Where to Plant What: Annuals, Perennials and Calgary Tips

The garden centres are buzzing, the sun finally feels like it means it, and we’re all itching to get a little dirt under our nails. But if you’ve gardened in Calgary for any amount of time, you probably know this one by heart:

Don’t plant your annuals until after the May Long Weekend.

Yes, even if it feels like summer. Yes, even if Costco already has hanging baskets on display. Calgary weather is a wildcard, and a surprise frost is still possible. Waiting a couple more weeks gives your garden a real head start with warmer soil, stronger roots and fewer frost-bitten regrets.

In the meantime, use this planning window to map out your space, improve your soil and get to know your yard’s conditions. Success here starts before the first trowel hits the dirt.

Annuals vs. Perennials: What’s the Difference and When to Use Each

If you’ve ever wandered through a garden centre and wondered whether to pick petunias or peonies, you’re really asking annual or perennial. Here’s the difference:

Annuals complete their life cycle in a single season. You plant them in spring, they bloom their hearts out all summer, and they’re done by fall. They offer instant colour, quick results and flexibility. You can change up your garden’s look every year.

Use annuals where you want bold colour, seasonal variety or containers that pop.

Perennials, on the other hand, come back year after year. Once established, they’re lower maintenance and more cost-effective over time. They may take a bit longer to shine but bring steady structure, foliage interest and a natural rhythm to your garden.

Use perennials to build the foundation of your beds, fill borders and create texture that lasts.

For most Calgary gardens, a mix of both works best. Perennials do the groundwork and give you consistency, while annuals keep things lively and fresh each season.

Light Matters: A Closer Look

Not all sun is created equal. Knowing how light moves through your yard can make a huge difference.

Spend a few days observing your garden at different times. Take photos or jot down notes in the morning, at noon and late in the afternoon. You’ll start to see patterns of full sun, dappled light or deep shade.

Full Sun (6+ hours):
These areas get direct sun most of the day, usually on south- or west-facing spots. They’re ideal for heat- and drought-tolerant plants. In Calgary’s dry climate, full sun really means full sun. Not every plant can handle it.

Partial Sun or Partial Shade (3 to 6 hours):
These spots might get morning sun and afternoon shade, or the other way around. East-facing beds, spaces shaded by trees or corners that catch late-day rays fit here. These conditions are great for plants that like warmth but appreciate a break from the hottest part of the day.

Full Shade (less than 3 hours):
These spots stay shaded most of the day, often thanks to buildings, fences or big trees. It can be tempting to ignore these areas, but plenty of plants do well in lower light and still add life and colour.

When you match plants to these light conditions, you’ll lose fewer plants and enjoy stronger growth. Calgary’s summer sun can be intense, so placement matters.

What to Plant Where: Match Plants to Light

Once you know how much light each part of your yard gets, you can choose plants that will thrive.

Full Sun (6+ hours a day)

Perfect for classics like petunias, zinnias, marigolds and geraniums if you want fast colour. For longer-lasting structure, try echinacea, blanket flower or Shasta daisies. They love the heat and tolerate dry spells.

Partial Sun to Partial Shade (3 to 6 hours a day)

This is the sweet spot for snapdragons, begonias and calibrachoa. For perennials, think daylilies, astilbe or coral bells. They add texture and do well with morning or dappled light.

Full Shade (less than 3 hours a day)

Shade doesn’t have to be boring. Impatiens, coleus and fuchsia brighten up dim corners, especially in containers or under trees. For perennials, hostas, ferns and brunnera thrive in cooler, low-light spots and add a sense of calm.

Calgary-Specific Challenges (and How to Work With Them)

Our climate is beautiful but unpredictable. Local gardeners have to plan for resilience.

Soil: Much of Calgary’s soil is clay-heavy and drains slowly. Add compost or a good garden mix to improve structure and airflow. For containers, always use fresh potting mix to keep roots healthy.

Wind: Gusty winds, especially in newer neighbourhoods, can dry out soil and knock over tall plants. Choose sturdy or low-profile plants, or protect delicate ones with shrubs, fences or grouped containers.

Containers: A great option here. They warm up faster, drain better and let you move plants to chase the sun or avoid frost.

While You Wait for May Long

This “shoulder season” is for planning, not rushing. Here are some ways to use the time:

• Watch how light shifts across your yard

• Prep beds by loosening soil and adding compost

• Clean containers, sharpen tools and check your supplies

• Sketch out your layout and note sun and shade zones

• Start shopping for plants, but protect tender ones until frost risk is gone

Need a Little Extra Help?

If you’re not sure what will grow best where, or you’d rather skip the guesswork, Bloom Culture can help. We design gardens for Calgary’s unique rhythm, from cozy patios to big backyards.

Let’s make this your easiest growing season yet.