Idaho Climate Snapshot
Understanding your local climate is key to creating a thriving, low-maintenance garden
Hardiness Zones
3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a
Annual Rainfall
8-25 inches annually
Frost Window
May-September
Water Notes
Variable rainfall; arid in many areas
Popular Landscaping Styles
Discover design styles perfectly suited to Idaho's unique climate and landscape
Alpine and forest plants
Key Features:
- ā¢Conifers
- ā¢Wildflowers
- ā¢Rock gardens
- ā¢Cold hardiness
Arid plain xeriscape
Key Features:
- ā¢Sagebrush
- ā¢Grasses
- ā¢Drought tolerance
- ā¢Minimal water
Fertile valley landscapes
Key Features:
- ā¢Fruit trees
- ā¢Vegetables
- ā¢Flowers
- ā¢Rich soil
Native plant ecosystems
Key Features:
- ā¢Evergreens
- ā¢Wildflowers
- ā¢Grasses
- ā¢Wildlife habitat
Recommended Plant Palettes
Native and adapted plants that thrive in Idaho's climate
Syringa
Philadelphus lewisii
State flower; mock orange
Western White Pine
Pinus monticola
State tree; tall evergreen
Bluebunch Wheatgrass
Pseudoroegneria spicata
Native bunchgrass
Camassia
Camassia quamash
Blue spring flowers
Daylily
Hemerocallis spp.
Reliable bloomers
Hostas
Hosta spp.
Shade-loving plants
Peony
Paeonia spp.
Spring flowering
Siberian Iris
Iris sibirica
Cold-hardy iris
Sedum
Sedum spp.
Succulent groundcover
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Drought-tolerant
Juniper
Juniperus spp.
Evergreen groundcover
Russian Sage
Perovskia atriplicifolia
Silver foliage
Seasonal Garden Checklist
Your year-round guide to maintaining a beautiful Idaho garden
Plant spring bulbs
Winter protection
Start seeds indoors
Plant cool-season crops
Plant warm-season vegetables
Water efficiently
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about landscaping in Idaho
Ready to Design Your Idaho Garden?
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