• Warm currents from the south keep the coastal areas of Alaska warmer.glacier bay, alaska image by Alan James from Fotolia.com
  
  Alaska has a unique climate. The USDA hardiness zones in the state range from Zone 1, where the winter temperature gets as low a -50 degrees to Zone 8 where it warms to -10 degrees. The warmer areas are along the coastline with the temperatures dropping as you move inland. Most of the state lies in zones 1 and 2, so the flower producing area is relatively small. Flowers from Alaska grow well in other parts of the country and make a fine addition to any garden.
  
  

Alaska Iris

• Alaska iris (Iris setosa Pallas) is also known as beach-head iris and wild flag iris. The flower is native to Alaska and is hardy in USDA zones 2 through 8. The flower reaches up to 2 feet tall with sword shaped leaves and blue-purple or pale lavender flowers measuring from 3 to 6 inches wide that bloom in May and June. The plant needs full sun and a wet soil. Hummingbirds will come for a drink of the nectar.
  
  

Wild Rose

• Wild rose (Rosa acicularis) is also called prickly rose. The plant grows up to 4 feet tall with pink, five-petaled flowers blooming singularly or in clusters in June and July. Wild Rose is hardy in zones 2 though 6, is native to Alaska, grows in full sun or partial shade and can take a wet, moist or dry soil. The rosehips are used to make jelly and tea, the flowers are edible, and birds make a meal out of the seeds.
  
  

Iceland Poppy

• Iceland poppy (Papaver nudicaule) is native to Alaska and hardy in zones 3 thorough 9. The plant grows up to 2 feet tall with white, cream, orange or yellow flowers. The poppy needs full sun and a moist, loose soil.
  
  

Twinflower

• Twinflower (Linnaea borealis) is also known as American twinflower and is a member of the honeysuckle family. This ground cover spreads up to 3 feet long with glossy, evergreen leaves and pink, bell-shaped, fragrant flowers growing in pairs at the end of 4 to 6 inch tall stalks. The flowers bloom from June through September. The plant does well in sun, partial shade or full shade and a soil that is wet to moist.
  
  

Candytuft

• Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens) is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8. The plant grows up to 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide. The oblong, dark green, leathery leaves reach as tall as the plant. White flowers blossom in dense, flat clusters in April and May. The plant likes full sun and a moist, well-drained soil.