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Sunset is happening later in the day, and the temperature is inching its way up the thermometer. As spring draws near, refreshing your landscaping may be on your mind.  

Plants that are native to Indiana are great options for the landscaping around your home. Whether you are looking to add a pop of color, attract pollinators and local wildlife, or create a low-maintenance lawn, these spring landscaping suggestions are the perfect fit to boost curb appeal. Plus, these native plants have a better chance of surviving and thriving in Indiana’s unique soil types and climate. 

This article pulls suggestions from Native Plant Trust and the Indiana Native Plant Society. Visit these sites and find the perfect plants for your landscaping. 

Purple, White or Yellow Coneflower

These colorful perennials are native to the Midwest, and they thrive in sunny and dry conditions. If you are looking to attract songbirds and pollinators to your garden or landscaping areas, the purple coneflower is an excellent choice. These plants are low maintenance and drought tolerant, so you don’t necessarily need to spend all your time watering them. 

Bird’s Foot Violet

If your aim is to attract pollinators and add a pop of color to your landscaping, consider the bird’s foot violet. This small, flowering plant attracts bees, butterflies and songbirds alike. It's ideal for placement in rock gardens that are exposed to sun or partial shade. It is noted for its ability to grow in dry soils and is rabbit resistant.  

American Witchhazel

This versatile shrub does well in almost any situation. American witchhazel is both drought and flood tolerant. It’s also just as comfortable in the shade as it is in the sun. Witchhazel really shines in the fall when leaves turn bright yellow or bronze in color. So, plant this shrub in the spring and reap the benefits in the fall.  

Wild Geranium

Wild geraniums are another flowering plant that checks a lot of boxes. Pop of color, check. Pollinator attraction, check. Low maintenance, check. Wild geraniums can be used in a variety of applications as well. They’re perfect for rain gardens, meadow gardens and filling large spaces in landscaping projects. The best thing about this plant is that it blooms from spring through late summer and into fall. 

Cardinal Flower 

This one is for hummingbird fans! The name may be misleading because this red flower does not attract cardinals, but bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are big fans of these blooms. The cardinal flower grows best in moist, sandy soils. The peak time for blooms is typically late summer. 

Smooth Hydrangea

The smooth hydrangea is a showcase of simple beauty when in bloom. During the summer, these plants spring to life with a cluster of small, spiky flowers that are surrounded by more prominent blooms. These plants are drought tolerant and perfect for use in urban landscaping. Smooth hydrangeas will also bring bees and butterflies to your Indiana landscaping this spring. 

Dense Blazing Star

Here is another plant that can really stand up to Indiana’s variable climate. The dense blazing star is drought tolerant, compaction tolerant and grows well in urban areas. If you use this native plant in your Indiana landscaping project, it is sure to stand out. The purple-blue blooms will be pronounced in the middle of summer.  

Redbud 

Last and certainly the tallest specimen on our list, the redbud. This small tree is renowned for its breathtaking spring bloom. Redbuds grow slowly and take on shapes similar to bonsai trees. While in bloom, they attract pollinators, including hummingbirds. Since the tree is native to Indiana, it can tolerate poor soil conditions and is easy to maintain.  

As you start to plan this year’s landscaping projects, don’t overlook plants that are native to Indiana! If you don’t have a green thumb, native options will give you a head start toward healthy plants since they have evolved to thrive in Indiana. 

Now, it’s up to you to spring into action. Good luck, and happy planting!  

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