Southern Illinois has a diverse climate—hot, humid summers and cold winters—so you’ll want plants that can thrive through it all. Here’s a mix of native and landscape-friendly plants that do great in the region:
🌸 Perennials (Come Back Every Year)
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Native, drought-tolerant, and loved by pollinators.
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Bright, sunny flowers that bloom all summer.
- Bee Balm (Monarda): Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
- Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis): Delicate red flowers; great for shade or part sun.
- Blazing Star (Liatris spicata): Tall spikes of purple—awesome in native gardens.
🌳 Shrubs & Small Trees
- Serviceberry (Amelanchier): Edible berries, white spring blooms, and great fall color.
- Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis): Loves wet soil—great for rain gardens or near ponds.
- Redbud (Cercis canadensis): Early spring blooms and heart-shaped leaves.
- Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius): Gorgeous foliage with peeling bark and spring flowers.
🌼 Annuals (One-Season Wonders)
- Zinnias: Heat-tolerant and bloom nonstop with deadheading.
- Marigolds: Easy to grow and repel certain pests.
- Sunflowers: Great for kids and pollinators alike—plus fall seeds for birds.
🌱 Grasses & Groundcovers
- Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium): Low-maintenance, drought-tolerant native grass.
- Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis): Elegant and feathery—perfect for borders.
- Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata): Low-growing, spring-flowering groundcover.
🌾 Bonus Tips for Planting in Southern Illinois:
- Test your soil! Many areas have clay-heavy soil—amend with compost if needed.
- Mulch well to retain moisture in summer and protect roots in winter.
- Native plants are your best bet for low maintenance and wildlife support.
Kiefer Landscaping offers a wide variety of plants perfect for the Southern Illinois Region!
