Top 5 Michigan Native Perennials

A native perennial is a plant species that occurs naturally in a particular region, without human introduction or intervention. Native plants are those that have evolved over time to adapt to the local environmental conditions, such as climate, soil, and available resources. They have established a natural balance with the other living organisms in the region, including wildlife, insects, and microorganisms. 

Native plants have also been shaped by the local geology, hydrology, and climate patterns, which give them unique characteristics and resilience to local environmental stresses. Overall, native plants are an important part of the local ecosystem and can provide many benefits for both humans and wildlife.

(Featured Image: Monarch on Black Eye Susan by: Sayjack)

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• They are well adapted to Michigan’s climate: Native perennials have evolved over time to thrive in Michigan’s specific climate, soil, and environmental conditions. As a result, they are more likely to survive and thrive in local gardens without requiring excessive amounts of water, fertilizers, or pesticides.
• They support local ecosystems: Native perennials provide food and habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. By planting native perennials, you can help support local ecosystems and promote biodiversity in your area.
• They can help reduce water usage: Many native perennials are drought-tolerant and can survive on natural rainfall alone. By planting these species in your garden, you can help reduce your water usage and promote sustainable gardening practices.
• They can help reduce the spread of invasive species: Invasive plant species can harm local ecosystems and compete with native species for resources. By planting native perennials, you can help reduce the spread of invasive species and promote the growth of native plant communities.

Native plants require less upkeep than traditional ornamental species do, as they have specifically adapted to grow within a certain regions climate and soil conditions. Perennial plants are cold-hardy plants that can survive through the winter and will return each spring. When you plan a native perennial garden, you are planting a garden that is easy to care for and will return on its own every year. These are our favorite native perennials for Michigan:

Wild Lupine is a native perennial flower that produces spikes of blue, purple, and occasionally white flowers. It prefers well-drained sandy soil and full sun, making it a great addition to a prairie or meadow garden.

Butterfly Weed is a showy, orange-flowered native perennial that attracts a wide variety of pollinators, especially butterflies. It is drought-tolerant and prefers full sun to partial shade.

Black-eyed Susan is a popular native perennial flower that produces bright yellow, daisy-like blooms with dark centers. It is a tough, drought-tolerant plant that can grow in a wide range of soil types and light conditions.

Joe-Pye Weed is a tall, showy native perennial that produces clusters of pink-purple flowers in late summer. It prefers moist soil and partial to full sun, making it a great addition to a rain garden or wetland garden.

Coneflower is a popular native perennial that produces purple-pink daisy-like flowers with a prominent cone-shaped center. It is drought-tolerant and can grow in a wide range of soil types and light conditions, making it a great choice for many gardens.

Starting native plants from seed can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to establish a beautiful, sustainable garden. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Choose the right seeds: Make sure to choose seeds of plants that are native to your region and are appropriate for the growing conditions of your garden. Seeds can be purchased from reputable nurseries, seed companies, or native plant societies. We highly recommend this Milkweed Seed Collection by Sow Right Seeds for their dependability and very high success rate!
2. Prepare the soil: Before planting, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris and loosening the top layer of soil. Native plants often prefer well-drained soils, so consider adding compost or sand to improve drainage. We recommend adding a high quality seed starting mix to ensure your seeds have proper drainage. Our favorite seed starting mix is the Espoma Organic Seed Starter – this is a high quality, organic soil blend that we have had great success with!
3. Plant at the right time: Plant your seeds at the right time of year for your region and the specific plant species. Some plants may require stratification (exposure to cold temperatures) or scarification (scratching or nicking the seed coat) to improve germination.
4. Plant at the right depth: As a general rule, plant seeds at a depth that is two to three times the diameter of the seed. Some seeds, however, may require different planting depths, so be sure to read the specific instructions for the seeds you are planting.
5. Keep the soil moist: Water your seeds regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. A misting spray bottle can be useful for keeping the soil moist without disturbing the seeds.
6. Provide proper light and temperature conditions: Native plant seeds generally prefer warm temperatures and bright, indirect sunlight. Consider using a seed starting tray or providing supplemental lighting to ensure adequate light levels.
7. Monitor for pests and diseases: Keep an eye out for any signs of pests or diseases that may affect your seedlings. Remove any infected or damaged plants immediately to prevent the spread of disease.

With these tips in mind, you should be well on your way to successfully starting native plants from seed.

Michigan native perennials are an important part of the local ecosystem and can provide many benefits for any species living in that region. These plants will make wonderful additions to your landscaping, flower beds, and pollinator gardens. 

If you’re looking for native plants in Northern Michigan, Bright Lane Gardens is your one-stop-shop for perennials that are native to our region. With a wide selection of shade-friendly, full sun, wetland and drought tolerant native perennials, you are sure to find a native perennial for any area of your yard. Bright Lane Gardens also features a garden shop that has everything you need to complete your planting projects!