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  • Cat's Pajamas Catmint

    Nepeta x 'Cat's Pajamas'

    (2)
    From $2997

  • Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass

    Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'

    (5)
    From $3317

  • Climbing Hydrangea

    Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris

    (620)
    From $9563

  • Snow White™ Mock Orange

    Philadelphus 'Snowwhite Fantasy' PP13

    (4)
    From $8109

  • Let's Dance® Sky View® Mountain Hydrangea

    Hydrangea macrophylla × serrata 'SMNHSME'

    (621)
    From $8741

  • Little Lime® Panicle Hydrangea

    Hydrangea p. 'Little Lime'

    (620)
    From $6963

  • Kintzley's Ghost® Honeysuckle Vine

    Lonicera reticulata 'P015S'

    (4)
    From $2729

  • Bald Cypress Tree

    Taxodium distichum

    10% off
    (2)
    $8362 $9291
  • Marginal Wood Fern (Dryopteris marginalis), a perennial featuring perennial and arching, creeping form.

    Marginal Wood Fern

    Dryopteris marginalis

    $3878

  • Montmorency Cherry Tree

    Prunus cerasus 'Montmorency'

    Up to 15% off
    (5)
    From $11569 $13611

  • Red Sunset® Maple Tree

    Acer rubrum 'Franksred'

    30% off
    (2)
    $6609 $9441

  • Golden Hinoki False Cypress

    Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Crippsii'

    $5953
  • Northern Pin Oak Tree (Quercus ellipsoidalis), a tree featuring green flowers and deciduous.

    Northern Pin Oak Tree

    Quercus ellipsoidalis

    40% off
    $8042 $13403

  • Royal Purple Smokebush

    Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'

    $9557

  • Full Speed A Hedge® American Pillar Arborvitae

    Thuja occidentalis 'American Pillar'

    Up to 35% off
    (11)
    From $7229 $11122

  • Primo® Dwarf Arborvitae

    Thuja occidentalis 'IslPrim'

    40% off
    $8681 $14469

  • Pinocchio European Hornbeam

    Carpinus betulus 'Pinocchio'

    40% off
    $11784 $19640

  • Hayscented Fern

    Dennstaedtia punctilobula

    (2)
    $3864

  • Porcupine Grass

    Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus'

    (1)
    From $6063

  • Common Purple Lilac

    Syringa vulgaris

    (3)
    $7459

  • Fire Light Tidbit® Panicle Hydrangea

    Hydrangea paniculata 'SMNHPK'

    (620)
    From $8575

  • Sunny Seduction™ Yarrow

    Achillea millefolium 'Sunny Seduction'

    From $1699

  • Flame® Pro Lilac Garden Phlox

    Phlox paniculata 'Barten'

    (1)
    From $1699

  • North Pole® Arborvitae

    Thuja occidentalis 'Art Boe'

    Up to 35% off
    (2)
    From $2614

  • Genie Magnolia Tree

    Magnolia x 'Genie'

    Up to 15% off
    (7)
    From $10724 $12617

  • Swamp Milkweed Flower

    Asclepias incarnata

    (4)
    From $5484

  • Oso Easy® Double Red Rose

    Rosa x 'Meipeporia'

    (1)
    From $4932

  • Fruit Snacks® Blushing Delight™ Columnar Apple Tree

    Malus 'Blushing Delight'

    10% off
    (1)
    $12024 $13360

  • Pin Oak Tree

    Quercus palustris

    Up to 35% off
    (1)
    From $6364 $9790

  • Tiny Wine® Ninebark

    Physocarpus opulifolius 'SMPOTW'

    (4)
    From $6616

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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