Nebraska's vast plains and dramatic skies provide a stunning backdrop for a vibrant and flourishing lawn. But why settle for just green? Adding a touch of floral flair can transform your lawn into a captivating display of color and life. Here's a guide to some of the most beautiful and unique flowers you can cultivate on your Nebraska lawn, encompassing easy-care options for beginners and more challenging varieties for seasoned gardeners.
Easy Elegance
Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla)
A herald of spring, the Pasque flower boasts delicate, cup-shaped blooms in shades of purple, blue, or white. These low-maintenance perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal watering once established. Varieties like Pulsatilla patens and Pulsatilla vulgaris are well-suited for Nebraska's climate.
Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
This native wildflower graces meadows with its nodding, bell-shaped blooms in red, yellow, blue, or purple. Adaptable to full or partial sun, Wild Columbine thrives in moist, well-drained soil. Self-seeding readily, it can create a beautiful and naturalized display.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
A tough and cheerful addition, Yarrow offers flat clusters of tiny flowers in shades of yellow, pink, red, or white throughout summer. This low-growing perennial loves full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating drought conditions well. Achillea 'Moonshine' and Achillea 'Feuerland' are popular cultivars.
Moderate Maintenance Marvels
Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica)
Elegant and showy, Siberian Iris boasts tall stalks adorned with beautiful orchid-like blooms in blue, purple, or white. Preferring full sun and moist, well-drained soil, these irises require moderate watering during dry spells. Caesar's Brother and Perry's Blue are reliable choices.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
A quintessential prairie wildflower, the Purple Coneflower features daisy-like blooms with drooping purple petals surrounding a prominent central cone. These perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, withstanding drought conditions once established. Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' and Echinacea purpurea 'White Swan' are popular options.
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia spp.)
Offering a burst of color throughout summer, Blanket Flowers boast daisy-like blooms with vibrant red, yellow, or orange petals surrounding a central cone. Full sun and well-drained soil are ideal for these perennials, which are moderately drought tolerant. Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Goblin' and Gaillardia aristata 'Arizona Sun' are popular choices.
Challenges & Rewards
Peonies (Paeonia spp.)
The epitome of elegance, Peonies showcase enormous, fragrant blooms in shades of pink, red, white, or yellow. These late spring/early summer beauties demand patience, requiring full sun, consistently moist but well-drained soil, and proper planting depth. Peonies can take 3-5 years to establish blooms, but reward patient gardeners with years of exquisite flowers. Herbaceous varieties like Paeonia lactiflora and Paeonia officinalis are suitable for Nebraska.
Lilacs (Syringa vulgaris)
A symbol of spring, Lilacs fill the air with their intoxicating fragrance and boast clusters of small blooms in purple, white, or lavender. These large shrubs require full sun and well-drained soil. While relatively low-maintenance once established, they may need occasional pruning to maintain size and shape. Syringa vulgaris 'Miss Kim' and Syringa vulgaris 'Bloomerang' are repeat blooming varieties suited for Nebraska's climate.
Planting Tips For Success
- Timing is Key: For spring and summer blooms, plant cool-season flowers like Pasque flower and Wild Columbine in fall. Warm-season flowers like Yarrow and Blanket flower are best planted in spring.
- Prepare the Soil: Test your soil's pH and amend it if necessary to match the specific flower's needs. Work compost or aged manure into the soil to ensure good drainage.
- Planting Depth: Follow the recommended planting depth for each flower variety. Generally, the crown (the area where the stem meets the roots) should be level with the soil surface for perennials and slightly below for bulbs.
- Water Wisely: Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season, especially during dry spells. Once established, many of these flowers are drought-tolerant and require minimal watering.
Nebraska's lawns have the potential to be more than just a canvas of green. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there's a flower on this list perfectly suited to your skill level and adding a touch of floral magic to your Nebraska landscape. Remember, proper planning, planting techniques, and a little TLC go a long way in ensuring your chosen blooms thrive and reward you with years of dazzling beauty. So, get ready to embrace the symphony of colors and textures these unique flowers bring, transforming your Nebraska lawn into a true showstopper.
