If you
plan your backyard's landscaping and plantings, our experts advise you choose
plants and flowers native to your local area. These plants have the best
chances of thriving in your landscape. To help out those in the Spokane area,
we have compiled this list of flowers, shrubs, and crops that flourish in the
Eastern Washington climate.
(On the other side of the mountains? Here is our list of what to plant in the Seattle/Bellevue area!)
This
information is based on the USDA'S geographical hardiness zones. Spokane (and
the surrounding areas) is in Zone 6. This means Spokane residents usually see a
warm summer, cold winter, and a 180-day growing season. Of course, the list
provided in this article is not exclusive. There are also plenty of other
plants or vegetables that thrive in zone 6. Just because it is not best suited for this area does not mean
it cannot produce a crop. If you are looking for easily attainable, high
success rates, this list is a great place to start!
Flowers
Orchid
An
orchid is a gorgeous, evergreen flower. These are an excellent addition to any
yard needing year-round appeal, as they provide white, delicate blooms in the
fall and beautiful, green foliage in winter.
Rose
Here
in the Pacific Northwest, we are blessed to have the stunning rose bush grow so
well here. With so many different colors and varieties such as climbing, mini,
or hybrid-tea, a rose bush is likely to be the perfect fit for several
locations in your yard!
Daylily
These
perennials are great additions to any yard. Hardy flowers like these are
perfect for beginner gardeners. Daylilies pair best with ornamental grasses and
small shrubs.
Shrubs and Trees
Japanese
Maples
Japanese
Maples are an Alderwood favorite. Known for their hardiness, ability to adapt
quickly, and bright fall leaves, you will not regret planting one of these in
your landscape.
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas
are a summer favorite in the Pacific Northwest. In Spokane especially, they
offer large, colorful flowers. The Hydrangea bush grows broad leaves, and such
full foliage provides an excellent ground cover.
Primrose
This
flowering perennial is an excellent ground cover as well. Before you get to
planting, there are a few things that are good to know. For example, it is an
invasive species and drought tolerant, so it flourishes with little care. A
wildly popular pollinator plant, the primrose benefits pollinator insects and
the other plants in your garden!
Crops
Corn
Some
parts of Eastern Washington have better luck growing corn than others, but it
produces a bounty in the right summer months.
Tomato
Tomatoes,
on the other hand, seem to be successful no matter where they are grown. When
picking a tomato plant for your garden, choose a start that already has some
growth. Ensure the variety chosen is the best fit for your space (shade, sun,
water needed, etc.).
Lettuce
Leafy
greens such as lettuce and spinach also do well in this climate. Start
on these crops early to get the most out of the short season.
Whatever
you choose to plant this year, now is the time to get started! With the last
frost (hopefully) behind us, pull out your gardening gloves and get to work!