Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Pinterest
My Plant Collections
Common Name Botanical Name
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Pinterest
My Plant Collections
Common Name Botanical Name
Create Your Garden
GUIDES

Wisconsin Native Plants: Expert Tips for Gardening Success

Embracing native plants is a smart move for Wisconsin gardeners. They thrive in local conditions, require less maintenance, and benefit local ecosystems. Here are some expert tips for success in cultivating Wisconsin’s native plants.

  • Start by understanding your site conditions – the amount of sunlight, soil type, and moisture levels. This knowledge will help you select appropriate native plants. For instance, Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum) and Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) love sun, while the shade-tolerant Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense) excels under trees.
  • Consider trees like the Red Oak (Quercus rubra) and Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) to create a sturdy canopy. Complement these with shrubs like the showy Red-Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea) or the fragrant Sweet Fern (Comptonia peregrina).
  • Add color and attract pollinators with perennials like the vibrant Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), and the delicately pink Prairie Phlox (Phlox pilosa).
  • For ground cover, try the attractive Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) or the creeping Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi). The versatile Sedges (Carex spp.) can also serve as effective ground cover and provide texture.
  • To ensure success, practice sustainable gardening techniques. Avoid chemicals and fertilizers, conserve water, and mulch properly to retain moisture and deter weeds. This approach not only protects the environment but also supports the growth of your native plants.

Remember, gardening with native plants takes time. Be patient, and enjoy the journey. Watching your garden become a thriving ecosystem is incredibly rewarding.

Wisconsin Native Plants
Explore Plants Explore Plant Combination Ideas
Refine by
Clear all filters
HardinessWhat's My Zone?
Climate Zones
Season of Interest
Exposure
Maintenance
Water Needs

Create the garden you’ve always wanted

Get garden design ideas

Find your perfect garden

Find the plants that work for you

Ideas for seasons and regions

Design your garden

Use our interactive tools
to design your dream garden

Please Login to Proceed

You Have Reached The Free Limit, Please Subscribe to Proceed

Create New Collection

Subscribe to Gardenia

To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of Gardenia
  • Add as many plants as you wish
  • Create and save up to 25 garden collections
Become a Member

Plant Added Successfully

Go to Garden Design Tool Done

You have Reached Your Limit

To add more plants, you must be a paid member of our site Become a Member
Go to Garden Design Tool

Update Your Credit
Card Information

Cancel

Create a New Collection

Cancel Create Collection

Sign Up to Our Newsletter

    You have been subscribed successfully

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Create Collection

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Create Collection

    Find your Hardiness Zone

    Find your Heat Zone

    Find your Climate Zone