For a “true” wildflower garden, take pains to grow only the native species of these plants, not the cultivars. The cultivars, although based on the native species, have been selectively bred to encourage certain characteristics that are different from the native species—taller, shorter, or with different flower colors. However, if you are not concerned about this kind of authenticity, it’s fine to choose the cultivars that most appeal to you. You can distinguish a cultivar from a native species, because it will carry a proper name, such as Aster ‘Professor Anton Kippenberg’ or the columbine Aquilegia ‘Dove’. Like most wildflowers, asters are extremely tough, though you may need to stake them up or cage them in windy locations.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8Color Varieties: Blue, purpleSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8Color Varieties: Red and yellow-orangeSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil
Wild blue flax is very hardy and will self-seed in well-draining soils. If growing from seed, the best results will come from direct fall seeding, as a chilling dormancy will enhance germination. Unlike the cultivars, which are normally annuals, wild blue flax is a perennial, albeit a short-lived one.
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8Color Varieties: Pale blueSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained soil
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8; normally grown as an annualColor Varieties: White (cultivars are pink, red, or lavender)Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil; tolerate poor soil
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8Color Varieties: Pink/red and yellowSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained soil
There are many other wildflower species of coreopsis that will do well in your garden, especially if you choose one that is native to your area.
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9Color Varieties: YellowSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9Color Varieties: Yellow with dark yellow centersSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil; tolerates poor soil
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8Color Varieties: Reddish-purpleSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained soil
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9Color Varieties: Yellow with dark brown centersSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8 (depends on species)Color Varieties: Yellow with dark centersSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil
