Plants for Hardiness Zone 3
Zone 3 has the shortest growing season we sell into, so everything here is chosen for cold hardiness first. Winters here bottom out around -40° to -30°F, typical of northern Minnesota, North Dakota, northern Montana, northern Maine and interior Alaska. Every one of the 31 plants below is rated for Zone 3, grown at our nursery in Cartersville, Georgia and shipped to your door.
Growing in Zone 3
What grows well in Zone 3
Apples lead the way in Zone 3: the hardiest varieties shrug off winters that would kill a peach outright. Hardy plums, tart cherries and pears bred for the northern plains follow, along with raspberries, hardy blueberries and cold-hardy grape vines. Shade trees such as maples and oaks, lilacs and other flowering trees round out a Zone 3 landscape.
Planting tips for Zone 3
Plant in spring once the ground has thawed so roots have a full season to establish before the first hard freeze. Choose a site sheltered from winter wind, mulch generously in late fall, and wrap young trunks against sunscald. A late-spring frost can catch early bloomers, so favor later-blooming varieties where you can.
