Drought-tolerant Michigan Plants and Trees
Michigan Trees
Few things are as stunning as watching Michigan transition out of a chilly, gray winter into an explosion of vibrant colors in the spring and summer. It’s one reason why gardening in the Wolverine State is unique. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a novice, we have everything you need to make gardening in Michigan a breeze.
How to Grow and Care for Michigan Plants
Michigan has a mild climate with well-defined seasons. If you live in the southern regions, you’ll enjoy warm temperatures and a longer frost-free period than your northern neighbors. Before you choose your trees, it’s advisable to consider your climate and soil type.
Michigan’s 3 largest cities—Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Warren—are all in USDA zone 6, which has an average annual minimum winter temperature of -10 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Most of the Great Lakes State’s soil is heavy clay, which is challenging to grow in. Before getting started on your garden, test your soil. It’s crucial to ensure it drains well and is nutrient-rich. It also helps to know the soil’s acidity. Michigan soil pH ranges from 4 to 9.
Types of Michigan Plants
Perennials: For years of beauty, plant Banana Cream Shasta Daisy, Goldstrum Black-Eyed Susan, or Palace Purple Heuchera. Both Banana Cream and Black-Eyed Susan have gorgeous yellow or light-yellow flowers that pop in the springtime. Palace Purple Heuchera will shake up your yard with foliage ranging from olive green to rich plum.
If you want to go native, Black-Eyed Susan is still a great choice. Also, consider Coneflower or Lupine.
Shrubs: Whether you’re looking for privacy or pollinators, try these three Michigan plants: CranRazz Butterfly Bush, Jelena Hazel Shrub, and Endless Summer Hydrangea. Native shrubs to consider are Blackhaw Viburnum, Common Ninebark, and Buttonbush.
Trees: Did you know you can grow a Hass Avocado Tree in Michigan? They make great patio plants and will surprise visitors. There are also plenty of other fruit-bearing trees to liven up your landscape and taste buds. We recommend Michiganders try the Red Haven Peach Tree, Reliance Peach Tree, and Honeycrisp Apple Tree.
Native trees to check out include Black Gum and Hophornbeam. We’d also be remiss if we didn’t give a shout-out to Pawpaw.
Ready to take your garden to the next level? See our collection of Michigan plants for sale.
Common Questions About Michigan Plants
Where to buy Michigan native plants?
You can buy plants native to Michigan through local suppliers or online through FastGrowingTrees. The benefit of shopping with us is that we have a more extensive selection to choose from and deliver right to your door, so you have more time gardening and less time driving from nursery to nursery.
What zone is Michigan for planting?
Michigan is in USDA zones 4 through 6. Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Warren reside in zone 6.