Midwest landscaping in the Chicago area, just like everywhere else, has its own share of challenges. Fortunately, there are plants that withstand the region’s cold winters and hot summers alongside the unpredictable weather of Chicago. Here are a few of my recommendations of the best plants for landscaping in the Chicago area.
Perennials for Year-Round Beauty
Perennials return year after year, making them a great investment for any landscape.
- Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) – These bright yellow flowers bloom from summer to fall and are drought-resistant once established.
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) – A hardy, pollinator-friendly plant that adds vibrant color and is highly resistant to harsh weather.
- Hostas – Perfect for shaded areas, hostas offer lush foliage and come in a variety of colors and sizes.
- Daylilies (Hemerocallis) – Low-maintenance and adaptable, daylilies provide continuous blooms throughout the summer.
Native Grasses for Texture and Movement
Native grasses are ideal for creating a natural, low-maintenance look in your yard.
- Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) – A drought-tolerant grass with striking blue-green blades that turn copper in the fall.
- Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) – A tall, hardy grass that provides year-round interest and is great for erosion control.
- Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) – A fine-textured, clumping grass with fragrant seed heads in late summer.
Shrubs for Structure and Seasonal Interest
Shrubs provide structure to a landscape and can offer flowers, berries, and colorful foliage.
- Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) – A multi-seasonal shrub with spring flowers, edible berries, and brilliant fall color.
- Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) – A tough, adaptable shrub with peeling bark, attractive foliage, and clusters of white or pink flowers.
- Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata) – A deciduous holly that produces bright red berries in winter, adding color to cold months.
Trees for Shade and Longevity
Planting trees not only enhances your landscape’s aesthetics but also provides shade and improves air quality.
- Red Maple (Acer rubrum) – Known for its stunning red fall foliage and ability to adapt to various soil conditions.
- Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) – A hardy, long-lived tree that can withstand Chicago’s climate and provides excellent shade.
- Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) – A smaller ornamental tree that produces early spring blooms and is a favorite for pollinators.
Selecting suitable plants for your landscape in the Midwest guarantees a robust yard throughout the year. Incorporating deep-rooted, resilient, low-maintenance perennials, native grasses, hardy shrubs, trees that offer shade, and ground cover plants helps to create an aesthetic landscape in Chicago that survives, and even thrives, in its fluctuating climate. These plants will safeguard beauty and strength for years to come whether you’re redoing your garden or starting from ground zero.