Nebraska Climate Snapshot
Understanding your local climate is key to creating a thriving, low-maintenance garden
Hardiness Zones
4b, 5a, 5b, 6a
Annual Rainfall
20-35 inches annually
Frost Window
April-October
Water Notes
Variable rainfall; western areas drier
Popular Landscaping Styles
Discover design styles perfectly suited to Nebraska's unique climate and landscape
Native grassland ecosystem
Key Features:
- ā¢Grasses
- ā¢Forbs
- ā¢Wildlife habitat
- ā¢Low maintenance
River valley and floodplain
Key Features:
- ā¢Moisture-loving plants
- ā¢Trees
- ā¢Vegetables
- ā¢Rich soil
Sandy soil xeriscape
Key Features:
- ā¢Drought tolerance
- ā¢Sandy soil plants
- ā¢Minimal irrigation
- ā¢Naturalistic
City and town gardens
Key Features:
- ā¢Container plants
- ā¢Small spaces
- ā¢Hardy perennials
- ā¢Four-season interest
Recommended Plant Palettes
Native and adapted plants that thrive in Nebraska's climate
Goldenrod
Solidago spp.
State flower; yellow spikes
Cottonwood
Populus deltoides
State tree; fast-growing
Big Bluestem
Andropogon gerardii
Tall prairie grass
Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea
Purple daisy flowers
Daylily
Hemerocallis spp.
Reliable bloomers
Hostas
Hosta spp.
Shade foliage plants
Peony
Paeonia spp.
Spring flowering shrub
Siberian Iris
Iris sibirica
Cold-hardy iris
Sedum
Sedum spp.
Succulent groundcover
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Drought-tolerant perennial
Russian Sage
Perovskia atriplicifolia
Silver foliage and blue flowers
Juniper
Juniperus spp.
Evergreen groundcover
Seasonal Garden Checklist
Your year-round guide to maintaining a beautiful Nebraska garden
Plant spring bulbs
Protect tender plants
Start seeds indoors
Plant cool-season crops
Plant trees and shrubs
Plant warm-season vegetables
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about landscaping in Nebraska
Ready to Design Your Nebraska Garden?
Upload a photo of your yard and get AI-powered garden designs tailored to Nebraska's climate with native and adapted plants.
Design Your Garden