At Tebock’s Landscape, we provide professional Des Moines landscaping services, and we know that the right plants can make or break a beautiful yard. Choosing the best landscaping plants for Iowa means finding varieties that can handle cold winters, hot summers, and everything in between. Here’s a seasonal guide to flowers, grasses, and shrubs that thrive in Central Iowa.
What Are the Best Plants for Iowa in Spring?
Spring plants should bring color early while tolerating unpredictable weather.
Tulips and Daffodils
Easy to grow and dependable, these bulbs deliver bursts of color after a long Iowa winter.
Hostas
Shade-loving and hardy, hostas thrive under trees or along shady walkways. Their broad leaves add texture to beds.
Peonies
A true Midwest favorite, peonies bloom in late spring with big, fragrant flowers. Once planted, they come back stronger every year.
Which Plants Handle Iowa Summers Best?
Summer plants need to be heat-tolerant and drought-resistant.
Daylilies
Known for vibrant colors and minimal care, daylilies bloom reliably through the summer months.
Coneflowers (Echinacea)
A native plant that’s pollinator-friendly, coneflowers thrive in full sun and dry soil.
Black-Eyed Susans
With golden-yellow petals and dark centers, they’re perfect for natural landscapes or pollinator gardens.
What Plants Provide Fall Color in Iowa?
Fall landscaping is about rich colors and hardy structure.
Sedum (Autumn Joy)
Late-blooming and drought-tolerant, sedum adds shades of pink and red in fall.
Ornamental Grasses
Varieties like switchgrass and little bluestem bring height, movement, and fiery fall tones.
Maple Trees
Sugar and red maples bring bold red, yellow, and orange leaves that stand out across Iowa neighborhoods.
Are Native Iowa Plants a Good Choice?
Yes, native Iowa plants are some of the best for long-term success. They adapt naturally to our soils and weather, need less water, and support pollinators.
Some excellent options include:
- Prairie Dropseed – Fine-textured ornamental grass with year-round appeal.
- Purple Coneflower – Colorful, hardy, and pollinator-friendly.
- Wild Bergamot – Lavender blooms that attract butterflies and bees.
How Do You Create Year-Round Interest?
The best approach is to layer seasonal plants with perennials and evergreens.
- Spring: Tulips and peonies
- Summer: Coneflowers and daylilies
- Fall: Ornamental grasses and sedum
- Winter: Evergreen shrubs like boxwood or spruce for structure
This mix keeps your yard attractive through all four seasons.
Partner With Tebock’s Landscape for Planting and Design
Choosing the best landscaping plants for Iowa is a great start, but the real magic happens when your plantings are paired with custom hardscapes and thoughtful design. Whether it’s a new paver patio, a durable retaining wall, or a low-maintenance turf installation, our team at Tebock’s Landscape brings it all together for a yard you’ll love year-round. We’ve helped homeowners across Ankeny, Johnston, and Bondurant create outdoor spaces that reflect their style while standing up to Iowa’s climate.
📞 Call us today at 515-809-0690 or request a free consultation to start your project.