Best Plants for Chicago, Illinois

Delicate white blooms give way to feathery pink plumes that add airy texture from late spring through fall. This low-maintenance, drought-tolerant shrub thrives in USDA zones 5-9 and resists deer browsing.

The most adaptable cool-season lawn grass. Tolerates heat, drought, shade, and clay soil better than most. Deep roots make it resilient and low-maintenance.

Vibrant clusters of pink to purple blooms light up late summer gardens, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. This deer-resistant perennial thrives in USDA zones 4-9 with minimal care.

Creamy white blooms blush to pink and then vibrant red from July to September, adding dynamic color to any garden. This low-maintenance shrub attracts pollinators and thrives in USDA zones 4-9 with full sun to part shade.

Vibrant pink and white blooms dazzle from June to September, brightening gardens with nonstop color. Low-maintenance and pollinator-friendly, this deer-resistant shrub thrives in USDA zones 4-9.

Bold clusters of coppery-pink blooms burst in summer, creating a stunning focal point with lush, textured foliage. Thrives in shade, is deer resistant, and grows well in USDA zones 4-8.

Vibrant, globe-shaped purple blooms burst in late spring, creating stunning garden focal points. Deer resistant and hardy in USDA zones 4-8, it attracts pollinators with ease.

Vibrant gladiolus blooms in shades of pink, red, yellow, orange, and purple from June to September, adding stunning vertical color to your garden. Low-maintenance and pollinator-friendly, this sun-loving bulb thrives in USDA zones 4-9.

Vibrant pink blooms burst from late spring to fall, bringing long-lasting color to your garden. This hardy rose thrives in USDA zones 4-9 and is exceptionally disease resistant.

Vibrant pink and white blooms light up summer gardens from June to September, adding cheerful color and charm. This low-maintenance annual thrives in full sun, attracts pollinators, and is safe for dogs and cats in zones 4-9.

Showy white tubular blooms brighten late spring to early summer, creating a stunning display in any garden. This drought-tolerant perennial attracts pollinators and thrives in USDA zones 3-8.

Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) is a tough, native shrub producing massive white flower heads from June through September. Extremely cold-hardy to Zone 3, it thrives in part shade and is one of the easiest hydrangeas to grow. Note: all parts of hydrangea are toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and rabbits — not recommended for pet-accessible gardens.