Year-Round Colors and Blooms: Your Planting Calendar

Knowing what to plant and when is the ultimate question, especially for residents of Minnesota who can’t always count on consistent weather patterns from year to year. However, there is a typical rule of thumb for growers when planning (and planting) for each new season. The team at Copper Creek’s Garden Center has compiled a bloom calendar, if you will, to help guide you through the process of maximizing plant life while navigating an, oftentimes, unpredictable 12 months of weather.

Early Spring Blooms

In Minnesota, early spring can still be quite cold, so it's essential to choose plants that are hardy and can withstand cooler temperatures and even occasional frosts. Here are some of the best plants for early spring in Minnesota:

Tulips (tulipa)

Tulips are classic spring-blooming bulbs that can add a splash of color to your garden. Plant them in the fall for beautiful blooms in early spring.

Daffodils (narcissus)

Daffodils, also known as narcissus, are another popular spring bulb that thrives in Minnesota's climate. They come in a variety of colors and sizes and are relatively low maintenance.

Crocus

Crocuses are one of the earliest flowers to bloom in spring, often poking through the snow. They come in various colors and can add a cheerful touch to your garden.

Hyacinth (hyacinthus)

Hyacinths are fragrant spring bulbs that produce clusters of colorful flowers. Plant them in the fall for blooms in early spring.

Pansies (viola tricolor var. hortensis)

Pansies are cold-hardy annuals that can withstand cooler temperatures and even light frosts. They come in a wide range of colors and are excellent for adding color to early spring gardens.

Forsythia

Forsythia is a deciduous shrub known for its bright yellow flowers that bloom in early spring. It's one of the first plants to bloom, signaling the arrival of spring.

Lilacs (syringa)

Lilacs are classic spring-flowering shrubs that thrive in Minnesota's climate. They produce fragrant clusters of flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white.

Snowdrops (galanthus)

Snowdrops are small, delicate bulbs that bloom very early in the spring, often even before the snow has completely melted. They have white, drooping flowers that add a touch of elegance to the garden.

Brunnera (false forget-me-not)

Brunnera, also known as false forget-me-not, shines as an early spring perennial in Minnesota with its charming clusters of delicate blue flowers. Its ability to thrive in the cool temperatures of early spring, combined with its heart-shaped foliage that remains attractive throughout the growing season, makes it a standout choice for gardeners. Additionally, Brunnera's tolerance to shade allows it to brighten up woodland gardens and shady corners, adding a pop of color and texture when much of the landscape is still waking up from winter dormancy.

Siberian Squill (scilla siberica)

Siberian squill is a small bulbous plant that produces clusters of blue flowers in early spring. It's easy to grow and can naturalize in the garden over time.

These plants are well-suited to Minnesota's early spring conditions and can help brighten up your garden after the long winter months.

Mid-Spring Blooms

Mid-spring in Minnesota typically sees milder temperatures and more consistent warmth, allowing for a broader range of plants to thrive. In addition to those mentioned above, here are some excellent choices for mid-spring planting in Minnesota:

Bleeding Heart (dicentra)

Bleeding heart is a classic perennial that typically blooms in mid to late spring, producing heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, and red.

Lungwort (pulmonaria)

Lungwort is a wonderful perennial that is great for ground coverage. The leaves of lungwort are green with silver or light green blotches that adds a beautiful texture. Lungwort also blooms with little flowers April-June depending on the variety. Flowers are typically blue and pink.

Crabapple Trees (malus)

Many crabapple varieties bloom in mid-spring, covering the branches with clusters of colorful flowers ranging from white and pink to deep red.

Peonies (paeonia)

Peonies are beloved for their large, fragrant blooms that typically open in mid to late spring, depending on the variety. They come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, and coral.

Late Spring Blooms

Late spring in Minnesota offers both warmer temperatures and longer days, providing ideal conditions for a wide variety of plants to thrive. Here are some excellent choices to add to your growing spring plant assortment:

Irises

Irises come in a range of colors and bloom in late spring, adding elegance and beauty to gardens. They are relatively low-maintenance and can thrive in various soil conditions.

Alliums (ornamental onion)

Alliums, also known as ornamental onions, produce large spherical flower heads atop tall stems. They bloom in late spring and come in various shades of purple, pink, blue, and white.

Lupines (lupinus)

Lupines are tall, spiky flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer, producing colorful spikes of pea-like flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white.

Clematis

Clematis vines produce large, showy flowers in late spring and early summer, making them perfect for adding vertical interest to gardens. They come in a variety of colors and bloom shapes.

Columbines (aquilegia)

Columbines are charming perennials that bloom in late spring, featuring unique spurred flowers in an array of colors, including blue, pink, purple, yellow, and white.

Salvia (sage)

Salvias are heat-tolerant perennials that bloom in late spring and continue throughout the summer. They produce spikes of flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and red that attract pollinators.

Catmint (nepeta)

Catmint is a drought-tolerant perennial that blooms profusely in late spring and early summer, producing spikes of lavender-blue flowers that attract butterflies and bees.

Siberian Iris (iris sibirica)

Siberian irises are tough, low-maintenance perennials that bloom in late spring, producing elegant flowers in shades of blue, purple, white, and yellow.

Early Summer Blooms

As the days get even longer and temperatures grow warmer, your options become even greater when it comes to adding new life to your gardens. Here are some excellent choices for early summer planting in Minnesota:

Firewitch (dianthus gratianopolitanus)

Firewitch Dianthus are a stunning perennial with color that pops. They make for good placement in a rock garden or used as a border plant as they are low growing plants. The Firewitch typically blooms May-June making it a great early summer bloomer.

Roses (rosa)

Roses are classic flowering shrubs that bloom throughout the summer, with many varieties producing their first flush of blooms in early summer. Choose varieties that are hardy and disease-resistant for best results in Minnesota.

Spirea (spiraea)

Spirea is a great choice for blooms. Spireas are shrubs that will come back year after year. Typically, spirea has light pink to dark pink blooms during the early summer months. But they can range in color with different varieties. Most common colors are red, pinks, and whites. Some Spirea colors can become more red towards the fall season. These shrubs work wonderfully for rock gardens, edging, ground covers, or accents in the garden. With their long-time blooms, Spirea will give lots of color throughout the growing season.

Delphiniums (larkspur)

Delphiniums are tall, stately perennials that bloom in early summer, producing spikes of colorful flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white.

Coreopsis (tickseed)

Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, is a drought-tolerant perennial that blooms from early summer to fall. It produces bright yellow, orange, or red flowers that attract butterflies and bees.

Bee Balm (monarda)

Bee balm is a native perennial that blooms in early summer, producing clusters of tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, and white. It's highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Phlox

Phlox is a versatile perennial that blooms in early to mid-summer, producing clusters of fragrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, blue, and white.

Coneflowers (echinacea)

Coneflowers are drought-tolerant perennials that bloom from early to late summer, producing striking daisy-like flowers in shades of purple, pink, white, and orange.

Mid-Summer Blooms

Mid-summer in Minnesota can bring warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, making it an ideal time for a wide variety of plants to thrive. Here are some excellent choices for mid-summer planting in Minnesota:

Ligularia (desdemona)

Ligularia are a great addition to any garden. Great for mass plantings, and accents, these are sure to be a delight all growing season, but are true blooming beauties in mid summer. The flowers of the Ligularia are vibrant yellow, while the stems transitions from purple hues in early spring to to different shades of purples and greens throughout the growing season. These beauties are loved by pollinators, and typically, deer avoid them.

Shasta Daisies (leucanthemum)

Shasta daisies are classic perennials that bloom from mid to late summer, producing large white flowers with yellow centers. They are easy to grow and make excellent cut flowers.

Liatris (blazing star, gayfeather)

Liatris, also known as blazing star or gayfeather, is a native perennial that blooms in mid to late summer, producing tall spikes of purple, pink, or white flowers. They are attractive to butterflies and bees.

Russian Sage (perovskia atriplicifolia)

Russian sage is a drought-tolerant perennial that blooms in mid-summer, producing spikes of lavender-blue flowers. It has aromatic foliage and attracts pollinators.

Blanket Flower (gaillardia)

Blanket flower is a drought-tolerant perennial that blooms from mid-summer to fall, producing brightly colored flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow. They are attractive to butterflies and bees.

Astilbe (false spirea)

Astilbe has abundant feathery flowers, and depending on the variety, has colors of red, pink, magenta, and white. Astilbe has low green foliage, and when the blooms emerge they sit quite high above the foliage, making it a unique and aesthetically please perennial. We recommend the Color Flash™ and Visions varieties.

Daylilies (hemerocallis)

Daylilies are resilient perennials that bloom profusely in mid-summer, producing vibrant flowers in a wide range of colors, including yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple.

Hydrangeas

Certain hydrangea varieties, such as panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) and smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens), bloom in mid-summer, producing large clusters of flowers in shades of white, pink, and blue.

Late Summer Blooms

Late summer in Minnesota can still provide warm temperatures, but it might also bring occasional cooler evenings. Here are some great plant options that thrive during late summer in Minnesota:

Joe Pye Weed (eutrochium purpureum)

Joe Pye Weed is a native perennial that blooms in late summer, producing large clusters of pink or purple flowers that attract butterflies and bees. It's tolerant of wet soil and can grow in partial shade.

Asters

Various aster species bloom in late summer and early fall, producing daisy-like flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. They are attractive to butterflies and provide nectar sources late in the season.

Honeysuckle (lonicera)

Honeysuckle, known for its fragrant and delicate flowers, thrives in Minnesota's temperate climate, particularly in the state's woodland areas and along its waterways. Honeysuckle are appreciated for its beauty and sweet scent in Minnesota's natural landscapes and are a favorite to hummingbirds.

Penstemon (Beard Tongue)

Penstemon, commonly known as beard tongue, has distinctive tubular flowers and often brightly colored petals, penstemon adds vibrant splashes of color to gardens, prairies, and rocky slopes. These hardy perennials are valued not only for their ornamental beauty but also for their resilience, attracting pollinators like bees and hummingbirds with their nectar-rich blooms.

Japanese Anemone (anemone hupehensis)

Japanese Anemone blooms in late summer to early fall, producing elegant, cup-shaped flowers in shades of pink or white. It thrives in partial shade and adds a touch of grace to the garden.

Turtlehead (chelone)

Turtlehead is a native perennial that blooms in late summer to early fall, producing clusters of tubular flowers in shades of pink, white, or purple. It's named for its flowers' resemblance to the head of a turtle.

Balloon Flower (platycodon grandiflorus)

Balloon flower blooms in late summer, producing balloon-like buds that open into star-shaped flowers in shades of blue, pink, or white. It's a low-maintenance perennial that adds whimsy to the garden.

Sneezeweed (helenium)

Sneezeweed blooms in late summer to early fall, producing daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red. It's attractive to butterflies and provides late-season color to the garden.

Early Fall Blooms

Early fall in Minnesota can still bring pleasant weather, making it a great time to enjoy the garden before the colder temperatures arrive. These plants are well-suited to the early fall conditions in Minnesota and can help keep your garden vibrant as the season transitions. Ensure proper watering and maintenance to help them thrive during this time.

Chrysanthemums (mums)

Mums are classic fall-blooming perennials that come in a variety of colors, including shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple. They add vibrant color to the garden and are widely available in nurseries in the fall.

Black-eyed Susans (rudbeckia)

Black-eyed Susans are native perennials that bloom profusely in mid-summer through fall, producing bright yellow or orange daisy-like flowers with dark centers. They are drought-tolerant and attract pollinators. Their yellowish-orange flower color make for a great fall accent in the garden.

Mid to Late Fall Blooms

Mid to late fall in Minnesota can bring cooler temperatures and the onset of frost, but there are still plenty of plants that can thrive during this time, providing color and interest to the garden. Here are some excellent plant options for mid to late fall in Minnesota:

Goldenrod (solidago)

Goldenrod blooms in late summer throughout fall, producing bright yellow flowers that attract pollinators. Contrary to popular belief, goldenrod does not cause allergies; its pollen is too heavy to be airborne.

Fall-blooming Asters

Certain aster species bloom in mid to late fall, producing daisy-like flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. They are attractive to butterflies and provide nectar sources late in the season.

Tiger Eyes Sumac (rhus typhina)

Tiger Eyes Sumac (Rhus typhina) is an excellent choice for mid to late fall interest in the garden due to its stunning display of vibrant foliage. As temperatures cool, its leaves transition from green to brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red, creating a striking visual spectacle. Additionally, its compact growth habit and tolerance to various soil types make it a low-maintenance yet high-impact addition to garden landscapes, providing both beauty and structure well into the autumn season.

Ornamental Grasses

Many ornamental grasses maintain their structure and color throughout the fall and into winter, adding texture and movement to the garden. Some popular varieties include switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora), and maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis).

Planting Pines for the Winter

Pines are well-suited for Minnesota's climate, but it's essential to select species that can tolerate the cold temperatures and harsh conditions of the region. Here are some of the best pine species to consider planting in Minnesota:

White Pine (pinus strobus)

White pine is a native species that is well-adapted to Minnesota's climate. It has soft, bluish-green needles and can grow to be quite tall, making it an excellent choice for windbreaks and privacy screens.

Red Pine (pinus resinosa)

Red pine, also known as Norway pine, is another native species that thrives in Minnesota. It has long, dark green needles and a straight trunk, making it valuable for timber production as well as landscaping.

Jack Pine (pinus banksiana)

Jack pine is native to Minnesota and is well-adapted to the state's sandy soils and harsh winters. It has shorter needles and a more irregular growth habit than some other pine species but is valuable for its wildlife habitat and ability to thrive in challenging conditions.

Scotch Pine (pinus sylvestris)

Scotch pine is not native to Minnesota but is commonly planted for its ornamental value. It has dense foliage and a pyramidal shape, making it a popular choice for Christmas trees and landscaping.

Austrian Pine (pinus nigra)

Austrian pine is another non-native species that is well-suited to Minnesota's climate. It has dark green needles and a dense, spreading canopy, making it useful for windbreaks and erosion control.

Eastern White Pine (pinus strobus)

Eastern white pine, while more commonly found in the eastern United States, can also thrive in Minnesota under the right conditions. It has soft, flexible needles and a graceful appearance, making it a popular choice for landscapes.

When planting pines in Minnesota, it's essential to consider factors such as soil type, drainage, sun exposure, and available space. Proper site selection and planting techniques will help ensure the success of your pine trees in Minnesota’s harsh winter conditions. Additionally, providing adequate water and mulch, especially during dry periods, can help young pine trees establish themselves and thrive in their new environment.

Growing through the Winter Months

Winter in Minnesota poses significant challenges for outdoor gardening due to the cold temperatures and snow cover. However, there are still some options for gardening during the winter months, particularly indoors or in protected environments. Here are a few possibilities:

Indoor Houseplants

Winter is an excellent time to focus on indoor gardening. Consider adding some houseplants to your home to bring greenery and life indoors. Popular options include spider plants, pothos, snake plants, and peace lilies, which thrive in indoor conditions.

Herbs

Many herbs can be grown indoors on a sunny windowsill during the winter months. Herbs like basil, parsley, cilantro, and chives can provide fresh flavors for your cooking throughout the winter.

Microgreens

Microgreens are young, edible greens that are harvested when they are only a few inches tall. They can be grown indoors under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill and are ready to harvest in just a few weeks. Common microgreens include kale, arugula, radish, and mustard greens.

Sprouts

Sprouts are another quick and easy option for indoor gardening during the winter. You can grow sprouts from a variety of seeds, including alfalfa, broccoli, mung beans, and lentils. They require minimal space and can be ready to eat in just a few days.

Winter Vegetables

Some cold-hardy vegetables can be grown outdoors in protected environments, such as cold frames or hoop houses, during the winter months in Minnesota. Examples include kale, spinach, lettuce, carrots, and Brussels sprouts. These vegetables can tolerate colder temperatures and may continue to grow slowly throughout the winter.

Forcing Bulbs

You can force certain bulbs, such as paperwhites, amaryllis, and hyacinths, to bloom indoors during the winter months. Simply plant the bulbs in containers with potting soil and provide them with water and sunlight, and they will bloom indoors, adding color and fragrance to your home.

Consider investing in gardening supplies specifically designed for indoor or winter gardening, such as grow lights, seed starting kits, and indoor planters. These tools can help you make the most of your indoor gardening efforts during the winter months.

While outdoor gardening options may be limited during the winter in Minnesota, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy gardening and greenery indoors. Experiment with different plants and techniques to find what works best for you and your space.

Regardless of the season or selection, it’s always important to consider factors like sunlight, soil conditions, and watering needs. This helps promote sustainability, reduces water usage, minimizes maintenance requirements, and enhances the overall beauty and enjoyment of your outdoor (and indoor) space. Ask any of our garden experts at the Copper Creek Garden Center to point you in the right direction any time of year and get ready to watch your creativity blossom!