Transform your garden into a colorful field of wildflowers with these 11 easy-to-grow plants.
Carson Downing
Wildflowers are plants that happily grow on their own in the wild without human help.
Many are native plants, but some are just good self-seeders.
Credit:Carson Downing
Rebecca Searsis the chief marketing officer and resident green thumb atFerry-Morse, a seed company.
flowers bloom in the summer and the plant will spread each year.
Some species, such as threadleaf coreopsis(Coreopsis verticillata),are tolerant of drought.
Credit:Bob Stefko
Milkweed
Milkweed(Asclepiasspp.
Size:1-6 feet tall
Care Requirements:Prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
For wetter climates, opt for swamp milkweed(Asclepias incarnata).
Credit: Lynn Karlin
This genus also includes perennials and annuals.
Bonus: Its drought-tolerant and attracts butterflies.
Cosmos
Cosmos(Cosmosspp.)
Credit: Perry L. Struse
Plus, their cheerful blooms and tall stems ensure these flowers will be a striking addition to any landscape.
Zones:9-11
Size:1-6 feet tall; 1-2 feet wide
Care Requirements:Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Size:2-4 feet tall
Care Requirements:Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Credit:Carson Downing
(A few cool shades are also available.)
Native to the plains and western United States, blanket flowers include perennials, annuals, and biennials.
Deer and rabbits are likely to leave it alone, butbutterflies will flock to it.
Credit: Bob Lenz
Youll likely see songbirds feeding on the small seed heads in fall.
Zones:3-10
Size:2-3 feet tall; 1-2 feet wide
Care Requirements:Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Most do best in hot, dry climates.
Credit:Kritsada Panichgul
thrive in dry, woodland areas, while others do best in swampy areas.
Recommended Varieties:Try swamp sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius) in wet areas or near ponds and streams.
Yarrow
Edward Gohlich
Yarrow(Achilleaspp.)
Credit:Bob Stefko
The flowers will attract butterflies andbeneficial insects.
Common yarrow(Achillea millefolium) is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.
They are easy to grow and drought-tolerant.
Credit:Edward Gohlich
It shows off daisy-like flowers with single or double rows of petals in shades of yellow and orange.
In warm climates, it can reseed.
Calendula attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects, butdeer usually leave them alone.
Credit:Denny Schrock
Lobelia
With over 300 species of annuals, perennials, and shrubs, lobelias (Lobeliaspp.)
are a diverse group of plants that can grow in a variety of conditions.
Sears advises choosing wildflowers that make you happy and that will grow well in your region.
Credit:Andy Lyons
It’s also important to choose wildflowers that will thrive in your area.
Credit: Lynn Karlin
