15 Perfect Michigan Perennials (Photos)

Different Michigan Perennials

Because of the colder climate that you find in Michigan, it can be difficult to plant a successful garden in the state. Not all plants will be able to survive the cold winter temperatures, especially if they are perennials that are designed to go dormant during the colder time of year and come back to life during the spring and the summer months.

Some hardy perennials can do just that, so I took the time to do the research to find the best perennials for the state of Michigan.

1. Black-Eyed Susan

Black-Eyed Susan

These daisy-like flowers have a black head and yellow petals that give it a vibrant look. They range quite a bit in size, depending on the variety that you plant, and it will grow best in full sun. They will grow in zones four through nine, which makes them ideal for any Michigan garden.

2. Queen of the Prairie

Queen of the Prairie

This is a delicate plant that can easily grow to be up to eight feet tall with the right care. It has pink or peach blooms that will be seen throughout the summer season, and they prefer well-drained, slightly alkaline soil.

3. Dianthus

Dianthus

This is a plant that can grow in zones three through nine. It can easily grow to a height of at least three feet tall, and the blooms will be red, pink, or white. It does best in full-sun conditions and soil that is well-draining.

4. Blue Fescue Grass

Blue Fescue Grass

This is an ornamental grass that will grow to be about a foot tall. It is slightly blue, and it will turn more bluish the more sunlight it gets. It does well in most types of soil, but it must be well-draining soil.

5. Garden Phlox

Garden Phlox

This is a great ground cover that you can use in any garden that is in zones three to eight. It is a plant that does best with full sun and well-drained soil, but it can tolerate some shade as well. This is a mildew-resistant plant, so if the roots get too much water, they are less likely to experience root rot.

6. Hardy Hibiscus

Hardy Hibiscus

This is a very hardy option that will bring a lot of color to your garden space. This variation of hibiscus is easy to care for, and it will be able to handle the cold weather, so it will do well in Michigan gardens. It can grow to be 2.5 feet tall with full sun and moderate water.

7. Butterfly Weed

Butterfly Weed

This is a perennial that has bright orange flowers that will attract butterflies and other pollinators to your garden space. It can easily grow to be as tall as two feet, and it can do best in full sun conditions, but it will be able to tolerate some shade. It will also grow in most types of soil.

8. Blanket Flower

Blanket Flower

This is a late-blooming perennial that is has daisy-like flowers that have orange petals with yellow tips. This is a plant that does well in full sun, but it can do well in partial sun as well. If it does not get efficient sun, then the flowers are likely to droop.

9. Sedum

Sedum

With full sun and well-drained soil, this is a perennial that will be able to grow as tall as 24 inches. It has blooms that are several small flowers that are grouped together. These are typically pink in color, and they look like a broccoli plant that is beginning to bud.

10. Yarrow

Yarrow

This is a plant that thrives in sandy soil or another type of soil that is well-draining. It needs to have full-sun conditions as well. It will grow best in zones three through nine. It does not require a lot of water to grow, and it will likely spread quickly in your garden.

11. Shasta Daisy

Shasta Daisy

This is another plant that is great for attracting butterflies to your outdoor garden. It can grow in zones five to nine, and with full sun and fertile soil, it can grow to be up to three feet in height. The blooms that it produces are typically white.

12. Coneflower

Coneflower

This is a perennial that is known to grow to heights of up to five feet or more. This is a plant that can be seen growing in zones three to nine. They will do best in full sun conditions, especially during the summer months, but they will do well growing in some shade as well.

13. Columbine

Columbine

Also seen growing sin zones three to nine, this is a plant that will do best with well-drained soil and full sun. When the plant blooms, it is likely to have a very sweet smell that will attract butterflies and other pollinators to your garden.

14. Hollyhock

Hollyhock

Hollyhocks are a beautiful plant that can easily grow to be more than nine feet tall. It will need full sun to grow this large as well as soil that is well-draining. It will grow in zones three through eight, and it will typically bloom from June until August. For more information on Hollyhocks. Check out our Hollyhock Growing Guide.

15. Astilbe

Astilbe

This is a plant that is known for growing well in the shade. It is a fern-like plant that can grow to be about two feet in height. The blooms are typically a soft pastel color, and since it grows in the shady, it will do well in slightly moist soil.