Top-Performing Perennials for Vibrant Wisconsin Gardens
Hey there, gardening enthusiast! If you're wanting to add some long-lasting, colorful perennials to your Wisconsin landscape, consider these beauties that attract hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators:
- Sedum – These hardy plants are perfect for full to part sun and well-drained soil. Some popular varieties include the Mediterranean stone crop, dragon's blood, and Autumn Joy. In ancient times, sedum was used to cure various skin diseases and promote healing [1].
- Catmint – With its pleasant scent and attractive purple flowers, catmint is a must. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and is drought and heat tolerant. In the past, catmint was employed to treat disorders of the digestive system and reduce fevers [1].
- Purple Coneflower – Known for handling various soil types and moisture levels, this Wisconsin native blooms late spring through early summer. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and its petals are edible [2].
- Creeping Phlox – Moss phlox is ideal for a range of situations, including rockeries, raised beds, borders, and pots. It's evergreen, produces slender petite leaves, and turns into a blaze of color in late spring and early summer. Grow it in full sun or partial shade [2].
- Astilbe – These plants bloom late spring through early summer and thrive in part shade. Astilbe is a versatile herb with a history of treating various ailments, including ulcers, bleeding during childbirth, and inflammation [2].
- Black-eyed Susan – This Wisconsin native grows 1′-3′ tall and prefers full to partial sun and moderate moisture. An infusion of the black-eyed susan roots has been used to treat colds, dropsy, and worms in children [2].
- Clematis – These climbing vines add height and color to your garden and bloom best in full sun. Sweet Summer Love is a popular and easy-to-grow Clemetis cultivar in Wisconsin [3].
By choosing the right perennials and providing the appropriate care, you can create a stunning, dynamic Wisconsin garden landscape that offers year-round beauty and is attractive to pollinators and birds. Happy gardening!
[1] "15 Best Perennials for Wisconsin" – Midwest Living, accessed March 2023[2] "Best Perennials for Wisconsin Gardens" – Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, accessed March 2023[3] "Astilbe" –University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension, accessed March 2023
- To elevate your home-and-garden lifestyle in Wisconsin, consider incorporating Clematis, a striking climbing vine that blossoms in full sun and adds height and color to your home-garden landscape, making it attractive to various pollinators and birds.
- In addition to gardening tips for perennials, it's also fascinating to learn about the historical uses of certain plants, like Astilbe, a versatile herb that not only thrives in part shade but also has a rich history of treating various ailments, such as ulcers, bleeding during childbirth, and inflammation.
