The Best Plants for Kansas Homes and Gardens
Creating a thriving garden in Kansas requires choosing plants suited to the local climate and soil. Whether you’re interested in native Kansas plants or decorative species, this guide provides insights into the best plants for Kansas homes and gardens. From understanding Kansas planting zones to finding the perfect Kansas plant nursery, you’ll find everything you need to cultivate a beautiful and sustainable landscape.
Best Kansas Native Plants
When planning your landscape in lovely Kansas suburbs like Leawood, Overland Park, or Prairie Village, native plants are a great choice. Kansas’s native flora is perfectly adapted to the state’s weather extremes, making them an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscaping. Native plants also support local wildlife and promote biodiversity.
Wildflowers
Kansas native wildflowers bring vibrant colors and ecological benefits to your garden. Some popular options include:
- Black-Eyed Susan
- Butterfly Milkweed
- Purple Coneflower
- Prairie Wild Rose
- Showy Goldenrod
These flowers bloom from spring to fall, providing nectar for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Grasses
Native grasses are excellent for erosion control and adding texture to your landscape. Consider these varieties:
- Big Bluestem
- Blue Grama
- Indian Grass
- Little Bluestem
These resilient grasses thrive in prairie and garden settings, requiring minimal maintenance.
Ferns
Ferns add lush greenery to shaded areas in your garden. Kansas’s native ferns include:
- Blunt-Lobed Cliff Fern
- Maidenhair Fern
- Sensitive Fern
- Rattlesnake Fern
Ferns are perfect for adding texture and softness to woodland gardens.
Shrubs
Native shrubs provide structure, privacy, and seasonal interest. Popular options include:
- Gray Dogwood
- Fragrant Sumac
- Coralberry
- Ozark Witch Hazel
These shrubs are hardy and often pest-resistant, thriving with minimal care.
Trees
Native trees in Kansas offer shade, beauty, and habitat for wildlife. Top choices are:
- Eastern Red Cedar
- Bur Oak
- Hackberry
- Redbud
The best trees to plant in Kansas can withstand the state’s climate while enhancing your landscape.
Best Decorative Plants for Kansas
For a garden that stands out, we recommend using a mix of house plants, tropical plants, and annual flowering plants.
House Plants
Indoor plants bring greenery and life to your home. Top options include:
- Snake Plant
- Peace Lily
- Kansas Peony Plant
- Fiddle Leaf Fig
These plants thrive indoors and add elegance to any room.
Tropical Plants
Tropical plants bring a touch of the exotic to Kansas gardens. Consider these favorites:
- Bird of Paradise
- Monstera Deliciosa
- Alocasia Polly
- Banana Plant
Pair tropical plants with decorative containers for a striking effect.
Annual Flowering Plants
Add seasonal color with these annual blooms:
- Mandevilla
- Petunias
- Hibiscus
- Impatiens
Annuals are ideal for flower beds, hanging baskets, and container gardening.
What Zone is Kansas in for Planting?
Kansas spans USDA Hardiness Zones 5b to 7a, reflecting the state’s diverse climate. These zones indicate the lowest winter temperatures in various regions, ranging from -10°F to -15°F in Zone 5b.
Knowing these zones is important for gardeners. It helps them choose plants that can grow well all year in Kansas’s changing conditions. In areas near the borders of two zones, choosing plants from the cooler zone can help them survive harsh winters.
Kansas City Planting Zone
Kansas City primarily falls within USDA Zone 6, where winter temperatures can dip to -10°F. This zone’s moderate climate supports a wide range of plants, including native Kansas species and decorative varieties. Choosing plants for Zone 6 helps them survive the hot summers and cold winters typical of the area.
If you’re wondering what planting zone is Kansas City or what zone is Kansas in for planting, always check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to make informed decisions.
Where to Buy Plants in Kansas
Finding fresh, high quality plants is easy with numerous plant stores in Kansas City and online plant stores that deliver to your door as well!
Local Plant Nursery
Local nurseries like a Kansas City Plant Nursery and others specialize in plants suited to the area’s climate. They usually are able to offer expert advice on native Kansas plants and plants for Kansas landscapes.
Many online stores deliver plants directly to your door, including Tropical Plants of Florida. Tropical Plants of Florida delivers high quality plants to Kansas suburbs like Mission Hills, Fairway, Lenexa, Olathe, Shawnee, Andover, and more! Online plant shops offer convenience and a wide selection of farm fresh plants.
Large Retailers
Big-box stores and garden centers in Kansas City also stock plants for every type of garden. These stores offer convenience; however, you should check that the plants have the right USDA hardiness zone marked. Make sure they are suitable for Kansas City zone planting. For the best results, consult store staff or local experts for advice on care and placement. We always recommend supporting your local businesses when you can.
