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Plant Guide

Best Plants for Chicago, Illinois

📍 Chicago, IL 🌡️ USDA Zone 6a/6b 🌱 331+ compatible plants

Gardening in Chicago

Chicago falls in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a/6b, which means your plants need to survive winters with minimum temperatures in the −10°F to 0°F range. The 331+ plants below are proven performers for your zone — including deer-resistant varieties, pet-friendly options, and pollinator-attracting species.

Top Plant Picks for Chicago

Inkberry
Inkberry
Ilex glabra
Glossy evergreen leaves and striking black berries brighten winter landscapes with subtle beauty. This low-maintenance shrub thrives in USDA zones 6-9 and is deer resistant.
Zone 4–9🦌 Deer-Resistant🐝 Pollinator
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Fairytrail Bride Cascade Hydrangea
Fairytrail Bride Cascade Hydrangea
Hydrangea paniculata 'Fairytrail Bride'
Delight in cascading panicles of pink and white blooms from June to September that add enchanting color to your garden. This low-maintenance shrub thrives in zones 4-9, attracts pollinators, and tolerates full sun to part shade.
Zone 4–9🐝 Pollinator
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Sweet Potato Vine
Sweet Potato Vine
Ipomoea batatas
Vibrant pink and white blooms brighten summer gardens from June to September, adding cheerful color and texture. Low-maintenance and pollinator-friendly, this dog- and cat-safe vine thrives in zones 4-9 with medium water needs.
Zone 4–9🐾 Pet-Friendly†🐝 Pollinator
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Lets Dance Can Do Bigleaf Hydrangea
Lets Dance Can Do Bigleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Lets Dance Can Do'
Bright pink and white blooms dazzle from June to September, adding vibrant color to your garden through summer. This low-maintenance shrub attracts pollinators and thrives in USDA zones 4-9 with sun to part shade.
Zone 4–9🐝 Pollinator
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Patriot Hosta
Patriot Hosta
Hosta 'Patriot'
Striking variegated leaves edged in bright white add vibrant contrast throughout the growing season, creating eye-catching garden interest. This shade-tolerant, low-maintenance perennial thrives in USDA zones 3-9 and resists deer browsing.
Zone 3–9🐝 Pollinator
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Salvia greggii
Salvia greggii
Salvia greggii
Vibrant red to pink blooms burst from spring through fall, adding long-lasting color to any garden. This drought-tolerant, pollinator-attracting shrub thrives in USDA zones 7-10.
Zone 6–10🦌 Deer-Resistant🐾 Pet-Friendly†🐝 Pollinator
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Leyland Cypress
Leyland Cypress
× Cuprocyparis leylandii
With its dense, vibrant green foliage year-round, this evergreen adds striking vertical interest to any landscape. Low-maintenance and pollinator-friendly, it thrives in USDA zones 4-9 under full sun.
Zone 4–9🐾 Pet-Friendly†🐝 Pollinator
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Bayberry
Bayberry
Myrica pensylvanica
Fragrant silver-green foliage and soft, waxy berries add year-round interest and texture to your garden. This low-maintenance, deer-resistant shrub thrives in USDA zones 3-7 and attracts beneficial wildlife.
Zone 3–7🦌 Deer-Resistant🐾 Pet-Friendly†🐝 Pollinator
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Coneflower
Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea
Vibrant purple-pink blooms light up summer gardens from July to September, adding long-lasting color and charm. This deer-resistant coneflower thrives in zones 3-9 and attracts pollinators with ease.
Zone 3–9🦌 Deer-Resistant🐾 Pet-Friendly†🐝 Pollinator
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Linden Tree
Linden Tree
Tilia spp.
Fragrant yellow and white blooms from June to September make this tree a stunning summer highlight. Attracting pollinators and thriving in zones 4-9, it’s low maintenance and dog- and cat-friendly.
Zone 4–9🐾 Pet-Friendly†🐝 Pollinator
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Wild Bergamot
Wild Bergamot
Monarda fistulosa
Vibrant lavender-pink blooms light up summer gardens with a fragrant, airy charm. This drought-tolerant native attracts pollinators and thrives in USDA zones 3-9.
Zone 3–9🦌 Deer-Resistant🐾 Pet-Friendly†🐝 Pollinator
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Marigold
Marigold
Tagetes patula
Bright orange and yellow blooms light up gardens from summer to fall, adding vibrant color and cheer. This low-maintenance, deer-resistant flower thrives in USDA zones 2-11 and attracts pollinators.
Zone 2–11🦌 Deer-Resistant🐝 Pollinator
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Get a Personalized Plant List for Chicago

Answer 4 quick questions about your yard — sun, soil, deer pressure, and pet situation — and get a custom list of plants that will thrive in Zone 6a/6b.

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Other Cities in Zone 6a/6b

Columbus, OH Indianapolis, IN Denver, CO Louisville, KY Kansas City, MO Cleveland, OH Wichita, KS St. Louis, MO

Browse All 331+ Plants for Zone 6a/6b

The 12 picks above are a sample. Use the full directory to filter by sun, water, deer resistance, and more.

View All Zone 6 Plants →

† "Pet-friendly" means not listed as toxic by ASPCA for dogs and/or cats. Always supervise pets around plants. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435.