Gardening at the cabin can be just as fulfilling—if not more so—than your in-town garden. The key? Choosing winter-hardy, low-maintenance, and deer-resistant plants that thrive in northern Minnesota’s unique conditions.
Whether you’re enjoying your view from the dock or circling around the campfire, these tried-and-true cabin garden favorites bring lasting color and texture without demanding constant attention.
Our Favorite cabin garden Perennials
These are perfect for Zone 3 the cabin and sandy soils:
- Early Season Blooms
- Salvia ‘May Night’ – Rich blue spikes kick off your summer show. Deadhead early for repeat blooms.
- Dianthus ‘Neon Star’ – Compact, neon pink blooms pair beautifully with Salvia.
- Geranium (Hardy varieties) – Low mounds of color and foliage all season.
2. Mid-Summer Stars
- Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ – Deer-resistant, long-blooming, and soothingly fragrant.
- Daylily ‘Stella d’Oro’ – Bright yellow and carefree, ideal for shoreline beds.
- Hardy Garden Phlox – Tall, bold color that lasts through summer.
- Liatris & Echinacea – Pollinator magnets that thrive with little fuss.
3. Late-Season Color
- Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ – Classic golden blooms into fall.
- Chelone (Turtlehead) – Adds late interest with pink spikes in shaded areas.
- Ornamental Grasses
- Miscanthus ‘Purpurascens’ (Flame Grass)
- Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’
- Blue Fescue – All bring movement, height, and fall texture.
Deer-Resistant + Zone 3 Superstars
- Allium
- Echinacea
- Achillea (Yarrow)
- Ferns
- Nepeta
- Asclepias (Butterfly Weed)
For Sunny Cabin Gardens
- Penstemon
- Peonies
- Phlox
- Scabiosa
- Salvia
- Rudbeckia
- Sedum
- Perovskia
For Shady Cabin Corners
- Hostas
- Painted or Ostrich Ferns
- Alchemilla
- Shade-tolerant Geraniums
- Daylilies
- Lamium
Keep It Easy, Keep It Beautiful
Plant once and enjoy all season long! For an even smoother experience, stagger bloom times and group by water/sun needs.
