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Zone 2

Hardiness zone 2: lowest average temperatures of -50°F to -40°F or -45.6°C to -40°C

USDA Hardiness Zone 2 is one of the coldest regions in the United States, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from -50°F to -40°F (-45.6°C to -40°C). This challenging climate presents unique considerations for gardeners and landscapers, as not all plants can survive the extreme cold and short growing season. However, by selecting appropriate plant varieties and employing specific gardening techniques, it is possible to create beautiful and thriving landscapes in Zone 2.

Native plants, which have evolved to thrive in the local climate, are often the best choice. Some cold-hardy trees, shrubs, and perennials that can be grown in Zone 2 include:

  • Trees: American Basswood (Tilia Americana), White Spruce (Picea glauca), and Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera).
  • Shrubs: Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), Juniper (Juniperus communis), and Nanking Cherry (Prunus tomentosa).
  • Perennials: Lady's Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium reginae), Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata), and Drumstick Primula (Primula denticulata).

To enhance success in Zone 2 gardening, consider the following strategies:

  • Utilize microclimates, such as sheltered areas near structures or windbreaks, for warmer conditions.
  • Apply organic mulch to insulate soil, retain moisture, and protect plant roots from freezing.
  • Plant windbreaks or install barriers to reduce wind chill's impact on plants.
  • Employ cold frames, row covers, or greenhouses as season extenders for tender plants.
  • Practice container gardening, allowing for the relocation of plants to sheltered areas during extreme cold. 

Zone 2 Guides


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Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra)

Grown for its edible fruit, Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra) is an annual boasting hibiscus-like flowers, 2-3 in. across (5-7 cm), in shades of yellow, pink, orange and red with contrasting centers. Blooming freely throughout the growing season, the blossoms give way to fruit capsules that can be used fresh or dried, and can also be cooked on their own or added to soups or stews.

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Acer negundo (Box Elder)

Hardy and fast-growing, Acer negundo (Box Elder) is a suckering, vigorous, deciduous tree of upright habit with an irregular rounded canopy of widely spreading branches. The opposite, pinnately compound, light green leaves are composed of 3-7 leaflets, 6-15 in. long (15-37 cm), which turn a dull yellow in the fall.

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Agastache nepetoides (Yellow Giant Hyssop)

An exclamation mark in the landscape throughout the winter, Agastache nepetoides (Yellow Giant Hyssop) is a tall herbaceous perennial boasting vertical spikes, 4-16 in. long (10-40 cm), packed with tiny, pale yellow flowers. Blooming for about 1-2 months from mid-summer to fall, they are borne atop stiff, square stems and attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.

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Ageratum houstonianum 'Blue Horizon' (Floss Flower)

One of the tallest, Ageratum houstonianum 'Blue Horizon' (Floss Flower) is a frost-tender annual boasting fluffy lavender to purplish-blue flower clusters, up to 3 in. across (7 cm), from late spring to frost.

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Ageratum houstonianum 'Blue Mink' (Floss Flower)

Noted for its long blooming season, Ageratum houstonianum 'Blue Mink' (Floss Flower) is a compact, clump-forming, half-hardy annual boasting fluffy powder-blue flowers from late spring to frost. Attractive to butterflies, the blossoms are borne on sturdy stems and float above the foliage of mid-green ovate leaves.

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Ageratum houstonianum 'Dondo White' (Floss Flower)

Ageratum houstonianum 'Dondo White' (Floss Flower) is a frost-tender annual boasting clusters of fluffy white flowers from early summer to frost. Attractive to butterflies, the blossoms are borne on long, sturdy stems and float above the neat foliage mound of heart-shaped leaves.

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Ageratum houstonianum (Floss Flower)

An old favorite with its fluffy round clusters, Ageratum houstonianum (Floss Flower) is one of the few annuals to tolerate light shade. A nonstop bloomer from mid-summer to fall (Ageratum means 'long-lived' in Greek), it grows easily in shapely mounds ranging from 6-24 in. tall (15-60 cm) and mixes extraordinarily well with all other annuals and perennials.

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Allium cepa Aggregatum Group (Shallot)

Shallots are small, elongated bulbs with a delicate, sweet flavor, often used in culinary dishes to add depth and aroma. They resemble onions but have a milder, slightly garlicky taste and grow in clusters similar to garlic. Shallots can be eaten raw or cooked and are commonly used in dressings, sauces, and sautés to enhance flavor profiles.

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Amaranthus caudatus 'Dreadlocks' (Love-Lies-Bleeding)

An architectural feature in the summer garden, Amaranthus caudatus 'Dreadlocks' (Love-Lies-Bleeding) is an erect, bushy annual noted for its unusual, long tassels of bright magenta flowers in summer and fall.

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Amaranthus caudatus (Love-Lies-Bleeding)

An architectural feature in the summer garden, Amaranthus caudatus (Love-Lies-Bleeding) is a striking, erect annual or biennial noted for its unusual, long tassel-like racemes of tiny crimson flowers in summer and fall.

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Amaranthus cruentus 'Velvet Curtains' (Purple Amaranth)

Exotic-looking, award-winning Amaranthus cruentus 'Velvet Curtains' is a vigorous annual or biennial plant with erect, dark crimson plumes and stunning, ovate, red colored foliage.

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Amaranthus tricolor 'Early Splendor' (Joseph's Coat)

Amaranthus tricolor 'Early Splendor' (Joseph's Coat) is a bushy, upright annual with large, brilliant crimson-red upper leaves contrasting the lower chocolate-brown leaves.

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Amaranthus tricolor (Joseph's Coat)

Grown for its multi-colored foliage, Amaranthus tricolor (Joseph's Coat) is a bushy, upright annual with large, ovate leaves, 10 in. long (25 cm). While the species features green to purple leaves, the foliage of some cultivars can be a striking combination of brilliant yellow, red, pink or copper.

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Amelanchier alnifolia 'Regent' (Serviceberry)

A compact serviceberry, Amelanchier alnifolia 'Regent' (Serviceberry) is an ornamental shrub that provides multi-season interest. In mid-spring, before the leaves appear, it produces masses of showy and slightly fragrant white flowers held in upright clusters.

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Amelanchier alnifolia (Serviceberry)

Domesticated for fruit production, Amelanchier alnifolia (Serviceberry) is a deciduous, upright, suckering shrub with four seasons of interest. In mid-spring, compact clusters of fragrant, white flowers emerge just before the leaves.

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