Montana Climate Snapshot
Understanding your local climate is key to creating a thriving, low-maintenance garden
Hardiness Zones
3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a
Annual Rainfall
10-20 inches annually
Frost Window
May-September
Water Notes
Low rainfall; semi-arid conditions
Popular Landscaping Styles
Discover design styles perfectly suited to Montana's unique climate and landscape
Alpine and subalpine plants
Key Features:
- ā¢Conifers
- ā¢Rock gardens
- ā¢Drought tolerance
- ā¢Cold hardiness
Grassland and steppe plants
Key Features:
- ā¢Grasses
- ā¢Wildflowers
- ā¢Wind protection
- ā¢Low water
Agricultural and pastoral style
Key Features:
- ā¢Windbreaks
- ā¢Vegetable plots
- ā¢Hardy trees
- ā¢Practical design
Native mountain ecosystems
Key Features:
- ā¢Evergreens
- ā¢Wildflowers
- ā¢Rock features
- ā¢Naturalistic
Recommended Plant Palettes
Native and adapted plants that thrive in Montana's climate
Bitterroot
Lewisia rediviva
State flower; succulent leaves
Ponderosa Pine
Pinus ponderosa
State tree; tall evergreen
Bluebunch Wheatgrass
Pseudoroegneria spicata
Native bunchgrass
Arrowleaf Balsamroot
Balsamorhiza sagittata
Yellow wildflower
Daylily
Hemerocallis spp.
Reliable summer bloomers
Hostas
Hosta spp.
Shade-loving perennials
Peony
Paeonia spp.
Cold-hardy spring flowers
Siberian Iris
Iris sibirica
Moisture-loving iris
Sedum
Sedum spp.
Succulent groundcover
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Drought-tolerant perennial
Juniper
Juniperus spp.
Evergreen groundcover
Russian Sage
Perovskia atriplicifolia
Silver foliage plant
Seasonal Garden Checklist
Your year-round guide to maintaining a beautiful Montana 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 Montana
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