What are some really good perennials for a Chicago garden?
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Bullet-proof for me in Chicago area: coneflowers, yarrow, day lillies, bee balm, shasta daisies, hosta, liatrus, lady's mantle, tickseed, goldenrod, russian sage, pinks, veronica, lambs ears, bleeding heart, huchera, catmint - to name a few.
Chicago has a native plant club. They are full of suggestions of what will work and thrive in that garden.
bleeding heart
begonias
shasta daiseys
hostas
morning glories ( are vines)
sunflowers
lillies of the valley
roses
carnations
pd golden rod are very bad for allergies and also asthma
i live in the south burbs... i have very good luck with these and many annuals also! good luck!
A major factor for success depends on matching the plant with the amount of light you receive. I'm in the western suburbs of Chicago and here's what's done well in my garden. All of these require very little fussing with which is a big plus in my book...
Mid day to all day sun: daylillies, hollyhocks, daisies, cone flowers, clematis, phlox, iris, peony (in bloom now with a heavenly scent), asters, sedum, chrysanthemum (mums),
Shade: ferns, hostas, astilbe, lillies of the valley
Colorful plants require a fair amount of sun which makes shade gardening challenging. Perennials typically only bloom once, so mix in annuals for color all summer long.
Do amend your soil with compost and black dirt. Perennials can be costly. You want to give your investments the best you can. Lastly, I've had the most luck with buying plants from a nursery versus mail order.
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