Wildflowers are plants that grow naturally in the wild without human assistance. They come in a variety of colors and textures and can easily be incorporated into your own garden by planting a wildflower collection of low-maintenance plants. To begin, explore the vibrant options available and seek advice from a gardening professional on selecting the ideal varieties for your space.
Meet Our Expert
Rebecca Sears is the head gardener and chief marketing officer at Ferry-Morse, a seed company.
Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, is a genus that includes perennials, tender perennials, and annuals with a range of hues such as yellow, orange, pink, and red. These daisy-like flowers bloom in the summer and can spread each year. They are loved by birds, butterflies, and bees, while deer and rabbits tend to stay away.
Zones: 3-9
Size: 1-4 feet tall; 1-3 feet wide
Care Requirements: Well-drained soil and full sun preferred, but can tolerate partial shade
Recommended Varieties: Lance-leaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata) is a native, easy-to-grow option, while threadleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata) is drought-tolerant.
Milkweed, an essential plant for monarch butterflies, attracts butterflies, native bees, and hummingbirds. With over 70 native species in the U.S., it is crucial for a wildflower garden.
Zones: 3-9
Size: 1-6 feet tall
Care Requirements: Well-drained soil and full sun
Recommended Varieties: Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) for dry, sandy soils; swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) for wetter climates
Black-Eyed Susan, a biennial that self-seeds, offers yellow daisy-like blooms with dark centers. This drought-tolerant plant attracts butterflies and complements purple coneflowers.
Zones: 3-11
Size: 1-5 feet tall; 1-3 feet wide
Care Requirements: Well-drained soil and full sun
Recommended Varieties: Rudbeckia hirta is a versatile choice native to most of the U.S.
Cosmos, with its daisy-like blooms in various colors, are annuals in many regions. These flowers provide nectar and pollen to pollinators and are a vibrant addition to any landscape.
Zones: 9-11
Size: 1-6 feet tall; 1-2 feet wide
Care Requirements: Full sun and well-drained soil
Recommended Varieties: Candy Stripe Cosmos
Purple Coneflower by Bob Lenz
Purple coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) are easy to grow plants that produce long-lasting blooms from summer through fall. Their bi-colored flowers have distinctive rose-colored edges, making them great additions to cut-flower bouquets. These flowers can thrive in rocky, clay, and sandy soils, attracting beneficial insects, butterflies, and providing food for birds in late fall and winter. Purple coneflowers prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Native to the Midwest and Eastern United States, most varieties can be grown throughout the U.S. They typically grow 2-4 feet tall and are suitable for zones 3-9.
Blanket Flower by Kritsada Panichgul
Blanket flowers (Gaillardia spp.) are low-maintenance plants that bloom in shades of orange, red, yellow, and white, with some cool shades available. They bloom in spring, summer, and fall, and attract butterflies while being deer and rabbit resistant. Blanket flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil, thriving in hot, dry climates. These plants range from perennials to annuals and biennials, providing small seed heads for songbirds to feed on in fall. They typically grow 2-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide, suitable for zones 3-10.
Sunflower by Bob Stefko
Sunflowers (Helianthus spp.) are cheery flowers that come in mostly golden and yellow shades. They include both annuals and perennials and attract pollinators like butterflies, hummingbirds, birds, and beneficial insects. Sunflowers bloom from summer into fall, adding dramatic height to wildflower gardens, with some varieties thriving in dry, woodland areas and others in swampy regions. They prefer full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, with heights ranging from 1 to 10 feet tall and 1 to 3 feet wide. Different species have specific care requirements, including those that prefer lots of moisture or dry, sandy soil, suitable for zones 2-11.
Yarrow by Edward Gohlich
Yarrow (Achillea spp.) is a versatile and low-maintenance perennial available in various colors like orange, pink, red, white, and yellow. These flowers tolerate a wide range of conditions, including cold winters, hot summers, poor soil, and drought. Yarrow attracts butterflies and beneficial insects, growing 6-24 inches tall and 2-3 feet wide. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, suitable for zones 3-9. With numerous species available, it’s important to choose one that will grow well in your climate, such as common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), which is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.
California Poppy by Denny Schrock
California poppies (Eschscholzia californica) are spring
Wildflowers, such as these, may self-seed and return for multiple years in warmer regions, potentially spreading more than desired. In colder areas, they may behave more like annual plants. They are simple to cultivate and can withstand dry conditions.
Zone Range: 8-10
Height: 8-18 inches
Care Instructions: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
Recommended Varieties: Some types offer a variety of colors beyond the traditional yellow/orange hues; for instance, ‘Mission Bells’ presents blossoms in shades of pink, salmon, and cream.
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a resilient annual plant that flourishes in most climates and is low-maintenance. It flaunts daisy-like flowers with single or double layers of petals in yellow and orange tones. In warmer regions, it may self-sow. Calendula is attractive to bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects, while deer typically avoid it.
Zone Range: 9-11
Height: 1-3 feet; Width: 1-2 feet
Care Instructions: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Recommended Varieties: Various cultivars are adaptable to different regions, with variations in size and color. ‘Oopsy Daisy’ is a petite variety reaching just 8 inches tall, while ‘Bronze Beauty’ showcases peach and cream petals.
Lobelias, a diverse group of plants with over 300 species of annuals, perennials, and shrubs, offer a range of options for different growing conditions. With flowers in shades of red, blue, and purple, lobelias make a striking contrast in a wildflower garden and can thrive in both partial shade and full sun.
Zone Range: 2-11
Height: 4 to 18 inches; Width: 4 to 6 inches
Care Instructions: Plant in full sun to partial shade, depending on the species, and well-drained soil.
Recommended Varieties: Native wildflowers like Cardinal flower with scarlet-red blooms that attract hummingbirds thrive in moist soils.
When selecting wildflowers, prioritize those that bring joy and are suited to your local climate. Consider easy-care favorites like cosmos and purple coneflowers for their distinctive colors and shapes. To ensure successful growth, consult the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to choose plants appropriate for your region.
