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  • Samaritan Jo™ Clematis

    Clematis 'Evipo075'

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    $6743

  • Bessie Howells Rhododendron

    Rhododendron 'Bessie Howells'

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    $3996
  • Clematis Paulie (Clematis 'Paulie'), a perennial featuring climbing, dense form.

    Clematis Paulie

    Clematis 'Paulie'

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    $6293

  • Black Gum Tree

    Nyssa sylvatica

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    (5)
    $9790

  • High Contrast Lungwort

    Pulmonaria ‘High Contrast’ PP12,337

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    $3939

  • Ha Ha Tonka Little Bluestem Grass

    Schizachyrium scoparium 'Ha Ha Tonka' PP32374

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    $4364

  • Kismet® Yellow Coneflower

    Echinacea x 'TNECHKY' PP29,922

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    $3825

  • Sassafras Tree

    Sassafras variifolium

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    10% off
    (27)
    $8811 $9790

  • Sunjoy Fast Neo Barberry

    Berberis thunbergii 'NCBT4'

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    From $2699

  • Little Joe Pye Weed

    Eupatorium purpureum 'Little Joe'

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    $5649

  • Pagoda Dogwood

    Cornus alternifolia

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    (2)
    $11184

  • SunSparkler® Firecracker Sedum

    Sedum 'Firecracker'

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    (2)
    $3014

  • Gem Box® Inkberry Holly

    Ilex glabra 'SMNIGAB17'

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    From $2659

  • American Chestnut Tree

    Castanea dentata

    Sold out
    (3)
    $8957

  • Spartan Juniper Tree

    Juniperus chinensis 'Spartan'

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    $4262

  • Baby Blue® Spruce

    Picea pungens var, glauca 'Baby Blue'

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    (3)
    $3659

  • Prairie Splendor™ Coneflower

    Echinacea purpurea 'Prairie Splendor'

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    $3859

  • Blue Stocking Bee Balm

    Monarda 'Blaustrumpf'

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    (1)
    $3045

  • Little Miss Sunshine Sedum

    Sedum 'Little Miss Sunshine' PP30,039

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    (1)
    $3199

  • Encore® Autumn Lily® Azalea

    Rhododendron 'Roblex'

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    (2)
    $4833

  • Carolina Silverbell

    Halesia carolina

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    $9299

  • Rainbow Rhythm® Storm Shelter Daylily

    Hemerocallis 'Storm Shelter'

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    $4240

  • Lady in Red Fern

    Athyrium felix-forma 'Lady in Red'

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    (2)
    $3435

  • Cotton Candy™ Phlox

    Phlox paniculata 'Ditomfav'

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    $3499

  • Abilene™ Clematis

    Clematis ‘Evipo027’

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    $6743

  • Northland Blueberry Bush

    Vaccinium corymbosum 'Northland'

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    (2)
    $2747

  • Black Hills Spruce Tree

    Picea glauca 'Densata' var. densata

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    $4212

  • Rainbow Rhythm® Ruby Spider Daylily

    Hemerocallis 'Ruby Spider'

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    $4244

  • Northcountry Blueberry Bush

    Vaccinium 'Northcountry'

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    (1)
    $2747

  • Pink Lemonade Blueberry Bush

    Vaccinium 'Pink Lemonade'

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    (2)
    $3064

Zone 4 Plants, Trees & Shrubs

Zone 4 Plants: Cold Hardy Performers for Northern Gardens

USDA Hardiness Zone 4 spans a broad swath of northern America, from southern Minnesota and Wisconsin through much of New England, northern Iowa, and parts of the Mountain West. With average annual minimums between -30°F and -20°F, Zone 4 gardens experience serious winter cold but enjoy a generous growing season that supports an impressive range of plants.

This collection features every tree, shrub, perennial, and vine in our inventory rated for Zone 4 performance. Our horticulture team has verified each selection to ensure it does not just survive Zone 4 winters but actively thrives, delivering strong growth, reliable blooms, and lasting landscape value.

What Thrives in Zone 4?

Cold hardy magnolia trees are a Zone 4 gardener's secret weapon. Varieties like Ann Magnolia and Merrill Magnolia deliver breathtaking spring blooms even after harsh winters. Ornamental trees like Japanese Lilac, Redbud, and Flowering Crabapple add layers of seasonal color.

Cold hardy perennials form the backbone of Zone 4 gardens. Hydrangeas (especially Annabelle and paniculata types), Peonies, Lavender, Echinacea, and ornamental grasses like Karl Foerster all return reliably. For privacy and year-round structure, Arborvitae, Spruce, and Boxwood are proven performers.

Cold hardy fruit trees including apple, pear, plum, and cherry varieties produce excellent harvests in Zone 4. Blueberries, raspberries, and cold-tolerant grape vines round out the edible garden.

Zone 4 Gardening Tips

Plant in spring after frost danger passes (usually early to mid-May) or in early fall for root establishment before freeze. Mulch generously and consider windbreak plantings for exposed sites. Zone 4 offers enough growing season for two flushes of bloom from many perennials if you deadhead mid-season.

FAQ's for Buying Zone 4 Plants FAQs Online

What is USDA Hardiness Zone 4?
Zone 4 is defined by average annual minimum winter temperatures between -30°F and -20°F. It spans southern Minnesota, Wisconsin, much of New England, northern Iowa, and Mountain West valleys. Zone 4 gardens get cold winters but enjoy a productive growing season from May through October.

Can you grow magnolia trees in Zone 4?
Yes. Several cold hardy magnolia varieties thrive in Zone 4, including Ann Magnolia, Merrill Magnolia, and Star Magnolia. These deliver stunning spring blooms and have been bred specifically for northern climates with temperatures reaching -30°F.

What are the best perennials for Zone 4?
Top Zone 4 perennials include Hydrangeas (Annabelle, Limelight), Peonies, Echinacea (Coneflower), Daylilies, Hosta, Black-Eyed Susan, Russian Sage, and Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass. These provide reliable color from spring through fall with minimal maintenance.

When should I plant in Zone 4?
The ideal planting windows for Zone 4 are mid-May through June (after last frost) and September through early October (fall planting). Spring planting gives the full growing season for establishment, while fall planting lets roots develop before winter dormancy.

What fruit trees grow in Zone 4?
Zone 4 supports a wide variety of fruit trees including apple (Honeycrisp, McIntosh), pear (Bartlett, Luscious), plum (Mount Royal, Toka), and sour cherry (North Star, Montmorency). Hardy blueberry, raspberry, and grape varieties also produce well in Zone 4.
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