Best Plants for Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Early spring brings stunning, nodding blooms in shades of white, pink, and purple that brighten shady spots. This deer-resistant perennial thrives in USDA zones 4-9 and requires minimal care.

Showy pink and white blooms appear in spring, adding a stunning splash of color and attracting pollinators from April to May. This medium-maintenance tree thrives in USDA zones 4-9 and grows 4-8 ft tall in full sun.

Bright yellow blooms dazzle from early summer to fall, adding cheerful color to any garden. This drought-tolerant, deer-resistant perennial thrives in USDA zones 4-9 and attracts pollinators.

Bright red Montmorency cherries burst into vibrant fruit in summer, adding color and flavor to your garden. This hardy tree thrives in USDA zones 4-7 and attracts pollinators while offering low-maintenance care.

Delight in clusters of bell-shaped blue, purple, white, or pink blooms from June to September that brighten any garden space. This low-maintenance perennial thrives in zones 4-9, attracts pollinators, and is both dog- and cat-friendly.

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.

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.

Feathery, soft foliage turns stunning shades of pink and white from June to September, adding vibrant color to summer landscapes. This low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly tree thrives in full sun across USDA zones 4-9 and is safe for pets.

Delightful pink and white blooms brighten gardens from June through September, creating a stunning summer display. This low-maintenance shrub attracts pollinators, thrives in zones 4-9, and is both dog- and cat-friendly.

Flat, oat-like seed heads dangle from arching stems, turning from green to copper-bronze in fall. Northern Sea Oats is a native shade grass with exceptional ornamental value. Deadhead to control self-seeding.

Delicate, sky-blue seed heads crown slender stems, adding graceful movement and color from summer to fall. This drought-tolerant, low-maintenance grass thrives in USDA zones 4-9 and resists deer browsing.

Vibrant coral-red blooms brighten late spring, adding a splash of color to any garden. This low-maintenance perennial thrives in USDA zones 4-9 and is deer resistant.