Purple Prairie Clover – Spiky purple blooms that attract butterflies, thrives in full sun, grows 1–2 feet tall.

Coreopsis verticillata (Threadleaf Coreopsis) – Delicate yellow flowers with fine foliage, loves full sun, reaches 1–2 feet in height.

Wild Bergamot (Monarda) – Lavender-pink flowers with a minty scent, prefers full sun to partial shade, grows 2–3 feet tall.

Smooth Aster – Soft purple, daisy-like flowers that bloom in late summer, grows in full sun, 2–3 feet tall.

Rudbeckia (Cutleaf Coneflower) – Tall yellow flowers with a central brown cone, thrives in full sun, grows 4–6 feet tall.

Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) – Ornamental shrub with peeling bark and clusters of white flowers, thrives in full sun to partial shade, grows 4–8 feet tall.

Serviceberry (Amelanchier) – Small tree-like shrub with spring white flowers and edible berries, prefers full sun to partial shade, reaches 6–15 feet tall.

American Hazelnut (Corylus americana) – Rounded shrub with edible nuts and yellow catkins in early spring, grows best in full sun to partial shade, 6–10 feet tall.

Spirea – Compact shrub with clusters of pink or white blooms, thrives in full sun, 2–4 feet tall.

Viburnum – Multi-season interest with spring flowers, colorful fall foliage, and berries, grows in full sun to partial shade, 6–12 feet tall.

Midwest flowers and gardens thrive when planted in well-drained soil and given plenty of sunlight, as most native and adapted plants prefer full sun to partial shade. Regular watering is important, especially during hot, dry summer months, but overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot. Mulching around plants helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature throughout seasonal changes. Additionally, deadheading spent blooms and pruning shrubs in late winter or early spring encourages healthy growth and vibrant flowering.