstand zone 2 conditions. White blooms appear all summer.

Vines with seasonal color changes are welcome additions to the zone 3 garden too. Classic examples might be:

• Virginia creeper has a color display that starts purple in spring, turns green in summer, and finishes with a bang in fall with scarlet leaves.
• Boston ivy is self-adhering and may approach 50 feet (15 m.) in length. It features tri-parted leaves that are glossy green and turn orange red in fall. This vine also produces dark blue-black berries, which are important food for birds.
• American bittersweet requires a male and female plant in proximity to produce the reddish orange berries. It is a low, rambling vine with bright yellow-orange interiors. Be wary of getting the oriental bittersweet, which may become invasive.

Growing Hardy Flowering Vines

Plants in cooler climates benefit from well-draining soil and a top dressing of thick, organic mulch to protect the roots. Even hardy plants like Arctic kiwi or climbing hydrangea may survive zone 3 temperatures if planted in a sheltered location and provided some protection during the coldest periods of winter. Many of these vines are self-adhering, but for those that are not, staking, stringing, or trellising is required to keep them from ambling over the ground. 

Prune flowering vines only after they have bloomed, if necessary. Clematis vines have special pruning requirements depending upon the class, so be aware of which class you have. Hardy native vines should thrive without any special care, as they are well suited to grow wild in that region. Growing hardy flowering vines is possible in the chill of zone 3, provided you choose the proper plants for your area.

Growing flowering trees or shrubs may seem like an impossible dream in USDA plant hardiness zone 3, where winter temperatures can sink as low as -40 degrees F. (-40 C.). However, there are several flowering trees that grow in zone 3, which in the United States includes areas of North and South Dakota, Montana, Minnesota, and Alaska. Read on to learn about a few beautiful and hardy zone 3 flowering trees.

What Trees Bloom in Zone 3?

Here are some popular flowering trees for zone 3 gardens: Prairiflower Flowering Crabapple (Malus ‘Prairifire’) – This small, ornamental tree lights up the landscape with bright red blossoms and maroon leaves that eventually mature to deep green, then puts on a display of bright color in autumn. This flowering crabapple grows in zones 3 through 8. Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) – Small but mighty, this viburnum is a symmetrical, rounded tree with creamy white blossoms in spring and glossy red, yellow, or purplish foliage in autumn. Arrowwood viburnum is suitable for zones 3 through 8. Scent and Sensibility Lilac (Lilac syringa x) – Suitable for growing in zones 3 through 7, this hardy lilac is greatly loved by hummingbirds. The fragrant blooms, which last from mid spring to early fall, are beautiful on the tree or in a vase. Scent and Sensibility lilac is available in pink or lilac. Canadian Red Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) - Hardy in growing zones 3 through 8, Canadian Red chokecherry provides year-round color, beginning with showy, white flowers in spring. The leaves turn from green to deep maroon by summer, then bright yellow and red in autumn. Fall also brings loads of deliciously tart berries. Summer Wine Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolious) – This sun-loving tree displays dark purple, arching foliage that lasts throughout the season, with pale pink flowers that bloom in late summer. You can grow this ninebark shrub in zones 3 through 8. Purpleleaf Sandcherry (Prunus x cistena) – This small ornamental tree produces sweet-smelling pink and white flowers and eye-catching reddish purple leaves, followed by deep purple berries. Purpleleaf sandcherry is suitable for growing in zones 3 through 7.

If you live in zone 3, you have chilly winters when the temperature can dip into negative territory. While this may give tropical plants pause, many evergreens love crisp winter weather. Hardy evergreen shrubs and trees will thrive. Which are the best zone 3 evergreen plants? Read on for information about evergreens for zone 3.

Evergreens for Zone 3

You’ll need cold climate evergreens if you are a gardener living in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 3. The USDA developed the zone system dividing the nation into 13 planting zones based on the lowest winter temperatures. Zone 3 is the third coldest designation. One state can contain multiple zones. For example, about half of Minnesota is in zone 3 and half is in zone 4. Bits of the state on the northern border are tagged as zone 2. Many hardy evergreen shrubs and trees are conifers. These often thrive in zone 3 and, therefore, classify as zone 3 evergreen plants. A few broad-leaf plants also work as evergreen plants in zone 3.

Zone 3 Evergreen Plants

Many conifers can adorn your garden if you live in zone 3. Conifer trees that qualify as cold climate evergreens include Canada hemlock and Japanese yew. Both of these species will do better with wind protection and moist soil. Fir and pine trees usually thrive in zone 3. These include balsam fir, white pine, and Douglas fir, although all three of these species need filtered sunlight. If you want to grow a hedge of evergreen plants in zone 3, you might consider planting junipers . Youngston juniper and Bar Harbor juniper will perform well.

Fifty years ago, gardeners who said that rhododendrons don’t grow in northern climes were absolutely correct. But they wouldn’t be right today. Thanks to the hard work of northern plant breeders, things have changed. You’ll find all kinds of rhododendrons for cold climates on the market, plants that are fully hardy in zone 4 plus a few zone 3 rhododendrons. If you are interested in growing rhododendrons in zone 3, read on. Cold climate rhododendrons are out there just waiting to bloom in your garden.

Cold Climate Rhododendrons

The genus Rhododendron includes hundreds of species and many more named hybrids. Most are evergreen, holding onto their foliage all winter long. Some rhododendrons, including many azalea species, are deciduous, dropping their leaves in autumn. All require consistently moist soil rich in organic content. They like acidic soil and a sunny to semi-sunny location. Rhodie species thrive in a wide range of climates. The new varieties include rhododendrons for zones 3 and 4. Most of these rhododendrons for cold climates are deciduous and, thus, require less protection during the winter months.

Growing Rhododendrons in Zone 3

The U.S. Department of Agriculture developed a system of “growing zones” to help gardeners identify plants that would grow well in their climate. The zones run from 1 (coldest) through 13 (warmest), and are based on the minimum temperatures for each area. The minimum temperatures in zone 3 range from -30 to -35 (zone 3b) and -40 degrees Fahrenheit (zone 3a). States with zone 3 regions include Minnesota, Montana and North Dakota. So what do zone 3 rhododendrons look like? The available cultivars of rhododendrons for cold climates are very diverse. You’ll find many types of plants, from dwarfs to tall bushes, in shades ranging from pastels to brilliant and vibrant hues of orange and red. The selection of cold climate rhododendrons is large enough to satisfy most gardeners. If you want rhododendrons for zone 3, you should start by looking at the "Northern Lights" series from the University of Minnesota. The university started developing these plants in the 1980s, and every year new varieties are developed and released. All “Northern Lights” varieties are hardy in zone 4, but their hardiness in zone 3 differs. The very hardiest of the series is 'Orchid Lights' (Rhododendron 'Orchid Lights'), a cultivar that grows reliably in zone 3b. In zone 3a, this cultivar can grow well with proper care and a sheltered siting. Other hardy selections include 'Rosy Lights' (Rhododendron 'Rosy Lights') and 'Northern Lights' (Rhododendron 'Northern Lights'). They can grow in sheltered locations in zone 3. If you absolutely must have an evergreen rhododendron, one of the best is 'PJM.' (Rhododendron 'P.J.M.'). It was developed by Peter J. Mezzitt of Weston Nurseries. If you provide this cultivar with extra protection in an extremely sheltered location, it may bloom in zone 3b.

Selecting hardy plants for zone 3 shade can be challenging to say the least, as temperatures in USDA Zone 3 can dip down to -40 degrees F. (-40 C.). In the United States, we’re talking about the serious cold experienced by residents of parts of North and South Dakota, Montana, Minnesota, and Alaska. Are there really suitable zone 3 shade plants? Yes, there are several tough shade plants that tolerate such punishing climates. Read on to find out about growing shade-loving plants in cold climates.

Zone 3 Plants for Shade

Growing shade-tolerant plants in zone 3 is more than possible with the following selections: Northern maidenhair fern may look delicate, but it’s a shade-loving plant that tolerates frigid temperatures. Astilbe is a tall, summertime bloomer that adds interest and texture to the garden even after the pink and white flowers have dried up and turned brown. Carpathian bellflower produces cheery blue, pink, or purple flowers that add a spark of color to shady corners. White varieties are also available. Lily of the valley is a hardy zone plant that provides dainty, sweet-scented woodland flowers in spring. This is one of the few blooming plants that tolerates deep, dark shade. Ajuga is a low-growing plant appreciated primarily for its attractive leaves. However, the spiky blue, pink, or white flowers that bloom in spring are a definite bonus. Hosta is one of the most popular zone 3 plants for shade, valued for its beauty and versatility. Although hosta dies down in winter, it returns dependably every spring. Solomon’s seal produces greenish white, tube-shaped blooms in spring and early summer, followed by bluish black berries in fall.

Growing Shade-Tolerant Plants in Zone 3

Many of the hardy plants listed above are borderline zone 3 shade plants that benefit from a bit of protection to get them through the severe winters. Most plants do fine with a layer of mulch, such as chopped leaves or straw, which protects plants from repeated freezing and thawing. Don’t mulch until the ground is cold, generally after a couple of hard frosts.

Raspberries are the quintessential berry to many people. This luscious fruit wants sunshine and warm, not hot, temperatures, but what if you live in a cooler climate? How about growing raspberries in zone 3, for example? Are there specific raspberry bushes for cold climates? The following article contains information on growing cold climate raspberry shrubs in USDA zone 3.

About Zone 3 Raspberries

If you live in USDA zone 3, you usually get low temperatures of between -40 to -35 degrees F. (-40 to -37 C.). The good news about raspberries for zone 3 is that raspberries naturally thrive in cooler climates. Also, zone 3 raspberries might also be listed under their Sunset rating of A1. Raspberries are of two main types. Summer-bearers produce one crop per season in the summer while ever-bearers produce two crops, one in the summer and one in the fall. Everbearing (fall-bearing) varieties have the advantage of producing two crops, and they require less care than summer bearers. Both types will produce fruit in their second year, although in some cases, ever-bearers will bear small fruit in their first fall.

Growing Raspberries in Zone 3

Grow raspberries in full sunlight in well-draining soil on a site sheltered from the wind. Deep, sandy loam that is rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8 or slightly acidic will give the berries the best foundation. Summer-bearing raspberries tolerate temperatures down to -30 degrees F. (-34 C.) when they are fully acclimated and established. These berries can become damaged by fluctuating winter temps, however. To shield them plant them on a north slope. Fall-bearing raspberries should be planted on a south slope or another protected area to promote the rapid growth of the fruiting canes and early fall fruiting. Plant raspberries in the early spring well away from any wild growing berries, which might spread disease. Prepare the soil a couple of weeks prior to planting. Amend the soil with plenty of manure or green vegetation. Before planting the berries, soak the roots for an hour or two. Dig a hole that is large enough to allow the roots to spread out. Once you have planted the raspberry, cut the cane back to 8 to 10 inches (20-25 cm.) in length. At this juncture, depending upon the variety of berry, you may need to provide the plant with a support such as a trellis or a fence.

Raspberries for Zone 3

Raspberries are susceptible to cold injury. Established red raspberries can tolerate temps to -20 degrees F. (-29 C.), purple raspberries to -10 degrees F. (-23 C.), and black to -5 degrees F. (-21 C.). Winter injury is less likely in areas where the snow cover is deep and reliable, keeping the canes covered. That said, mulching around the plants will help to protect them. Of the summer-bearing raspberries suitable as cold climate raspberry shrubs, the following types are recommended:

• Boyne
• Nova
• Festival
• Killarney
• Reveille
• K81-6
• Latham
• Halda

Fall-bearing raspberry bushes for cold climates include:

• Summit
• Autumn Britten
• Ruby
• Caroline
• Heritage

Black raspberries suited to USDA zone 3 are Blackhawk and Bristol. Purple raspberries for cold climates include Amethyst, Brandywine, and Royalty. Cold-tolerant yellow raspberries include Honeyqueen and Anne.

Many herbs hail from the Mediterranean and, as such, tend to like the sun and warmer temperatures; but if you live in a cooler climate, fear not. There are quite a few cold hardy herbs suitable for cold climates. Sure, growing herbs in zone 3 may require a little more pampering but it’s well worth the effort.

About Herbs that Grow in Zone 3

The key to growing herbs in zone 3 is in the selection; choose appropriate zone 3 herb plants and plan to grow tender herbs, such as tarragon, as an annual or grow them in pots that can be moved indoors during the winter. Start perennial plants from seedlings in the early summer. Start annuals from seed in the early summer or sow them in a cold frame in the fall. Seedlings will then emerge in the spring and can then be thinned and transplanted into the garden. Protect delicate herbs, such as basil and dill, from winds by planting them in a sheltered area of the garden or in containers that can move around depending upon weather conditions. Finding herbs that grow in zone 3 may take a little experimentation. Within zone 3 there is a multitude of microclimates, so just because an herb is labeled suitable to zone 3 doesn’t necessarily mean it will thrive in your backyard. Conversely, herbs that are labeled suitable for zone 5 might do well in your landscape depending upon weather conditions, soil type, and the amount of protection provided to the herb – mulching around the herbs can help protect and save them through the winter.

List of Zone 3 Herb Plants

Very cold hardy herbs (hardy to USDA zone 2) include hyssop, juniper, and Turkestan rose. Other herbs for cold climates in zone 3 include:

• Agrimony
• Caraway
• Catnip
• Chamomile
• Chives
• Garlic
• Hops
• Horseradish
• Peppermint
• Spearmint
• Parsley
• Dog rose
• Garden sorrel

Other herbs suited to zone 3 if grown as annuals are:

• Basil
• Chervil
• Cress
• Fennel
• Fenugreek
• Marjoram
• Mustard
• Nasturtiums
• Greek oregano
• Marigolds
• Rosemary
• Summer savory
• Sage
• French tarragon
• English thyme

Marjoram, oregano, rosemary, and thyme can all be overwintered indoors. Some annual herbs will even reseed themselves, such as:

• Flat leaved parsley
• Pot marigold
• Dill
• Coriander
• False chamomile
• Borage

Other herbs that, although labeled for warmer zones, may survive colder climates if in well-draining soil and protected with winter mulch include lovage and lemon balm.

Succulents are a group of plants with special adaptations and include the cactus. Many gardeners think of succulents as desert plants, but they are remarkably versatile plants and can acclimatize to many different regions. Surprisingly, these xeriscape darlings may also thrive in wet regions like the Pacific Northwest and even cold places such as zone 3 regions. There are several zone 3 hardy succulents that can withstand winter temperatures and excess precipitation. Even zone 4 plants may thrive in a lower region if they are in a protected area and freezing durations are brief and not deep.

Hardy Outdoor Succulents

Succulents are endlessly fascinating due to their broad range of form, color, and texture. Their unfussy nature also makes them a gardener favorite and adds an interesting touch to the landscape even in non-desert zones. Succulents may be hardy in USDA zones 3 to 11. The cold tolerant forms, or zone 3 hardy succulents, benefit from a full sun location with some shelter from wind and thick mulch to preserve moisture and protect roots. There are a lot of hardy outdoor succulents, such as yucca and ice plant, but only a couple that can withstand temperatures of -30 to -40 degrees F. (-34 to -40 C.). These are the average low temperatures in the zone 3 regions and include ice, snow, sleet, and other damaging weather phenomena. Many succulents are shallow rooting, which means their root system can easily be damaged by trapped water turning into ice. Succulents for cold climates must be in well-draining soil in order to prevent ice crystals from damaging root cells. A thick layer of organic or non-organic mulch can act as a blanket over the root zone to protect this crucial area of plant growth. Alternatively, the plants can be installed in containers and moved to an area that doesn't freeze, such as the garage, during cold snaps.

Best Succulent Plants in Zone 3

Some of the best cold-hardy succulents are Sempervivum and Sedum. Hens and chicks are an example of Sempervivum. These are perfect succulents for cold climates, as they can handle temperatures down to -30 degrees F. (-34 C.). They spread by producing offsets or "chicks" and can easily be divided to create more plants. Stonecrop is an upright version of Sedum. This plant has three seasons of interest with attractive, blue-green rosettes and vertical, golden yellow clusters of tiny blooms that become unique dried flowers lasting well into fall. There are many varieties of both Sedum and Sempervivum, some of which are groundcovers and others with vertical interest. Jovibarba hirta plants are lesserknown succulents in zone 3. These are a low, rosette-forming, rosy-pink and green leaved cactus.

Marginal Cold Hardy Succulents

Some species of succulents that are hardy to USDA zone 4 can also withstand zone 3 temperatures if they are in some protection. Plant these in sheltered areas, such as around rock walls or the foundation. Use larger trees and vertical structures to produce microclimates that may not experience the full brunt of winter as forcefully. Yucca glauca and Y. baccata are zone 4 plants that can survive many zone 3 winter experiences if they are babied. If temperatures dip below -20 degrees F. (-28 C.), simply place blankets or burlap over the plants at night, removing them during the day, to protect plants. Other succulents for cold climates might be hardy ice plants. Delosperma produce lovely little flowers and have a low, groundcover nature. Pieces broke off of the plant readily root and produce more of the delicate succulents. Many other succulents can be grown in containers and moved indoors to overwinter, expanding your options without sacrificing prized specimens.

USDA zone 3 has the shortest growing season in the United States. Agriculturally, zone 3 is defined as having winter temperatures as low as -30 degrees F. (-34 C.) with a final frost date of May 15th and the first frost around September 15th. With such a small growing window, is it even worth trying vegetable gardening in zone 3? Yes! There are many vegetables that grow well in cold climates and with a little assistance, zone 3 vegetable gardening is well worth the effort.

Vegetable Gardening in Zone 3

Both fresh organic produce and herbs can be grown in zone 3 from May through to the middle of October, provided the gardener has selected cool weather varieties and gives the crops protection from frost. Crops growing well in warmer zones 5 through 8 may not succeed in zone 3, as the ground just doesn’t heat up enough to garner sweet melons, corn, or peppers. Growing them in containers, however, may provide possibilities. So, when growing vegetables for zone 3, a little advanced planning is in order. Plan to plant suitable crops for your area, ones that set fruit and mature early. Use row covers or greenhouse plastic to protect the plants from night frosts. Grow tender plants inside a greenhouse or place large, black painted rocks in the garden near them. These will heat up during the day and then provide much needed warmth at night when temperatures dip.

Vegetables for Zone 3 Gardens

If you’re dying for a fresh salad in zone 3, many leafy greens thrive in this climate and successive sowings can be made from June 1st to the first frost. Butterhead, loose-leaf, and early romaine are the best lettuce choices for zone 3 vegetable gardening. Spinach, chard, and orach also do well in zone 3. Radicchio, collards, kale, and escarole are all good choices for vegetables that grow well in cold climates. Garden cress produces usable leaves in just 12 days. Chinese greens are excellent choices for zone 3 gardening. They thrive in the cool spring temps and are fairly resistant to bolting as the temperatures warm. Try bok choy, suey choy, beauty heart radishes, and shungiku or edible chrysanthemum. Plant them in mid-May and cover with a cloche to keep the hungry insects from decimating them. Parsley, cilantro, and basil planted from seed produce quick, fresh herbs to liven up meals. Radishes can be set out as soon as the snow melts and can then be replanted every 15 days. While winter squash really needs a longer growing season and some heat, summer squash can be sown successfully in zone 3. The squash may need protection from late frost, however. Cover the ground with black mulch to help retain heat. Start zucchini and other summer squash inside around May 1st and then transplant after the soil has warmed in June. Continue to provide frost protection and use rocks or water jugs that have been painted black to absorb heat during the day and provide it at night. Both slicing and pickling cucumbers will grow in zone 3, but they do need frost protection. Due to the lower temps and a lack of bees, pollination may be a problem, so plant short season parthenocarpic varieties, those that require no pollination or quick maturing varieties that are genoecious, having mostly female flowers. You can plant celery in zone 3, which matures in 45 to 55 days. Harvest the individual stems leaving the center to continue to grow. Plant peas in the ground in mid to late April as soon as the snow has melted and then harvest them in early July. Keep the peas mulched and weeded. Garlic, although it needs a long growing season, is winter hardy. Plant garlic in October before the first snows. It will grow a healthy root system throughout the winter and then will green up in the spring. Keep it weeded and mulched during the summer and it will be ready to harvest around the first of August. Potatoes are iffy. If you have a frost-free summer, they will grow, but a frost can kill them. Plant them at the end of April and hill them up with soil as they grow. Keep them mulched during the growing season. Root veggies such as beets, kohlrabi, and turnips do very well in zone 3. These crops as well as carrots and rutabaga love the cooler temps. Parsnips, on the other hand, are slow to germinate and take 100 to 120 days to mature. Leeks can be grown from seed in zone 3 and can be harvested in a short period of time. True, they won’t be giant leeks, but will still have the delicious flavor. Onions should be started from transplants by May 1st. Many other crops can be planted in zone 3 if they are started indoors weeks before transplanting outside. Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli should be started six weeks prior to transplanting. Rhubarb and asparagus are reliable crops in zone 3 and have the added advantage of returning year after year. Horseradish is also hardy in colder climates. Plant the roots in the fall or spring. As you can see, there are many crops that can be grown successfully in zone 3 gardens. Some of them take a little more TLC than others, but the benefits of having fresh, organic produce makes it all worthwhile.

Zone 3 is a tough one. With winter lows getting down to -40 degrees F. (-40 C.), a lot of plants just can’t make it. This is fine if you want to treat a plant as an annual, but what if you want something that will last for years, like a tree? An ornamental dwarf tree that blooms every spring and has colorful foliage in the fall can be a great centerpiece in a garden. Trees are expensive though and usually take a while to get up to their full potential. If you live in zone 3, you’re going to need one that can stand up to the cold. Keep reading to learn more about ornamental trees for cold climates, specifically dwarf trees for zone 3.

Choosing Ornamental Trees for Cold Climates

Don’t let the thought of living in a cold region put you off from enjoying the beauty of an ornamental tree in your landscape. Here are some dwarf trees for zone 3 that should work just fine: Seven Son Flower (Heptacodium miconioides): Seven Son Flower is hardy to -30 degrees F. (-34 C.). It tops out between 20 and 30 feet (6-9 m.) tall and produces fragrant white blossoms in August. Hornbeam: Hornbeam gets no taller than 40 feet (12 m.) and is hardy to zone 3b. Hornbeam has modest spring flowers and decorative, papery seed pods in the summer. In autumn, its leaves are stunning, turning shades of yellow, red, and purple. Shadbush (Amelanchier): Shadbush reaches 10 to 25 feet (3-8 m.) in height and spread. It is hardy to zone 3. It has a brief but glorious show of white flowers in early spring. It produces small, attractive red and black fruit in the summer, and in the fall its leaves turn very early to beautiful shades of yellow, orange, and red. “Autumn Brilliance” is an especially beautiful hybrid, but it’s only hardy to zone 3b. River birch: River birch is hardy to zone 3, with many varieties hardy to zone 2. Their height can vary, but some cultivars are very manageable. “Youngii,” in particular, stays at 6 to 12 feet (2-4 m.) and has branches that grow downward. River birch produces male flowers in the fall and female flowers in the spring. Japanese tree lilac: Japanese tree lilac is a lilac bush in tree form with very fragrant, white flowers. In its tree form, Japanese tree lilac can grow to 30 feet (9 m.), but dwarf varieties exist that top out at 15 feet (5 m.).

Hostas are one of the most popular shade garden plants because of their easy maintenance. Grown mainly for their foliage, hostas are available in solid or variegated greens, blues, and yellows. With hundreds of varieties available, a large shade garden could be filled with different hostas without repeating a single one. Most varieties of hostas are hardy in zones 3 or 4 to 9. Continue reading to learn about growing hostas in zone 3.

Planting Hosta in Cold Climates

There are many beautiful varieties of hostas for zone 3. With their easy care and maintenance, hostas are an excellent choice for shady spots in the garden or borders. Planting a hosta in cold climates is as simple as digging a hole, putting the hosta in, filling the remaining space with soil, and watering. Once planted, water daily for the first week, every other day the second week, then once a week until established. Established hostas require very little care. Usually, hostas are divided every few years to help the plant grow better and propagate more in other shady spots. If the center of your hosta is dying out and the plant is beginning to grow in a donut shape, this is a sign that your hosta needs to be divided. Hosta division is usually done in fall or early spring. Zone 3 hosta plants may benefit from an extra layer of mulch or organic material heaped over their crown in late fall for winter protection. Be sure to uncover them in spring once there is no more danger of frost.

Zone 3 Hosta Plants

While there are many cold hardy hostas, these are some of my favorite hostas for zone 3. Blue hostas tend to grow better in cool climates and denser shade, while yellow hostas are more heat and sun tolerant.

• Orange Marmalade: zones 3-9, yellow-orange leaves with green margins
• Aureomarginata: zones 3-9, yellowish foliage with wavy margins
• Whirlwind: zones 3-9, twisted leaves with light green centers and dark green margins
• Blue Mouse Ears: zones 3-9, dwarf blue leaves
• Francee: zones 3-9, large green leaves with white margins
• Cameo: zones 3-8, small, heart-shaped, light green leaves with wide, cream-colored margins
• Guacamole: zones 3-9, large, heart-shaped, light green leaves with blue-green margins
• Patriot: zones 3-9, green leaves with wide, white margins
• Abiqua Drinking Gourd: zones 3-8, large, blue, heart-shaped leaves that curl upward at the edges making them cup-like
• Deja Blue: zones 3-9, blue-green leaves with yellow margins
• Aztec Treasure: zones 3-8, heart-shaped, chartreuse leaves

Cold climate zone 3 gardening can be one of the most challenging of the regional conditions. The United States Department of Agriculture zone 3 can drop to -30 or even -40 degrees F. (-34 to -40 C.). Plants for this area must be tough and hardy, and able to withstand extended freezing temperatures. Growing wisteria in zone 3 used to be fairly impractical but now a new cultivar has introduced an extremely hardy form of the Asian vine.

Wisteria for Cold Climates

Wisteria vines are quite tolerant of a range of conditions, but most varieties do not perform well in zones below USDA 4 to 5. Zone 3 wisteria plants were something of a pipe dream as cold, extended winters tended to kill these temperate climate darlings. A chance hybrid found across the swampy areas of south-central U.S. from Louisiana and Texas north to Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, and Oklahoma, Kentucky wisteria is suitable for zones 3 to 9. It even reliably produces flowers in the colder region. The two most common wisteria plants in cultivation are Japanese and Chinese. Japanese is a bit hardier and thrives in zone 4, while Chinese wisteria is suitable down to zone 5. There is also an American wisteria, Wisteria frutescens, from which the Kentucky wisteria is descended. The plants grow wild in swampy woods, riverbanks, and upland thickets. American wisteria is hardy to zone 5 while its sport, Kentucky wisteria, can thrive down to zone 3. There are several new cultivars introduced that are useful for growing wisteria in zone 3. Kentucky wisteria is better behaved than its Asian relatives and is less aggressive. The flowers are a bit smaller, but it reliably returns in spring even after harsh winters. Another species, Wisteria macrostachya, has also been proven to be reliable in USDA zone 3. It is commercially sold as 'Summer Cascade.' Kentucky wisteria plants are the premier wisteria vines for zone 3. There are even a few cultivars from which to choose. 'Blue Moon' is a cultivar from Minnesota and has small, fragrant clusters of periwinkle blue flowers. Vines can grow 15 to 25 feet (5-8 m.) long and produce 6 to 12 inch (15-31 cm.) racemes of scented pea-like flowers which appear in June. These zone 3 wisteria plants then produce soft, velvety pods that grow 4 to 5 inches (10-13 cm.) long. To add to the attractive nature of the plant, the leaves are delicate, pinnate, and deeply green on twining stems. The previously mentioned 'Summer Cascade' bears soft lavender flowers in 10 to 12 inch (25-31 cm.) racemes. Other forms are 'Aunt Dee,' with elegant, antique lilac flowers, and 'Clara Mack,' which has white blooms.

Tips on Growing Wisteria in Zone 3

These hardy wisteria vines for zone 3 still need good cultural care to thrive and succeed. The first year is the most difficult and young plants will need regular irrigation, staking, trellising, pruning, and feeding. Before installing vines, ensure good drainage in the soil and add plenty of organic matter to enrich the planting hole. Choose a sunny location and keep young plants moist. It may take up to three years for the plant to start flowering. During this time, keep vines tied up and tidily trained. After the first bloom, prune them where needed to establish a habit and prevent straggling. These species of wisteria for cold climates have been shown to be the most easily established in zone 3 and reliable even after a harsh winter.

USDA plant hardiness zones, developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, were created to identify how plants fit into different temperature zones – or more specifically, which plants tolerate the coldest temperatures in each zone. Zone 2 encompasses areas such as Jackson, Wyoming and Pinecreek, Alaska, while zone 3 includes cities like Tomahawk, Wisconsin; International Falls, Minnesota; Sidney, Montana, and others in the northern part of the country. Let’s learn more about the plants that grow in cold climates like these.

Challenge of Gardening in Zones 2-3

Gardening in zones 2 and 3 means dealing with punishing cold temperatures. In fact, the lowest average temperature in USDA hardiness zone 2 is a frigid -50 to -40 degrees F. (-46 to -40 C), while zone 3 is a whopping 10 degrees warmer.

Cold Weather Plants for Zones 2-3

Gardeners in frigid climates have a particular challenge on their hands, but there are a number of tough but lovely plants that grow in cold climates. Here are some suggestions to get you started.

Zone 2 Plants

• Lead plant (Amorpha canescens): Lead plant is a rounded, shrubby plant with sweet smelling, feathery leaves and spikes of tiny purple blooms.
• Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia): Serviceberry, also known as Saskatoon serviceberry, is a hardy ornamental shrub with showy, fragrant blooms, tasty fruit, and lovely autumn foliage.
• American cranberry bush (Viburnum trilobum): American cranberry bush is a durable plant that produces clusters of big, white, nectar-rich flowers followed by bright red fruit that lasts well into winter – or until birds gobble them up.
• Bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia): Bog rosemary is a mounding groundcover that reveals narrow, bluish green leaves and clusters of small white or pink, bell-shaped blooms.
• Iceland poppy (Papaver nudicaule): Iceland poppy displays masses of blooms in shades of orange, yellow, rose, salmon, white, pink, cream, and yellow. Each bloom appears atop a graceful, leafless stem. Iceland poppy is one of the most colorful zone 2 plants.

Zone 3 Plants

• Mukgenia nova ‘Flame’ displays deep pink blooms. Attractive, toothed leaves create a stunning display of bright color in autumn.
• Hosta: Hosta is a hardy, shade loving plant available in a wide range of colors, sizes, and forms. The tall, spiky blooms are butterfly magnets.
• Bergenia: Bergenia is also known as heartleaf bergenia, pigsqueak, or elephant ears. This tough plant boasts tiny pink blooms on erect stems arising from clusters of glossy, leathery leaves.
• Lady fern (Athyrium filix-feminia): Lady fern is one of several sturdy ferns that are classified as zone 3 plants. Many ferns are perfect for a woodland garden and lady fern is no exception.
• Siberian bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla): Siberian bugloss is a low-growing plant that produces deep green, heart-shaped leaves and small, eye-catching blooms of intense blue.