Plant these low-fuss wildflowers in spring to bring bees, butterflies, birds, and a rainbow of hues to your garden.
This native has a showy display of 8-inch purple-blue flowers in late spring and summer. With an indigenous range that stretches from Southern California into Canada and states west of the Mississippi River, this wildflower can grow in varied soil conditions and is quite adaptable. It’s known as one of the easiest lupine species to grow. Though it’s an annual, it often reseeds and returns year after year. The plant reaches 24 to 48 inches tall. Plant in full sun.
This is an all-star wildflower that loves heat and isn’t picky about soil conditions. Though it prefers loose, well-draining soil, this Western native will perform in just about any sunny spot. Pair it with ornamental grasses for a prairie look. Maroon and yellow flowers bloom in summer. This perennial is also deer resistant. The plant will reach 12 to 36 inches tall.
This native wildflower is a favorite host for monarch butterflies, which lay their eggs on this plant so caterpillars can eat the leaves as they develop. Don’t worry if some leaves get eaten. The plant has adapted to this and will still be perfectly healthy. Large pinkish-white flowers bloom in early- to mid-summer. The plant will reach 24 to 36 inches tall. There are many other milkweed species; all are good choices for the garden because they are generally easy to grow. They also attract bees and other pollinators.
This native’s range stretches throughout the Rocky Mountains, West Coast, and up into Alaska. Typically seen in moist woodlands, this plant is a good choice for partial shade or garden locations with filtered sunlight. Stunning red and yellow flowers bloom on a plant that reaches 12 to 20 inches tall. Directly sow seeds into soil after the last spring frost.
This California native perennial is often found in chaparral and scrub plant communities, so it’s a great choice for sunny, low-water areas of the garden. The plant is truly a feast for the senses: It’s one of the most fragrant sage varieties, its violet-blue flowers bloom in early- to mid-summer, and the plant sports rather stunning blue-green foliage. What’s more, it attracts loads of hummingbirds and bees. Plant this 3-foot-tall by 3-foot-wide drought-tolerant shrub in full sun.
This native wildflower grows throughout much of the United States, including California and the Southwest. A smaller plant, it stays under 2 feet tall, and will bloom prolifically from June until frost. Plant this wildflower in full sun where it won’t get overwatered. It fits nicely at the front of borders and along walkways because of its small size. This low-maintenance annual will reseed and return each year if the conditions are right.
This perennial was originally found on California’s Channel Islands, thriving in clay soils with little water. Bright ruby-colored flowers bloom over mounding foliage that reaches 1 foot tall by 3 feet wide. This native plant is perfect for a sunny slope, rock garden, or meadow-like area if you want a pop of color in summer. This is a particularly special variety of buckwheat that can be tough to find in nurseries, but it’s worth the hunt (try Annie’s Annuals & Perennials). There are other native buckwheat varieties that are readily available—these are great options too.
This annual is one of the most ubiquitous wildflowers in the U.S. and it has naturalized throughout most of the continent. It makes a wonderful garden plant too—especially when planted in masses or groups for dramatic effect. This native likes semi-damp to damp areas in full to partial sun. Large yellow flowers bloom all summer long from June into October. It will bloom during the first season when spring-sown in warmer climates throughout the West.
This California wildflower is easy to grow and it’s a wildlife magnet. It will attract bees, butterflies, and birds in great numbers. Planted in a sunny spot and given average water, this perennial will grow to around 2 feet tall and wide. It can take partial shade too. Small 2-inch purple flowers bloom summer through fall. It will go dormant or need to be cut back to the ground in winter, so pair it with ornamental grasses that will hide it until foliage returns in the spring. Other great native aster varieties include leafybract aster and Douglas aster.
Also known as Oregon lily, this wildflower sports bright orange spotted flowers in mid- to late-summer (bloom time can depend on growing elevation). Native to lowlands, wooded areas, stream banks, and meadows throughout the West, this lily is happy planted in the garden in partial sun to partial shade where the ground is consistently moist but not wet. It will grow 2 to 4 feet tall.