Do you live in Zone 3 or 4 and need some planting and care tips for your trees and shrubs? From choosing cold-hardy varieties to getting your planting timing right, there are plenty of ways to create a thriving landscape—even in some of the country's coldest growing zones.
Where Are Zones 3 and 4?
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 and 4 cover some of the coldest regions of the United States. You'll find these zones across parts of the northern U.S., including areas of the Upper Midwest, northern Great Plains, Mountain West and Northeast, as well as large portions of Alaska.
Zone 3 experiences average annual extreme minimum temperatures of -40°F to -30°F, while Zone 4 ranges from -30°F to -20°F.
These regions can experience long, cold winters and relatively short growing seasons, along with significant temperature swings throughout the year. Conditions can also vary considerably within each zone, so it's important to consider your specific location, soil and microclimate when choosing plants.
What to Consider When Planting in Zones 3 and 4
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones are based on average annual extreme minimum winter temperatures, with each full zone representing a 10°F range. In Zones 3 and 4, that means plants need to withstand temperatures that can dip well below zero.
When you purchase perennials, shrubs, grasses and trees, check their hardiness range carefully. Zone 3 gardeners should choose plants hardy to Zone 3 or colder, while Zone 4 gardeners can select plants rated for Zone 4 or colder. Choosing plants suited to your zone gives them the best chance of returning and thriving year after year.
Wherever you live, you should also understand your soil conditions before you buy, as soil type will affect the success of your new plants. Soil types can range from sandy to clay and have varying drainage levels, so it’s important to know what you have and how to prepare it for your new plants.
Choosing Plants for Zones 3 and 4
You may be surprised at the variety of plants that do well in Zones 3 and 4. From Evergreens to Fruit Trees to Shrubs & Hedges, a wide variety of beautiful and cold-hardy species not only withstand cold temperatures but thrive in the shorter growing season, as well.
One important note: not every plant that's hardy in Zone 4 is also hardy in Zone 3. If you're gardening in Zone 3, always check the individual plant's growing-zone range before planting.
Here’s a look at some options:
Shade Trees
Even northern climates can get plenty warm in summer, making shade trees a welcome addition to the landscape. Look for especially cold-hardy varieties if you're planting in Zone 3.
- White Oak Tree: The quintessential shade tree, the White Oak is a beautiful and timeless tree that grows well nearly everywhere and in any soil. These trees grow from 40 to 100 feet tall and produce a classic canopy that enhances your property and beautifies the landscape.
- Autumn Blaze Maple Tree (pictured below): Growing up to 50 feet tall, this fast-growing Maple branches beautifully, is pest- and disease-resistant, and turns a bright red-orange color in the autumn. It tolerates poor soil and is hardy in Zones 3-8.
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Heritage® River Birch Tree: A beautiful option for Zone 4 landscapes, this tree thrives in moist soil while tolerating a range of conditions. Its peeling bark adds year-round texture and interest. Note: This variety is hardy beginning in Zone 4, so Zone 3 gardeners should choose an alternative.
Evergreens
There’s a reason that northern climates seem full of beautiful evergreens that make the air smell fresh. Whether you want a large tree to fill a space or a smaller species for privacy, these evergreens do well in Zones 3 and 4:
- Canadian Hemlock: At its mature height of 45 feet, this popular choice is a quick grower that does well even in Zone 3 temperatures. This variety can withstand high winds, poor soil, and hot sun, making it a versatile and easy-to-care-for choice.
- Blue Wonder Spruce Tree (pictured below): This cold-hardy beauty features eye-catching, blue-gray foliage and grows to 5-6 feet tall. Excellent for framing doorways, this tree adds variation and interest to any garden or landscape and is hardy in Zones 3-8.
Fruit Trees and Plants
Outdoor citrus trees won’t withstand the cold temperatures of Zones 3 or 4 (although you can grow them and move them inside in the winter!), but several species of fruit trees thrive in that climate. So, if you’re interested in growing fruit, here’s a few that are cold-hardy and satisfying to own:
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Apple Trees: Many apples are exceptionally cold-hardy, but not all varieties grow well in Zones 3-4. Honeycrisp™, Northern Spy, Mutsu and Cortland are some of the hardiest cultivars that do well even in Zone 3.
- Cherry Trees: Sweet cherries don’t tend to fare as well in colder climates, but tart cherries such as the Juliet and Easy as Pie™ cherries thrive down to Zone 3.
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Blueberries: Whether you choose a Top Hat, Pink Lemonade (pictured below), Sweetheart or Toro Blueberry, (or all three if you want quick pollination!), blueberries thrive in cold climates and offer loads of fruit to eat fresh and use for cooking. These varieties are all hardy in Zones 3-8.
Flowering Trees & Shrubs
Living in a cold climate with a short growing season doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy beautiful flowering trees and shrubs. Here’s some varieties that’ll add interest, color, and fragrance to your garden and landscape:
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Lilacs: Lilacs flourish in cold climates, and there’s several varieties available to plant. Choose from cultivars such as Bloomerang®, Japanese, White, Miss Kim, and others that offer colorful blooms with enticing fragrances. Make sure that you keep them away from high nitrogen fertilizer to ensure many blooms for years to come.
- Hydrangeas: Some of the best Hydrangeas shrubs for cold climates are panicle types that grow 6-10 feet tall and include varieties such as Grandiflora, Limelight (pictured below), Fire Light®, and Pink Diamond. Hydrangeas bloom from new wood, so they can take deep pruning and still produce flowers.
Perennials
Cold weather doesn’t have to mean a boring garden. Many perennials thrive in Zones 3 and 4, including Hostas, Phlox, Irises, Coneflowers, Lilies and more. Peonies and Asters also do well, and Bee Balm will attract hummingbirds when they come to the north to breed. Here’s a few of our top picks for cold-weather perennials:
- Blue Angel Hosta
- Palace Purple Heuchera
- Emerald Blue Creeping Phlox (pictured below)
Planting in Zones 3 and 4
Generally, you want to plant after the last frost date in spring, and well before the first frost date in fall. For many plants, spring planting can begin once the ground is workable and the danger of damaging frost has passed. Fall can also be an excellent time to plant cold-hardy trees and shrubs, as long as they have enough time to begin establishing roots before the ground freezes.
In general, the average first frost for Zones 3 and 4 will be between September 1 and September 30, and the last frost from May 1 to May 31. However, always check your specific area—planting windows can vary considerably based on your location, elevation and local microclimate.
Use your local first and last frost dates as a starting point, but keep an eye on current weather conditions and overnight temperatures when deciding when to plant.
Final Considerations
Growing in Zones 3 and 4 comes with colder winters and shorter growing seasons, but it doesn't mean your plant choices have to be limited. The key is choosing varieties that are genuinely cold-hardy for your location and giving them the right conditions to establish.
Start by confirming your USDA Growing Zone, understanding your soil and site conditions, and checking each plant's individual hardiness range before purchasing. With the right plants and a little planning, gardeners in Zones 3 and 4 can grow beautiful trees, shrubs, fruit and flowers season after season.
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