7 Best Perennial Flowers For Michigan

Herbaceous peonies are one of the best perennial flowers for Michigan. The paeonia genus includes more than 30 species and hundreds of cultivars. ‘Miss America’ is one of the best peony species. The unfurling white petals are hardy and delicate at the same time. Being hardy is a big part of a perennial’s ability to bounce back after a harsh zone 6 winter, which is typical in Michigan.

What other perennials do well in Michigan? Read on to find out!

1. Queen of the Prairie

Filipendula rubra, more colloquially known as queen-of-the-prairie, is a flower native to the northeastern and central United States as well as southeastern Canada. These perennials prefer wet meadows and calcareous fens (wetlands). The flowers prosper in the sun or partial shade with moist soil but can also survive dry ground in full shade.

The wild queen-of-the-prairie gets its name from its regal appearance. The plant grows tall and has large, showy blooms that range in color from white to pink. In some cases, these wildflowers can reach heights of eight feet. The spread usually maxes out around three feet. The flowers have a sweet fragrance that attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Gardeners will enjoy clusters of deep pink or red blossoms from June to August. This is one of the loveliest perennial flowers in Michigan.

2. Gaillardia

Commonly known as a blanket flower, gaillardia is a herbaceous perennial that is native to North America. It’s one of the hardiest perennial flowers in Michigan. The plant gets its common name from the brightly colored (usually red, yellow, orange, or peach) flowers that blossom in a blanket-like fashion from summer through fall. It is a repeat bloomer, meaning it will continue to produce flowers throughout the season if deadheaded regularly.

The plant itself grows to be 24-36 inches tall with a 12-24 inch spread and prefers full sun exposure. It is tolerant of poor soil conditions as long as the soil is well-draining; in fact, it will not do well if the soil is too rich or contains too much moisture.

Gaillardia is hardy in zones 3 through 10. But be careful. It’s considered slightly toxic to humans if ingested. Despite this, it remains a popular choice for gardens and bouquets due to its showy flowers and easy-care requirements.

3. Hardy Hibiscus

Hardy hibiscus is a charming summer flowering shrub that is native to Missouri. But it’s still one of the best perennial flowers for Michigan. It grows best in full sun and average, organically rich soil, and it is also tolerant of some light shade and clay soils. This shrub typically reaches three to seven feet tall and two to four feet wide at maturity.

Hardy hibiscus has large, showy flowers that bloom in summer in various colors, including white, red, pink, and blue. The flowers have oblong seed capsules. You’ll find hardy hibiscus is an easy-to-grow plant that is pest and disease-resistant. It is also tolerant of drought and does not require much pruning. This shrub makes an excellent addition to borders, cottage gardens, or naturalized areas. It is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9.

4. Garden Phlox 

Phlox paniculata, commonly known as garden phlox or tall phlox, is a herbaceous perennial that is native to the eastern United States. It typically grows to be two to four feet tall and around three feet wide. However, the exact size will vary depending on the cultivar.

Garden phlox prefers full sun to partial sun and moist but well-drained soil. It’s versatile, which is why it’s one of the best perennial flowers for Michigan. The flowers are fairly adaptable to different soil types as long as the pH is neutral. The bloom time is summer, and the flowers are typically lavender, lilac, pink, purple, salmon, or white in color. This plant is hardy in zones 4 through 8 across the USA, though again, this will depend on the cultivar. Garden phlox is overall a fun plant to add to your garden.

5. Butterfly Weed

Butterfly weed, Asclepias tuberosa, is a beautiful herbaceous perennial that is native to North America. It gets its common name from the fact that it is a favorite food source for butterflies. The plant has clusters of orange or yellow flowers that bloom in summer, and its leaves are slightly fuzzy. It’s one of the best perennial flowers for Michigan because it can withstand different conditions.

Butterfly weed grows best in full sun and dry, well-drained soil. It is tolerant of poor soil and drought and can even grow in rocky areas. Once established, butterfly weed is very easy to care for. Simply cut back the plant after it has finished blooming to keep it looking neat and tidy. Butterfly weed is hardy in zones three through nine and makes an excellent addition to any garden. Be careful, though; the plant is mildly toxic to humans and plants.

6. Dianthus

The dianthus flower, Dianthus plumarius, often called the “pink,” is a species of plant in the Caryophyllaceae family. Perennial and relatively low-maintenance, the dianthus reaches a mature height of six to 36 inches. You can find them in bloom from spring to fall. Its flowers grow in clusters and range in color from white and lilac to pink and red. The dianthus is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. 

In terms of care, the dianthus prefers full sun and moist but well-drained soil. It is also important to note that the dianthus is toxic to pets if ingested. With its showy blooms and easy care requirements, the dianthus is a popular choice for gardens, large and small.

7. Yarrow

Achillea millefolium is a perennial plant in the Asteraceae family. It is native to Asia, Europe, and North America. The common names for yarrow include gordaldo, nosebleed plant, sanguinary, milfoil, soldier’s woundwort, thousand-leaf, and thousand-seal. Why is this one of the best perennial flowers for Michigan? Because it’s attractive and tall!

Yarrow is a herbaceous plant that typically grows two to three feet tall and wide. The leaves are alternate, simple, and pinnately lobed with saw-toothed margins. The flowers are borne in flat-topped clusters (corymbs) at the end of the stems. They are found in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, pink, red, purple, and orange.

Yarrow is tolerant of various soil types and exposure levels but prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9. Yarrow is an attractive addition to flower gardens and is also used as herbal medicine. The dried and powdered leaves were used as a snuff to treat nosebleeds, while the fresh leaves were used as a poultice for wounds. Yarrow is considered toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if ingested in large quantities.

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/John Caley