If you’re looking to add some natural beauty to your garden while also doing good for the environment, look no further than native plants. Native plants are those that naturally grow in the area where you live, and they often require less maintenance than non-native plants. Plus, they provide habitats and food sources for local wildlife. If you live in Wisconsin, here are some native plants you might consider planting in your garden.
Wild Bergamot: Also known as bee balm, wild bergamot is a popular native plant in Wisconsin gardens. It produces pretty pink, red, or purple flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Wild bergamot is a perennial that grows to be 2 to 4 feet tall, and it prefers sunny spots with well-draining soil.
Butterfly Weed: Butterfly weed is a type of milkweed that’s native to Wisconsin and has bright orange flowers that bloom in the summer. As the name suggests, it’s a favorite of butterflies, but it also attracts other pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. Butterfly weed is a hardy perennial that grows to be 1 to 3 feet tall and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Highbush Cranberry: Highbush cranberry is a shrub that’s native to Wisconsin and produces showy white flowers and large red berries in the fall. It’s a great plant for wildlife, as the berries provide food for birds like robins and cedar waxwings. Highbush cranberry grows to be 8 to 12 feet tall and prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade.
Big Bluestem: If you’re looking for native grass to add to your garden, consider big bluestem. This tall grass can grow to be 6 to 8 feet tall and has a blue-green color. It’s a great choice for erosion control and also provides habitat for birds and small animals. Big Bluestem prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Blue Flag Iris: Blue flag iris is a beautiful plant with blue-purple flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. It’s a wetland plant that’s commonly found in swamps, but it can also do well in gardens with moist soil. Blue flag iris grows to be 2 to 3 feet tall and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Adding native plants to your garden is not only a beautiful choice but a responsible one too. Native plants are adapted to the climate and soil conditions of Wisconsin, which means they’re more likely to thrive with less maintenance. Plus, they provide important habitats and resources for local wildlife. Whether you choose to plant wild bergamot, butterfly weed, highbush cranberry, big bluestem, or blue flag iris (or all of them!), your garden is sure to benefit from these Wisconsin natives.
