Best Plants for Bruce County Gardens

Because of the unusual environment of Bruce County, with its harsh winters and warm summers, plants must be able to withstand temperature fluctuations, various kinds of soil conditions, and occasional droughts.  Choosing the right plants will guarantee a thriving garden that needs little care and will benefit the biodiversity and wildlife in the area. 

Perennials for Year-Round Beauty

Perennials are a great investment for any garden because they return year after year, reducing the need for replanting. 

Black-Eyed Susan ~ These cheerful yellow flowers bloom from midsummer to fall and attract essential pollinators like butterflies and bees. Black-eyed Susans grow best when planted in well-drained soil and can tolerate some shade, though they may stretch if not in full sun. They do not need much extra water once established but should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry.

Peonies ~ Known for their large, fragrant blossoms, peonies are long-lived perennials that can thrive for decades with minimal care. They are highly resistant to pests and diseases. Peonies prefer well-drained soil and full sun, though partial shade can also work. They should be given ample space to spread out as they grow larger over time.

Meadow Sage (Salvia pratensis) ~ This hardy perennial produces spikes of purple-blue flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Salvia pratensis prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil pH and should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.

Native Plants for Sustainability

Native plants are a choice for gardeners who want to create an eco-friendly and sustainable landscape. Since they are naturally adapted to the region, they require less water, fertilizer, and overall maintenance while also providing essential food and shelter for local wildlife.

Milkweed ~ A crucial plant for monarch butterflies, milkweed provides food for caterpillars and nectar for adult butterflies. Due to habitat loss and pesticide use, some species of milkweed are considered endangered, making it vital to incorporate them into gardens to support pollinator conservation. It thrives in various soil conditions and helps support declining butterfly populations. It is drought-tolerant once established but requires regular watering during the initial growth phase.

Wild Bergamot ~ As a member of the mint family, wild bergamot produces fragrant lavender-colored flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Wild bergamot benefits from extra watering during dry summers and should be divided every few years to maintain its health.

Purple Coneflower ~ Purple coneflowers grow best in poor or lean soil and full sun, with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. This native plant supports pollinators and is highly drought-resistant, making it perfect for a low-maintenance landscape. 

Drought-Tolerant Plants for Easy Care

If you want a garden that requires minimal watering and care, drought-tolerant plants are an excellent option. These plants are adapted to dry conditions and can thrive even during extended periods of little rainfall.

Sedum ~ This hardy succulent features fleshy leaves and star-shaped flowers that provide color throughout the season. It is an ideal ground cover for rocky or dry areas and requires little to no watering once established. One of the most commonly grown is ‘Autumn Joy’, which has bright pink flowers.

Lupines ~ With their tall, spiky flowers in shades of blue, pink, and purple, lupines add a strong touch to any garden. As members of the legume family, lupines can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that is usable by plants, significantly improving soil health and fertility. Despite their need for some moisture, lupines are relatively drought-tolerant, especially once established, making them suitable for areas with limited water availability

Yarrow ~ Known for its feathery foliage and small, clustered flowers, yarrow is an excellent drought-tolerant ground cover. It attracts pollinators and thrives in poor, dry soil, making it a valuable addition to a low-maintenance landscape. Generally pest and disease-resistant, though it may be susceptible to aphids or powdery mildew.

Coreopsis ~ Coreopsis are low-maintenance perennials that love the sun and have daisy-like blossoms. These plants thrive in relatively poor soil, can withstand drought, and bloom for a long time. Because of the peculiar structure of their seed capsules, coreopsis are often referred to as tickseed.

By selecting plants that are well-suited to Bruce County’s climate, you can create a thriving, eco-friendly garden that enhances your property while requiring minimal upkeep. Whether you focus on perennials, native species, low-maintenance, or drought-tolerant plants, these selections will help you establish a landscape that is not only beautiful but also sustainable. Cheers!

Are you looking for Bruce County's landscaping services? 

And-Rod Landscaping and Gardens offers professional design, planting, and maintenance services. Whether you need a complete garden transformation or enhancements to your existing landscape, our team provides personalized solutions to ensure lasting success. Contact us today!

Citations:

All about Coreopsis. (n.d.). https://www.longfield-gardens.com/article/all-about-coreopsis/

Badgett, B. (2021, May 24). Purple coneflower plants: Information on growing purple coneflowers. Gardeningknowhow. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/coneflower/growing-purple-coneflowers.htm

Daron. (2022, November 28). Why you need to grow lupines. Growing With Nature. https://www.growingwithnature.org/grow-lupines/

EarthOne. (2024, July 9). How To Grow Salvia pratensis. EarthOne. https://earthone.io/plant/salvia%20pratensis

Edwards, S. (2024, April 3). How to grow sedum: A guide for autumn flowering | Seasol. Seasol. https://www.seasol.com.au/trees-and-shrubs/sedum/

Grow Milkweed, Save Monarch Butterflies: A Step-by-Step Guide. (n.d.). Gardenia Creating Gardens. https://www.gardenia.net/guide/learn-how-to-plant-care-and-grow-milkweed

How to grow Black-Eyed susans. (n.d.). Miracle-Gro. https://miraclegro.com/en-us/learn-grow/how-to-grow-black-eyed-susans.html

Learn to Grow Peonies - Gardening School. (n.d.). https://flo-rea.com/en/grow-bare-root-peonies

Poster, E. (2022, September 2). Harmful Pesticides Found in Milkweeds from Retail Nurseries. Endangered Species Coalition. https://www.endangered.org/harmful-pesticides-found-in-milkweeds-from-retail-nurseries/

USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center, Wagner, W. L., Smithsonian Institution, Department of Botany, Banks, W. H., Gilmore, M. R., & Gilmore, M. R. (n.d.). Plant Guide. https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/cs_mofi.pdf