Michigan Climate Snapshot
Understanding your local climate is key to creating a thriving, low-maintenance garden
Hardiness Zones
4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b
Annual Rainfall
28-38 inches annually
Frost Window
October-May (longer in Upper Peninsula)
Water Notes
Adequate rainfall; lakefront areas have moderated temps
Popular Landscaping Styles
Discover design styles perfectly suited to Michigan's unique climate and landscape
Beach-inspired design with native dune and coastal plants
Key Features:
- •Native beach grasses
- •Sand dune stabilization
- •Driftwood and stone accents
- •Wind-resistant species
Midwest prairie plants with grasses and wildflowers
Key Features:
- •Big bluestem and little bluestem
- •Coneflowers and black-eyed susans
- •Native asters and goldenrod
- •Naturalized meadow areas
Shade plants under deciduous and conifer canopy
Key Features:
- •Native ferns and wildflowers
- •Hostas and astilbes
- •Spring ephemeral displays
- •Mulched paths
Design featuring winter interest and year-round structure
Key Features:
- •Evergreens for winter color
- •Ornamental grasses with winter seed heads
- •Berry-bearing shrubs
- •Colorful bark specimens
Recommended Plant Palettes
Native and adapted plants that thrive in Michigan's climate
Wild Lupine
Lupinus perennis
Blue flower spikes; host for endangered Karner blue butterfly
Michigan Lily
Lilium michiganense
Orange recurved flowers with spots
Serviceberry
Amelanchier canadensis
Spring flowers, edible berries, fall color
Wild Bergamot
Monarda fistulosa
Lavender flowers; attracts bees and butterflies
Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea
Pink-purple daisy flowers; drought-tolerant
Daylily
Hemerocallis spp.
Countless varieties; reliable bloomers
Black-Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
Golden yellow flowers; reseeds readily
Hosta
Hosta spp.
Shade-loving foliage in many colors
Redtwig Dogwood
Cornus sericea
Bright red stems provide winter color
Winterberry
Ilex verticillata
Red berries persist through winter; needs male pollinator
Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium
Russet-orange fall and winter color
White Pine
Pinus strobus
State tree; soft needles; graceful form
Seasonal Garden Checklist
Your year-round guide to maintaining a beautiful Michigan garden
Plant spring bulbs and garlic
Protect tender plants and drain irrigation
Wrap young trees against sunscald
Order seeds and plan garden
Start seeds indoors
Plant vegetables after last frost
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about landscaping in Michigan
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