If you are from the Midwest, you are well aware that you are likely to experience multiple seasons of weather in one day. So when considering what to plant in your garden, it’s a good idea to pick plants that will easily adapt to the variety of climate conditions we are accustomed to in this area. These tough and enduring Midwest-native plants are great options for a beautiful, low-maintenance garden!
Columbine: This hardy perennial offers dainty red and yellow-spurred flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Columbine does well in the sun or shade, but prefers partially-shaded areas and well-drained soil. However, this adaptable plant can still tolerate full sun and average-to-dry soil conditions!
Jack-in-the-Pulpit: Both an enchanting and durable plant, the Jack-in-the-Pulpit can grow up to two feet tall! It is a shade lover and does best in moist, well-drained soil. After blooming in early spring, its stalk forms a cluster of red berries that attracts birds and wildlife.
Wild Anemone: These easy-to-grow and easy-to-love flowers grow best in moist soils rich in organic matter. Its white flowers provide you with a striking spring plant and some immense groundcover. Plant these in a partly shaded area for best results!
Goldenrod: This cheerful plant embodies its name well, boasting bright yellow blooms! These thrive during the fall season in sunny areas with well-drained soil.
Poppy Mallow: The Poppy Mallow plant has incredible groundcover with reddish-purple flowers, guaranteed to brighten up your garden all summer long! Poppy Mallow is drought-tolerant and pest-free, perfect for the front border of your garden landscaping or along a rock wall.
Blue Sage: Blue Sage will give your garden height, it can grow to be four feet tall. In the early fall, its flowers bloom a beautiful sky blue. This easy perennial attracts butterflies and hummingbirds and makes for a great flower border!
Spiderwort: This wildflower favorite typically sports a blue or purple flower, though some varieties may be pink, red, or white. Because Spiderwort grows in clumps with grass-like foliage, this plant is best used for borders, edging, and woodland gardens.
Butterfly Weed: Butterfly Weed is prized for its large clusters of electric-orange flowers, a butterfly magnet! This prairie plant is deer and drought resistant and comes with a pleasant fragrance. Enjoy Butterfly Weed’s summer blooms by planting it in a well-sunned area.