If you’re looking for a more sustainable, low-maintenance, and pollinator-friendly garden, native perennials are your new best friend. These hardy plants have evolved right here in Minnesota—meaning they’re well adapted to our climate, soils, and local wildlife. Plus, they’re gorgeous!
Native perennials return year after year, support biodiversity, and require less water and fertilizer once established. Whether you’re refreshing your landscape or building a new bed, planting native is a great way to celebrate and bolster our local ecosystem.
Top Native Perennials for Minnesota Landscapes:
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
A true classic! These golden-yellow blooms with dark centers are drought-tolerant, long-blooming, and adored by pollinators. They add cheerful color and texture from mid-summer into fall.
Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum)
A Sunnyside Gardens favorite, Prairie Smoke is an early bloomer with nodding pink flowers that give way to wispy seed heads—resembling smoke drifting above the foliage. A must-have for spring interest and native charm.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
With its bold, daisy-like flowers and sturdy stems, this perennial is a pollinator magnet. It thrives in full sun and poor soil, making it perfect for prairie-style gardens or pollinator strips.
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Fragrant, bee-friendly, and full of personality, Wild Bergamot brings soft lavender blooms that dance in the wind. A great choice for naturalized gardens and meadow-style plantings.
Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Bright orange blooms, drought tolerance, and critical support for monarch butterflies make this a standout for sunny beds and pollinator gardens.
The Benefits of Planting Native Perennials
– Supports Local Pollinators & Birds
– Low Maintenance & Drought Tolerant
– Resilient in Minnesota Weather
– Adds Beauty with a Purpose
– Strengthens Local Biodiversity
Start Small, Grow Big
You don’t have to rewild your entire yard—start by adding a few native perennials to existing beds, borders, or containers. Your local ecosystem will thank you, and you’ll enjoy a vibrant garden that feels right at home.
Visit Sunnyside Gardens to explore our curated collection of native plants—we’re happy to help you choose the perfect perennials for your yard!
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