{"id":30567,"date":"2024-09-06T14:21:39","date_gmt":"2024-09-06T14:21:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=30567"},"modified":"2025-07-12T02:53:16","modified_gmt":"2025-07-12T02:53:16","slug":"best-perennials-nebraska","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-perennials-nebraska\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Perennials for Nebraska Landscapes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Smooth blue aster, pasque flower, dotted blazing star \u2014 these are some of the best perennials for Nebraska landscapes.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The icy winters of Nebraska can make selecting perennials a challenge. We&#8217;ve selected the eight best perennials for Nebraska landscapes to help you develop your dream perennial garden that can survive the region\u2019s harsh climate and beautify your yard.&nbsp;<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-1bb30c1d-9079-4b02-9173-ca4de05a606a\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article, you will learn about:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-perennials-nebraska\/#0-butterfly-milkweed\" style=\"\">Butterfly milkweed<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-perennials-nebraska\/#1-smooth-blue-aster\" style=\"\">Smooth blue aster<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-perennials-nebraska\/#2-narrowleaf-coneflower\" style=\"\">Narrowleaf coneflower<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-perennials-nebraska\/#3-dotted-blazing-star\" style=\"\">Dotted blazing star<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-perennials-nebraska\/#4-wild-bee-balm\" style=\"\">Wild bee balm<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-perennials-nebraska\/#5-virginia-bluebell\" style=\"\">Virginia bluebell<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-perennials-nebraska\/#6-pasque-flower\" style=\"\">Pasque flower<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-perennials-nebraska\/#7-black-eyed-susan\" style=\"\">Black-eyed Susan<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-perennials-nebraska\/#8-faq-about-perennials-in-nebraska\" style=\"\">FAQ about perennials in Nebraska<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-butterfly-milkweed\"><span id=\"butterfly-milkweed\">Butterfly milkweed<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/butterfly-milkweed.jpg\" alt=\"close up of butterfly milkweed flower\" class=\"wp-image-25299\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/butterfly-milkweed.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/butterfly-milkweed-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/butterfly-milkweed-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/butterfly-milkweed-610x409.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Butterfly_Milkweed_(Asclepias_tuberosa).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Joshua Mayer<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Blooming in late spring, butterfly milkweed (<em>Asclepias tuberosa<\/em>) is found mostly in southeastern Nebraska and brings vibrant orange hues to your landscape.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among the many milkweed species in Nebraska, the butterfly milkweed is considered the best option for home lawns: It doesn\u2019t grow as aggressively as the common milkweed and has few maintenance requirements and bug problems.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The butterfly milkweed is also an important host for the monarch butterfly, an endangered species. If you plant it in your landscape, you will certainly invite these beautiful guests to brighten up your view.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>An expert tip: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/plantnebraska.org\/who-we-are\/staff-board.html#:~:text=Bob%20Henrickson%2C%20Horticulture%20Program%20Coordinator\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bob Henrickson<\/a>, Horticulture Program Coordinator at the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, suggests combining butterfly milkweed with leadplant and purple poppy mallow as a charming trio in full-sun areas.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>3 to 9<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sun: <\/strong>Full sun<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Soil: <\/strong>Clay, loam, sand. Needs moist soil with good drainage conditions.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Duration: <\/strong>Perennial<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fragrance: <\/strong>Vanilla<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bloom time: <\/strong>June to September&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water needs: <\/strong>Low<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mature height: <\/strong>1 to 2 feet tall and 1 to 1.5 feet wide<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Potential hazards: <\/strong>Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maintenance<\/strong>: Low. When handling the plant, use gloves because the milky sap can cause contact dermatitis.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-smooth-blue-aster\"><span id=\"smooth-blue-aster\">Smooth blue aster<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"593\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Symphyotrichum_laeve.jpg\" alt=\"butterfly sitting on leaves of Smooth blue aster\" class=\"wp-image-30572\" style=\"object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Symphyotrichum_laeve.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Symphyotrichum_laeve-300x222.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Symphyotrichum_laeve-768x569.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Symphyotrichum_laeve-610x452.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Symphyotrichum_laeve_38098561.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">megachile<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/publicdomain\/zero\/1.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC0 1.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A hardy perennial native to the northwestern and southeastern corners of Nebraska, smooth blue aster (<em>Symphyotrichum laeve<\/em>) serves as a late-season pollen source for bees and other pollinators.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its beautiful purple flowers that bloom up until the first hard frost will add fall interest to your garden. Asters work well in mass plantings* alongside black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, and other <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/nebraska-native-plants\/\">Nebraska native plants<\/a>.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>4 to 8<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sun: <\/strong>Full sun<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Soil: <\/strong>Average, well-drained soils<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Duration: <\/strong>Perennial<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fragrance: <\/strong>No fragrance<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bloom time: <\/strong>September until the first hard frost<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water needs: <\/strong>Medium<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mature height: <\/strong>2 to 4 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Potential hazards:<\/strong> No hazards<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maintenance: <\/strong>Medium<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">*Mass planting is a landscape technique where you plant lots of the same plant in a given area.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-narrowleaf-coneflower\"><span id=\"narrowleaf-coneflower\">Narrowleaf coneflower<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"528\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Echinacea_angustifolia-1.jpg\" alt=\"close up image of Narrow coneflower\" class=\"wp-image-30573\" style=\"object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Echinacea_angustifolia-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Echinacea_angustifolia-1-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Echinacea_angustifolia-1-768x507.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Echinacea_angustifolia-1-610x403.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Echinacea_angustifolia_ENBLA01.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Enrico Blasutto<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Attracting pollinators and butterflies, narrowleaf coneflower (<em>Echinacea angustifolia<\/em>) is native to most of Nebraska and makes a great addition to butterfly gardens or wildflower gardens. A versatile plant, it can also be cultivated in containers. Heat- and drought-tolerant, narrowleaf coneflower blooms in daisy-like pink or creamy white flowers.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro Tip: <\/strong>For inspiring ideas to help build your own wildflower garden, check out our article on the topic: \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/design-ideas-for-your-wildflower-garden\/\">Design Ideas for Your Wildflower Garden<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>3 to 8<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sun: <\/strong>Performs best in full sun; can adapt to partial shade.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Soil: <\/strong>They prefer loamy, well-drained soils and can adapt to a wide pH range.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Duration: <\/strong>Perennial<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fragrance: <\/strong>Light, sweet, honey-like<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bloom time: <\/strong>Late summer to early fall<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water needs: <\/strong>Low<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mature height: <\/strong>16 to 28 inches tall and 10 inches to 1.5 feet wide<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Potential hazards:<\/strong> No hazards<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maintenance: <\/strong>Moderate. Narrowleaf coneflower is susceptible to various diseases, including aster yellows, which is transmitted when leafhoppers feed on the plant.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-dotted-blazing-star\"><span id=\"dotted-blazing-star\">Dotted blazing star<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/3494377486_e82c089dab_c-1.jpg\" alt=\"a lot of flowers of dotted blazing star\" class=\"wp-image-30577\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/3494377486_e82c089dab_c-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/3494377486_e82c089dab_c-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/3494377486_e82c089dab_c-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/3494377486_e82c089dab_c-1-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/3494377486_e82c089dab_c-1-610x458.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/plant_diversity\/3494377486\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Matt Lavin<\/a> | Flickr | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The dotted blazing star (<em>Liatris punctata<\/em>) is among the shortest liatris species in Nebraska and native to most of the state (except for its northeastern corner). Perfect for borders, these upright blazing stars attract both pollinators and the neighbors\u2019 eyes. The dotted blazing star is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that adds striking beauty to your garden.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When paired with short bushes or plants, it adds a vertical element to your landscape. For a more striking or taller element, opt for taller varieties such as the spiked gayfeather (<em>Liatris spicata<\/em>). Bob Henrickson also suggests combining spiked gayfeather with sweet coneflower and Joe-pye plant.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>USDA hardiness zone: <\/strong>4 to 9<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sun: <\/strong>Full sun<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Soil: <\/strong>Likes well-drained, dry to moist soils. Tolerates alkaline soils.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Duration:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fragrance: <\/strong>No fragrance<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bloom time: <\/strong>September to early October<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water needs: <\/strong>Low to medium<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mature height: <\/strong>12 to 18 inches tall and 10 to 12 inches wide<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Potential hazards: <\/strong>Very low toxicity&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maintenance: <\/strong>Low<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-wild-bee-balm\"><span id=\"wild-bee-balm\">Wild bee balm<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Wild-Bergamot.jpg\" alt=\"pink flowers of the wild bergamot plant\" class=\"wp-image-25275\" style=\"object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Wild-Bergamot.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Wild-Bergamot-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Wild-Bergamot-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Wild-Bergamot-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Wild-Bergamot-610x458.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/usfwshq\/5992418976\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters<\/a>  | Flickr | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also called wild bergamot (<em>Monarda fistulosa<\/em>), wild bee balm is native to most of Nebraska. This fragrant perennial forms upright bushes adorned with lavender-colored flowers that bloom in August. Used as a honey plant in native or herb gardens, it attracts bees and has historically been used as a medicinal herb to soothe bee stings and make tea.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro Tip: <\/strong>Plant bee balm at a safe distance from your home, since this plant has moderate flammability.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone:<\/strong> 3 to 9<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sun:<\/strong> Full sun or partial shade<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Soil:<\/strong> Shallow, rocky soil or clay that\u2019s moist, well-drained, or dry-ish.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Duration:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fragrance:<\/strong> The foliage emits a mint-like scent.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bloom time:<\/strong> August<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water needs:<\/strong> Natural rainfall should be sufficient; it is drought tolerant.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mature height:<\/strong> 4 to 5 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Potential hazards:<\/strong> Moderately flammable\/risk of fire<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maintenance:<\/strong> Low-maintenance; drought-tolerant, resistant to deer and rabbits<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-virginia-bluebell\"><span id=\"virginia-bluebell\">Virginia bluebell<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/49906872596_33e226a4b2_c-1.jpg\" alt=\"Blue Virginia bluebells\" class=\"wp-image-29576\" style=\"object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/49906872596_33e226a4b2_c-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/49906872596_33e226a4b2_c-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/49906872596_33e226a4b2_c-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/49906872596_33e226a4b2_c-1-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/49906872596_33e226a4b2_c-1-610x458.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/188361162@N03\/49906872596\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jean Weller<\/a> | Flickr | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/publicdomain\/zero\/1.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC0 1.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although not native to Nebraska, Virginia bluebell (<em>Mertensia virginica<\/em>) can thrive in the state, making its mark as the perfect perennial for shade. Adding a flush of blue to your spring landscape, the flowers begin as pink buds and mature into blue, bell-shaped blooms. Virginia bluebells make a great choice if you\u2019re looking for a perennial to plant under trees or in shady areas.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> Plant them among other summer perennials (such as purple coneflower, purple poppy mallow, or black-eyed Susan) to hide the bare spots bluebells leave when they go dormant in mid-May.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone:<\/strong> 3 to 8<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sun: <\/strong>Part shade to full shade<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Soil: <\/strong>Consistently moist but well-drained soil<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Duration:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fragrance: <\/strong>A delicate, sweet scent<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bloom time: <\/strong>April to May, going dormant by mid-May<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water needs: <\/strong>Average<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mature height:<\/strong> 1 to 2 feet tall and 1 to 1.5 feet wide<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Potential hazards: <\/strong>Non-toxic and considered edible. (Be careful not to confuse Virginia bluebells with other bluebell species, which are highly toxic.)<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maintenance: <\/strong>Medium. It should be cut back after flowering.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-pasque-flower\"><span id=\"pasque-flower\">Pasque flower<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"521\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pasque-flower-1.jpg\" alt=\"closeup of pasque flower\" class=\"wp-image-30690\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pasque-flower-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pasque-flower-1-300x195.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pasque-flower-1-768x500.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pasque-flower-1-610x397.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Pulsatilla_patens01%28js%29.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jerzy Strzelecki<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A member of the buttercup family, pasque flower (<em>Pulsatilla patens<\/em>) is native to northwestern Nebraska. An early spring bloomer, the pasque flower\u2019s feathery seed heads complement its delicate purple flowers. Easy to grow, it would fit perfectly into your wildflower garden or prairie landscape.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>An Expert\u2019s Tip: <\/strong>Bob Henrickson suggests combining pasque flower and other sun-loving wildflowers with short prairie grasses to create a more biodiverse and colorful prairie meadow landscape in your home. Here are his recommendations by season:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Early spring: <\/strong>Pasque flower and prairie smoke<\/li>    <li><strong>Summer:<\/strong> Smooth penstemon, lanceleaf coreopsis, pale purple coneflower, purple poppy mallow, and black-eyed Susan<\/li>    <li><strong>Fall: <\/strong>Showy goldenrod, aromatic aster, and turtlehead<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>USDA hardiness zone: <\/strong>4 to 8<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sun: <\/strong>Part shade to full sun<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Soil: <\/strong>Prefers well-drained, dry to medium soils with a gritty texture<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Duration:<\/strong> Perennial<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fragrance: <\/strong>A faint, pleasant scent<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bloom time: <\/strong>April to May<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water needs: <\/strong>Average<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mature height:<\/strong> 9 to 12 inches tall<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Potential hazards: <\/strong>All parts of the plant are highly toxic and may cause stomach upset if ingested.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maintenance: <\/strong>Low<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-black-eyed-susan\"><span id=\"black-eyed-susan\">Black-eyed Susan<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"452\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_43403579244_9255395873_c.jpg\" alt=\"vibrant yellow petals from black-eyed susans\" class=\"wp-image-4605\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_43403579244_9255395873_c.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_43403579244_9255395873_c-300x170.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_43403579244_9255395873_c-768x434.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_43403579244_9255395873_c-610x345.jpg 610w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_43403579244_9255395873_c-390x220.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/egological\/43403579244\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">robin_ottawa (I&#8217;m on a phone!)<\/a> | Flickr | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Found mostly in western Nebraska, the black-eyed Susan (<em>Rudbeckia hirta<\/em>) is a bright yellow perennial with a distinctive brown-to-black center. A standout among landscape flowers, black-eyed Susans can be planted on slopes, in <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-create-a-butterfly-garden\/\">butterfly gardens<\/a>, and even along borders or foundations when grouped.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>An important tip:<\/strong> A short-lived perennial, black-eyed Susan is often treated as an annual in Nebraska, but because it usually reseeds itself in the garden, you probably won\u2019t have to worry about replanting.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone:<\/strong> 3 to 9<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sun:<\/strong> Full sun<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Soil:<\/strong> Prefers well-drained soils, and tolerates dry conditions&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Duration:<\/strong> Depending on growing conditions, can act as a biennial, annual, or short-lived perennial<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fragrance:<\/strong> Sweet<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bloom time:<\/strong> From mid-June until plants are killed by frost<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water needs:<\/strong> Medium. It has moderate drought tolerance.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mature height:<\/strong> 2 to 4 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maintenance:<\/strong> Low. Removing flowers as they fade can improve blooming.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-faq-about-perennials-in-nebraska\"><span id=\"faq-about-perennials-in-nebraska\">FAQ about perennials in Nebraska<\/span><\/h2>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-what-is-nebraska%E2%80%99s-hardiness-zone\"><span id=\"what-is-nebraskas-hardiness-zone\">What is Nebraska\u2019s hardiness zone?<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nebraska comprises hardiness zones 4b, 5a, 5b, and 6a. Knowing your hardiness zone can make a great difference in your landscaping: It allows you to choose the plants that fit well in your local climate and persist year-round.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-what-is-the-best-grass-seed-for-nebraska\"><span id=\"what-is-the-best-grass-seed-for-nebraska\">What is the best grass seed for Nebraska?<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-grass-seed-nebraska\/\">best grass seeds for Nebraska lawns<\/a> are cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue and warm-season buffalograss.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro Tip: <\/strong>Visit our guide on \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/when-to-plant-grass-seed-nebraska\/\">When to Plant Grass Seed in Nebraska<\/a>\u201d to know the perfect time to overseed or seed a new lawn in the state.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11-what-are-some-other-nebraska-native-flowers\"><span id=\"what-are-some-other-nebraska-native-flowers\">What are some other Nebraska native flowers?<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some other native flowers for Nebraska include:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>New Jersey tea (<em>Ceanothus americanus<\/em>)<\/li>    <li>Purple poppy mallow (<em>Callirhoe involucrata<\/em>)<\/li>    <li>Mountain mint (<em>Pycnanthemum virginianum<\/em>)<\/li>    <li>Dotted gayfeather (<em>Liatris punctata<\/em>)<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12-when-to-call-a-pro\"><span id=\"when-to-call-a-pro\">When to call a pro<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Caring for perennials or doing lawn care doesn&#8217;t have to be exhausting. You can count on specialized support from one of our trusted Nebraska lawn care professionals. <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/nebraska\/\">Contact a local lawn care pro<\/a> and get your dream lawn today.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-852e1bea-e287-4039-a3aa-c8761f8b7432\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"false\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"true\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; border-top-left-radius: 8px; border-top-right-radius: 8px; border-bottom-left-radius: 8px; border-bottom-right-radius: 8px; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-0301d59e-ab7e-4513-81b9-be7aa35e9adc\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-852e1bea-e287-4039-a3aa-c8761f8b7432\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-852e1bea-e287-4039-a3aa-c8761f8b7432\" style=\"color: #000000; \">Sources:<\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-852e1bea-e287-4039-a3aa-c8761f8b7432\">  <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/plants.ces.ncsu.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NC State Extension<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.unl.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nebraska Extension<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/acreagenebraska.org\/2019\/07\/24\/blazing-star-is-a-summer-showstopper\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nebraska Extension: Acreage Life<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/plantnebraska.org\/file_download\/inline\/d1098cff-7aa2-4dca-920e-60eba4d0ebb4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Recommended Hardy Perennials for Xeriscaping in Nebraska<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/hort.extension.wisc.edu\/article-topic\/native-naturalize-selection\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">University of Wisconsin Extension<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/wackybadger\/26044903210\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Joshua Mayer<\/a> | Flickr | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pasque flower and smooth blue aster are perennials that withstand Nebraska\u2019s harsh winters and enhance your yard. Learn the best perennials for Nebraska.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":99,"featured_media":30584,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[198],"tags":[222,648],"class_list":["post-30567","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nebraska","tag-landscaping","tag-lawn-care-ne"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/26044903210_b285c4c3da_o-1.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Teresa Joaquim","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/teresa-joaquim\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30567","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/99"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30567"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30567\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40197,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30567\/revisions\/40197"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30584"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30567"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30567"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30567"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}