The upper Midwest—a region including much of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and parts of Iowa and Illinois—is noted for its uncertain climate. Winters are cold with below-freezing temperatures; summers are hot and humid. The soils range from clay to black dirt to sand. This calls for the need to choose proper plants while landscaping in such a region. One has to choose plants that will be hardy and low maintenance and thrive in good beauty. This article will be focused on some of the best landscape plants for the Upper Midwest region, from trees and shrubs to perennials and groundcovers.

1. Trees

Trees form the framework and ultimate structure of a landscape. They are important in offering shade during the warmer months of the year and seasonal interest throughout the rest of the year. When choosing trees in the Upper Midwest, it is important to look for those that are hardy and can withstand the harsh winter conditions and ever-changing temperatures.

1. Sugar Maple:

Is native and very well adapted to the Upper Midwest. They favor USDA hardiness zones 3-8. Generally, they produce really great fall color, changing from a bright yellow to deep orange and red. The height of such trees reaches 60-75 feet, so they do well with big yards. Further, they have a closely knit canopy, which provides ample shade during summers.

2. White Oak (Quercus alba):

Another native tree, White Oak, is a long-lived species that provides both beauty and durability. It grows well in zones 3-9 and reaches 50-80 feet in height. The leaves of the White Oak turn reddish-purple in the fall, enhancing its beauty even further. Its deep root system will make it drought-resistant, making it resilient to the area.

3. Cercis canadensis (Redbud):

This is very good, considering the small landscape, for an ornamental tree. This ornamental tree bears bright pink to purple flowers in early spring and on bare wood before leaves appear. The tree does well in zones 4-9 and has a height of 20-30 feet. The Redbud will also perform well on clay and other soils of different types, thus suitable for the Upper Midwest.

2. Shrubs

Shrubs will add texture, color, and structure to your landscape. They can work as foundation plants, hedges, or focus points in beds.

1. Physocarpus opulifolius, or ninebark:

Is one of these shrubs that bears peeling bark and produces clusters of white or pink flowers in late spring, giving good winter interest. Native ninebark appears to grow quite satisfactorily in zones 2 through 7. Another positive feature of ninebark is its drought tolerance and ability to grow in almost any soil, making it low maintenance. Some varieties, like ‘Diablo’ or ‘Summer Wine’, have very dark purple foliage, giving dramatic contrast in the landscape.

2. Annabelle Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’:

Is a selection of hydrangea with large, white, ball-shaped flowers from early summer into fall. This shrub grows well in zones 3-9 and can reach 3-5 feet tall. Annabelle Hydrangea will grow in either full sun or partial shade in well-drained, moist soil. With its very long bloom period and large flowers, this shrub has become a favorite in many gardens.

3. Dwarf Korean Lilac (Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’):

The variety with a very good, fragrant bloom and spring color. It’s a compact shrub, suitable for growing in zones 3-7, which grows to a height of about 4-5 feet. It bears many clusters of fragrant lavender-pink flowers during late spring. Dwarf Korean Lilac is relatively resistant to powdery mildew, a typical issue of lilacs.

3. Perennials

Perennials give color year after year and can’t be beat for creating a dynamic, vibrant landscape.

1. Coneflower (Echinacea spp.):

This is one of the Upper Midwest’s core perennials and one of the hardiest, longest-blooming perennials. They are hardy in zones 3-9; bloom colors include purple, pink, white, and orange. Coneflowers also attract bees and butterflies (pollinators) and are low-water perennials once they have become established. They are 2-4 feet tall and work either as a mass planting or within a mixed border.

2. Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.):

These plants are low-fuss and easy to please. They grow in zones 3-9, come in almost every color from yellow to red to purple, and individual blooms last just one day; a single plant will often produce many flowers over the season. They prefer full sun but will take partial shade. Daylilies are generally resistent to pests and diseases. Clumping makes them perfect for edging or mass plantings.

3. Hosta (Hosta spp.) —

Very popular for shade gardens, hostas are hardy in zones 3-8 and come in a diversity of sizes with leaves of green, blue, and variegated hues. Their leaves are very appealing, with their foliage enhancing form and interest in the landscape. They bear spikes of lavender or white flowers in midsummer. Most hostas are relatively low-maintenance but can be susceptible to slug damage, so may require just a little extra care to see them at their best.

4. Groundcovers

Groundcovers take up areas, hold soil in place, and add the finishing touches in the landscape.

1. Phlox subulata Creeping Phlox:

Densely spreading, low-growing perennial for zones 3-9. It creeps to form a tight mat of evergreen foliage smothered in profuse colors of pink, white, or purple flowers during the spring season. Works well in rock gardens, slopes, and as an edging plant. Prefers full sun in well-drained soil.

2. Wild Ginger—Asarum canadense:

Wild Ginger is native and one of the finest ground covers that do well in shady, woodland settings. It is hardy in zones 3-8, has somewhat slow-spreading habits, and forms a thick carpet of heart-shaped leaves. Wild Ginger is fabulous under trees or in shaded borders and it seems deer-resistant. It sports small, brownish-purple flowers that are usually hidden beneath the foliage but really add an element of surprise when someone gets down low to see.

3. Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis):

Of the evergreen ground covers, this is one of the most dependable and does well in zones 4-8. It is a nice fill-in in shady spots where grass grows poorly. Pachysandra forms a thick mat of glossy green leaves and produces small, white flowers in the spring. It is low maintenance and helps retain soil on slopes or in shady areas to prevent erosion.

Conclusion

A successful Upper Midwest landscape means plants need to be thoughtfully selected for the rigors of the area’s unique climate. Having hardy, low-maintenance trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers lets any homeowner have an attractive and viable landscape all year round. The plants outlined in this article are well suited for the Upper Midwest and will add a mix of color, texture, and seasonal interest to any garden. If you’re using the right plants, your landscape can look great for years to come.