Looking for plants that will bring your landscaping vision to life while also surviving and thriving in the unpredictable Indiana weather?

Using plants that are native to Indiana can ensure your lawn and garden is well prepared to survive the changing temperatures and varied rainfall. More often than not, these plants are used to surviving with minimal human interventionーmaking them the perfect low-maintenance additions to your outdoor space. By using these plants in your landscaping, you can rest assured they are ready for whatever Indiana has to throw at them!

We’ve compiled a list of five Indiana native plants native that can spruce up your lawn and garden this year.

Purple Coneflower

The purple coneflower is a popular perennial plant that brings a splash of color to your yard. These flowers usually bloom in late spring and early summer and maintain their beautiful pink and purple blooms for around two months. With the right care, they can reach up three to five feet tall and will occasionally rebloom in the fall.

Care

Purple coneflowers are drought resistantーmaking them a perfect low-maintenance addition to any garden. Once they are established, rainfall should be enough to keep them watered. They thrive in well-drained soil but can survive in dry soil as well. These flowers require at least six hours of sunlight a day, so keep them out of the shade as much as possible.

American Cranberry

The American Cranberry is a great addition for anyone looking for a versatile plant. In late May, it blooms white flowers surrounded by green foliage. However, from September through February, these blooms turn into brightly colored berries ranging from yellow to burgundyーwith the foliage following suit. These shrubs can grow up to twelve inches tall and can spread just as wide.

Care

American Cranberry shrubs prefer moist and well-drained soil. Once established, you can rely on rainfall to water them. These shrubs require at least four hours of direct sunlight a dayーmeaning they can be planted in partial shade.

Redbud Tree

Cercis canadensis is a deciduous, often multi-trunked tree with graceful, rounded crown and horizontally tiered branches. Growing 20-30 feet tall with a 25-foot spread. Masses of pea-like rosy-pink flowers held in clusters cover the bare branches in the spring before the foliage emerges. The cheerful blossoms give way to heart-shaped, bright green with red tinged leaves that mature to dark blue-green in summer before turning pale yellow to greenish-yellow in the fall.

Care

Redbud Trees are versatile that thrive with minimal care. Although some drought can be tolerated, they require regular watering to thrive. Redbud Trees like moist, well-drained soil. They can thrive in Full Sun or Part Shade. Regular pruning and watering will ensure vigorous growth. Redbuds should be pruned immediately after the flowering season ends. Pruning improves air circulation, removes dead or damaged branches, and encourages growth. You should remove branches crossing or growing toward the center and thin out overly long branches. The best flower production is obtained in full sun, but part sun is best in hot summer climates. Redbuds do not transplant well; they should be planted when young and left undisturbed.

Butterfly Weed

Also known as the butterfly milkweed, the butterfly weed is exactly what you need if you are wanting to attract this flower’s namesake! This plant can grow one to two feet tall and blooms in clusters of yellow-orange flowers in the late spring to late summer. It may take some time for these flowers to bloom when you first plant them—but when they do, they are easy to maintain and take care of.

Care

Much like the purple coneflower, the butterfly weed is able to survive in drought-like conditions. It prefers dry, sandy, or rock-like soil and does not require much watering once it has been established. To keep things on the drier side, this plant requires six or more hours of direct sunlight and no shade.

Cinnamon Fern

Cinnamon ferns can fill in space and create a green backdrop to contrast the colors of your other plants. This plant’s large green fronds help it reach up to five feet tall and two to three feet wide. It was named after the cinnamon-brown plumes that are found in the center of the vase-like structure.

Care

Cinnamon ferns naturally grow near stream beds. As such, they love wet soil and grow well when placed near a water source or feature. If you place them in a drier area, be sure they are regularly watered so their soil remains wet. These ferns also prefer the coolness of the shade and do not require direct sunlight.

Whether you are starting from scratch or updating your current design, using Indiana native plants will not only help your lawn and garden look great but also ensure your landscape survives the changing weather! For more information on what plants might fit your yard best or where to find them, contact your local garden center.

At Clark’s Garden and Floral Boutique, we know the joy and comfort that flowers bring. Because of this, we’re focused on helping people create memories, celebrate and connect with each other, and add beauty to any space. Visit us on Facebook and Instagram.